What Price Will You Pay
By Carolyn Dale Newell
Friday, November 17, 2017
“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13 NKJV
Freedom isn’t free. Sounds like a cliché, but with Memorial Day on our heels in the United States, we pause to remember America’s fallen. We respectfully reflect on the supreme sacrifice they made for our liberties. Our freedom to attend church was bought with American blood.
Men and women have given their lives so we can enjoy the freedom to speak and the freedom to vote in elections. You are reading this devotion right now because we have the freedom of the press. Unlike some countries, we have the freedom of religion.
Even the freedom to protest came at a great expense.
You have probably heard it said that two people have died for us: the American soldier and Jesus Christ, our Savior. We have freedom in this nation because someone died for us. We have freedom from sin and hell because Christ died for us.
Consider two questions today. Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? If not, now is a good time. We are all sinners headed for eternal judgment. God loved us so much that He sent His Only Son to die in order to pay the debt for our sins.
When we trust in Him, repenting of our sins, His blood covers our transgressions, freeing us from sin’s chains and Satan’s clutch.
The second question is actually a series of questions to make us consider our mark on this world. What price will you pay? How will you be remembered? How much will you sacrifice for Christ? For country? For mankind? What mark will you leave on this world? On your family? On your community?
What legacy will you leave? We all need to consider these questions.
In Joshua chapter four, the Israelites were commanded to build a memorial when they crossed the Jordan River. A man from each of the twelve tribes was appointed to carry a rock upon his shoulder out of the Jordan. Joshua arranged them for a memorial.
What was God’s purpose for this monument? As generations came along, they would see it and ask the older folks why it was there. Their parents could tell them how the Lord cut off the Jordan River so they could cross. This monument allowed all the people of the earth to know the works of our mighty God.
As a writer, my words will live beyond my years, but what will I be remembered for? I hope it will be as one who loved God immensely. What about you?
What is something memorable you can do as a Christian today?
Heavenly Father, thank You for those who serve our nation. Bless them and their loved ones. Thank You for making a way through Jesus Christ, the only Way to have eternal life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
© 2017 by Carolyn Dale Newell. All rights reserved.
Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? Pull up a chair… He’s been waiting for you.
Need a refill? Please join us at the Encouragement Café with Luann and Friends.
The conversation at the Café is always hot and fresh. We invite you to listen in as we gather around the table to discuss everyday life.
Comfort food for your soul is always on our menu, and friends are always close enough to hug. We invite you to join us daily, as our writer’s share how the Lord continues to transform them into His glorious image.
Still craving more…Join us as we grow together in grace and truth through our online bible study.
Stop by Encouragement Café and listen as the girls share life. Find podcasts, videos, Bible studies, prayer, resources and daily helpings of hope, laughter and friendship around our table. We've saved a seat just for you!
Originally published Friday, 17 November 2017.
SHARE
