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Sacrifice for Others

SCRIPTURE  

Nehemiah 4:14
“And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, ‘Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.’”

OBSERVATION 

In life you can do a lot of things for yourself, but the most meaningful things done in life are for others. When you think about the word sacrifice, it immediately brings to mind other people. Sure, you could sacrifice to make your own life better, but how much more would you sacrifice if you saw a difference made in other people. Sacrifice is most powerful and most rewarding when it is done for the benefit of others.

Nehemiah, as a leader, believed the same thing. He told the people why they where fighting and sacrificing. It was for their brothers, sons, daughters, wives and the other people around them. The sacrifice they made was to make everyone’s life better, including their own. When we take our eyes off of ourselves and sacrifice for others, our lives get better too. Jesus modeled this servant leader attitude on the cross for us. He did not come to earth for us to sacrifice for Him; He came that he might sacrifice for us. Remember today why you make sacrifices. It is for the people we are yet to reach. We have New Wave to sacrifice - so other people can meet Jesus.

APPLICATION 

Today, remind yourself whom you are sacrificing for - the next generation and for those who need to meet Jesus. Take time today to pray for the people who have yet to know Christ.  Take time to return to the place you went on Day 1, and pray with the vision and faith you have gained since then.  Notice how your prayers have changed.  Ask Jesus to remind you again what this faith journey is all about. It is about people.

Prayer

Jesus, today I thank you for allowing me to be a part of a church that has faith that reaches beyond its walls, and believes in the next generation. Thank you that we sacrifice to reach more people and to make a difference through serving others around the world. Please help me to always remember why I sacrifice. Help my love for people to continue to grow. I love you, Lord.

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