My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.

- John 15:12-14, NIV

This Sunday we will be talking about how the word of God can help us to stand firm in the storms of life. It is important not only to try to hear and study God's word -- but to do what it says. The words above from Jesus remind us of that.

This coming Monday we will celebrate Memorial Day and remember those who have literally laid down their lives for others in service to our country. What an amazing sacrifice that is! I believe each one of us has the opportunity every day as Christians, to consciously "lay down our lives" for those around us by doing the very things Jesus commanded us to do. Showing the love of Christ - what is best for the other person -- every moment of every day of our lives is something we can all do. However, we do this not to try to earn God's favor -- because we already have that through God's grace. We do it in response to what has been given to each one of us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ - the same Jesus who laid down his life giving the ultimate sacrifice for each one of us.

Enjoy Memorial Day and remember those who gave their lives and made the ultimate sacrifice. But then live every day, "laying your life down for a friend" - following the example of Jesus who did that for each one of us!

Prayer for Today

Loving God, we thank you that Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice by laying down his life for all of us - whom he called his "friends." We thank you for those men and women who have given their lives to protect others in service to this nation. May this coming Memorial Day be a time of remembrance, thanksgiving for their sacrifice, and comfort for those who mourn the loss of loved ones. Help us to lay down our lives for one another this and every day. In the strong name of Jesus, who gave his life for the whole world, we pray. Amen.