Memorial Day Honor

My Daily Bread today...had to share! In light of the recent tornados in the south and memorial day, it is perfect! Happy Memorial Day!!!

"I've always been impressed y the solemn, magnificent simplicity of the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. The carefully choreographed event is a moving tribute to soldiers whose names and sacrifice are "known but to God." Equally moving are the private moments of steady pacing when the crowds are gone: back and forth, hour after hour, day by day, in even the worst weather.

In September 2003, Hurricane Isabel was bearing down on Washington DC, and the guards were told they could seek shelter during the worst of the storm. Surprising almost no one, the guards refused! They unselfishly stood their post to honor their fallen comrades even in the face of a hurricane.

Underlying Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:1-6, I believe is His desire for us to live with an unrelenting, selfless devotion to Him. The Bible calls us to good deeds and Holy living, but these are to be acts of worship and obedience, no orchestrated acts for self-glorification (v.2). The apostle Paul endorses this whole-life faithfulness when he pleads with us to make our bodies "a living sacrifice" (Rom. 12:1).

May our private and public moments speak of our devotion and wholehearted commitment to You, Lord.

Grant me the strength this day, O Lord, to persevere,

to return honor to Your name where I am serving.

My desire is to give myself in selfless devotion

because of Your love for me. Amen.

The more we serve Christ, the less we will serve self."