When we think of bravery and self-sacrifice, we usually think of heroic acts during war. We focus on famous battles and epic outcomes. As we consider what it means to sacrifice for others, it’s fitting that we spotlight a woman who gave up much to save many.

John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Florence Nightingale was born into a rich family and lived in Tuscany. Not exactly a training ground for self-sacrifice!

Florence, though, made a decision to dedicate her life to helping others. By making this choice, she gave up her own personal dreams.

During the Crimean War, she made the rounds at night to check on wounded soldiers. Later, she used her writing skills to build support for better nursing techniques and hospital facilities. Today, she is known for her innovative ideas that saved countless lives.

In this way, the girl born into wealth and a life of ease became a symbol of self-sacrifice. While traveling in Egypt once, she wrote to her sister that she felt “Called to God.” It was the perfect description of a woman who thought of others first, and last.

Let’s pray.

Lord, please give us a heart for people like Florence Nightingale! Help us love others more than we love ourselves. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Most countries relish their histories…famous eras and the glory of battle and all that. Americans love this beautiful land, as well.

But the Bible tells us the true source of our blessings. It points us to the One who made all things possible.

Psalm 115:1 tells us, “Not to us, LORD, not to us, but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.”

We are incredibly blessed in America for a lot of reasons. From sufficient food to freedom to make our own choices, we have so much. But do we always acknowledge the source of our blessings?

Our forefathers did.

George Washington’s tomb at Mt. Vernon has Scripture etched into the stones. The Father of our country knew his heavenly Father!

The Bible tells us that we should glory first in our great God. He is the one we owe our lives to. Every breath we take. We owe our Savior Jesus our eternal lives.

It is to Him that all honor and glory belongs. As proud Americans, we stand on our faith. Of our almost limitless blessings, that is number one.

To God be the glory!

Let’s pray.

Lord, your mercies are available to us each day. As we get ready for a new day, help us to remember that You are our source. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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During the Civil War, Southern states relied on salt perhaps even more than their Northern counterparts. The commodity preserved various foods—such as fish—and allowed more people to eat and even keep food supplied for a rainy day.

As the Union troops began capturing Confederate saltworks, the food supplies there literally began drying up. It was one of the things that led to the end of the war, as food supplies literally not only lost their taste, but their preservative qualities. Things got so bad in the last 18 months of the war that some people were reduced to eating tree roots and other non-food vegetation. Not exactly an appetizing meal!

Matthew 5:13 says, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”

As ambassadors for Christ, we must make sure that our salt does not lose its effectiveness. We must stay alert, so the enemy doesn’t steal the zest which makes our boldness in sharing Christ effective. Doing so requires vigilance and much prayer, consistently.

Let’s pray.

Lord, we must be on guard against the enemy, who wants to keep us from sharing your Good News. Help us stay alert at all times, so that our witness endures. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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