Imagine Day 9

IMAGINE THROUGH SACRIFICE 

Today’s Scripture: “They triumphed over him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” - Revelation 12:11

Today’s Thought: There is a group of missionaries who serve through an organization called Live Dead. This missionary group is unique because they go to various countries around the globe that are not “missionary-friendly.” In fact, in many cases, these under-cover missionaries’ lives are at risk - thus the name Live Dead. But the reality is that all followers of Jesus are called to live dead. “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:11). The  first part of today’s Scripture may be very familiar to you because it is often quoted. However, the last part is usually excluded: they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. We may never face true martyrdom, but we are daily faced with the temptation of loving our temporary, earthly lives more than our eternal lives. It is often dif cult for us to be obedient to Divine calls to sacri ce because we love our comfortable lives so much.

Today’s Prayer: Most gracious, giving, loving Father! It is because of You that I even have breath to breathe. Sometimes I live my life as though it is my life when in reality it is only mine because you have given it to me. Today, I ask you to use my life for Your glory. If you ask for sacri ce, give me the strength to live dead joyfully!