Daily Devotional for Kids
by Pastor Ellen
God's ChurchJune 2010
June 2010
God's Church
Pastor Ellen
June 29, 2010
Being sad
Revelation 18:9 “When the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury see the smoke of her burning, they will weep and mourn over her.”
When someone we love dies, we grieve and are saddened by our loss. No longer will we be able to have a relationship with the person. No longer will we enjoy our times together. Certain things will trigger our memories of the person, and will get the tears running freely and our hearts hurting afresh (holidays and occasions of celebration, especially).
Jesus wants us to know that being sad, even when it is someone wicked, like the prostitute Babylon, is a natural emotion (even Jesus wept when he was at Lazarus’ tomb, remember?). Relationships, even when they involve doing evil deeds, like the ones the kings committed and shared ill-gotten luxuries, cause hearts to hurt and tears to flow (I guess even bad guys cry!). The difference is that evil ones who die don’t get to spend eternity in heaven (Thank goodness! We wouldn’t want heaven full of criminals and evildoers running loose!).
For us as followers of Jesus, we know our final destination is heaven, so we can celebrate the lives of those we will see again, even when they die and leave us saddened here on earth. We know with confidence that the end on earth is only the beginning of our lives forever with Jesus. How? Because Jesus promised us in His Word, and He is alive and waiting for us to join Him! His promises are the truth, and He will never leave us or let us go (Thank goodness! Even I, the introvert, don’t want to be eternally alone after death!). So let’s cherish and enjoy each of the relationships He has given us here on earth! They are precious connections of love and blessing, and we should nurture and strengthen them with care and kindness. Yes, it’s sad when our loved ones depart from us. But oh, what a rejoicing we will experience when we re-connect the bond of relationship in heaven! A heavenly party, just waiting to happen!
Dear Jesus, I am not afraid of dying because I know you will be right there beside me. I miss those who have died before me, but I know you have them with you, ready and waiting for me when you call me home! In your name, Amen.
Pastor Ellen
June 27, 2010
Being a billionaire
Revelation 18:7-8 “Give her as much torture and grief as the glory and luxury she gave herself. In her heart she boasts, ‘I sit as queen; I am not a widow, and I will never mourn.’ Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her: death, mourning and famine. She will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.”
We might wonder what it would be like to be a billionaire (like that song, “I wanna be a billionaire…”). Having so much money that we can’t spend it all; being so powerful that the paparazzi hound us and the media quote us; never suffering pain or loss – all these are conditions we don’t have much control over. And even if we were billionaires, we would probably still not be happy!
Jesus wants us to know that glorifying ourselves like Babylon is a dead end, not a way of living that will give us eternal happiness. Living luxuriously like Babylon is also a dead end. Having so much wealth and living extravagantly can be satisfying for the moment, but life ends on earth and then what? Knowing no sorrow or suffering like Babylon is a dead end, too. Not only can we not control sorrow and suffering, but escaping all pain will not allow us to grow and develop character. A life of ease is not actually a good thing.
As followers of Jesus, we know that being wealthy and having lots of stuff is not the answer to happiness. Sometimes being poor makes us realize what true riches really are – having loving friends and family, being close to God, and experiencing the abundance of life with spiritual gifts like joy, grace, hope, and love. Life after all, is really not about what’s in it for us. It’s really all about how we can enjoy God’s presence and live for His glory (not ours!). When we put God first in our lives, then nothing we face in life will be overwhelming: daily struggles, disasters (like the Gulf oil one!), tragedies, even death itself. We will be able to face each day with joy and confidence, and God will shower His blessings in abundance in our hearts and lives because that’s the kind of God we serve, now and always.
Dear Jesus, Your loving kindness is better than life. And I know that your presence in my life is more than I could possibly hope for—more than riches, success, power, and glory. Help me to seek your will for my life daily so that I will experience what a blessing it is to be called your beloved. In your name, Amen.
Pastor Ellen
June 25, 2010
Piles of dirt
Revelation 18:5-6 “for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes. Give back to her as she has given; pay her back double for what she has done. Mix her a double portion from her own cup.”
When we are tired or just plain lazy, we can leave our clothes piled up on the floor or whenever we happen to be (like in the new Karate Kid, where he learns more than picking up his jacket off the floor!). Little piles turn in to big piles, and pretty soon we’ve got dirty clothes piled up in mounds (hopefully not to the ceiling!)!
Jesus wants us to know that the sins of Babylon are worse than our pile of dirty clothes on the floor. Her sins are not just dirty, but they have hurt, maimed, and killed the faithful. Her sins are not just dirty but they were evil deeds bent on destroying and overpowering anyone and anything that had to do with God. Her hate crimes piled up to reach up to heaven, and they had terrible consequences. Doubling her misery from what she herself dished out sounds horrific and gives new meaning to the term, “Vengeance is mine, sayth the Lord.”
As followers of Jesus, we know that God’s vengeance is real and just. When He unleashes it, we will probably watch in wide-eyed amazement. Until then, however, we can be diligent and disciplined not to leave dirty piles all over. Like in Karate Kid, our picking up may have multiple benefits (like moves that lead to better defense against our enemies!). Daily picking up and confessing our sin is much easier than allowing the piles of clothes (and sin) to mount up and keep us from accessing Jesus. Those dirty piles can drag us into Satan’s darkness and make us feel hopelessly stuck (and dirty!). Tackling one pile at a time (and admitting one sin at a time) can keep our hearts (and rooms!) clean and pure and ready to serve the Lord with love and joy, now and always.
Dear Jesus, I can see dirty piles of clothes visually. My sins pile up just like that, but I don’t have to see them! Help me to confess my sins daily so they don’t mount up too high! Thank you for forgiving me and helping me to get rid of those piles daily. It feels good to have a clean floor and clean heart! In your name, Amen.
Pastor Ellen
June 21, 2010
For richer or for poorer
Revelation 18:3 “For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries. The kings of the earth committed adultery with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries.”
Most of us are not hugely wealthy and living in the lap of luxury. In fact, many of us struggle to pay our bills and often have a hard time making ends meet! Yet, we often don’t realize how our comfort and things we take for granted are at the expense of poor, underpaid laborers whose lives are steeped in poverty and deprivation.
Jesus wants us to know that those who lived in nations that led to corrupt and comfortable existences did not get that way by honest dealings and hard work. Nations are also not entities in themselves but consist of people, who like us, make choices each day for daily living. Those people supported and chose leaders that led them to the excessive luxuries and living styles that strayed from godly ways.
For us as followers of Jesus, we think we are leading righteous, upstanding lives for God. Yet even in our ignorance, we miss just how our comfortable and easy lives rely on those who labor hard and long for meager wages at best. Just think of the fresh produce we can purchase at a low cost but others had to work hours to grow and harvest (I’m thinking of those strawberry fields right down our street!). Just think of the nasty jobs we wouldn’t dream of doing but others do it because it’s their only means of income. Let’s count each of our blessings as we live each day for the Lord. For whether we are well to do or are as poor as church mice (is that a real phrase?), the most important thing is our relationship with the Lord and living our lives for His glory. We don’t have to be paupers to live in His grace, but we need to dedicate each and every day to living in His will and following His lead now and always.
Dear Jesus, I feel sorry for those who are really poor and struggle to live. I know I am rather spoiled and live a pretty comfortable life. Help me to follow your will so that I am not living in excess luxury but living in appreciation for all your blessings for me. Teach me to share all I have with others who may not have as much today. In your name, Amen.
Pastor Ellen
June 19, 2010
Sticks and stones
Revelation 18:2 “With a mighty voice he shouted: “Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great! She has become a home for demons and a haunt for every evil spirit, a haunt for every unclean and detestable bird.”
“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” This maxim might hold true for us visually, but for those of us with not very thick skins, harsh words often penetrate underneath and can wound us internally! Somehow broken bones are visible but inner wounds can remain inside us and damage us for a long time.
Jesus wants us to know that evil city of Babylon is a visible home for carrion feeders like vultures. Yet even more scary are the demons and evil spirits that lurk behind every nook and cranny that we can’t see. They may not be visible, but we all have probably felt the effects of evil reaching in and trying to grasp our hearts to undermine our souls and fall prey to Satan. It’s not just “Sin City,” like Las Vegas is known for, where lusts and vices run rampant. It is a dark place where Satan’s power rules unseen and can undermine even the strongest of us.
As followers of Jesus, we should not just stay clear of areas that seem filled with evil and darkness, but also pray for protection! Just as evil spirits and demons operate on a spiritual level (and unseen!), our Holy Spirit is on that same level to surround and protect us from injury and harm. Just as harsh words hurt our feelings and wound our hearts, evil spirits and demons can damage and take over our souls if we open ourselves up to them! Let’s continually ask Jesus to surround us with His spirit and power, and we will make it through each day with His hope and glory, now and always.
Dear Jesus, I don’t really like to see broken bones or scary birds visually, so demons and evil spirits are way beyond my comfort zone! Help me to rely on your Spirit to surround me daily and protect me. Keep me from being curious about the occult and assume that I can handle the invisible level of spiritual warfare. I can’t! Remind me to pray every day for your grace and your glory to illumine my way closer to you. In your name, Amen.
Pastor Ellen
June 17, 2010
Praying into the light
Revelation 18:1 “After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his splendor.”
We are all attracted by light. Moths are drawn to the nighttime fire when we camp. We gravitate to the light at the end of the tunnel (It is a sign of hope!). And when we want to get flies out of the room, we just turn off the lights and swat them when they fly to the light of the window!
Jesus wants us to know that the glimmer of light from the angel is one that not only signals his authority but also symbolizes the hope that God offers, even in the darkest of times. When John is seeing this light, he is prophesying about the end of time that will be as black as any dark night we could imagine. The terror and the chaos that come from such darkness can freeze us in our tracks and make us forget that there is a God who is in ultimate control (even of the darkness!).
For us as followers of Jesus, we can sense His light when we are in the dark. We can steer towards the light, even if we can’t see it yet. And we can hold onto the hope that exists for each of us because Jesus is our Light of lights. Every time there is a situation when we are immersed in darkness, He knows that His light is the only source that will get us through. Maybe we aren’t in our dark nights now, but we may know someone who is (could be the loss of a loved one; facing the threat of cancer or disease; wallowing in deep depression or even contemplating suicide). Let’s pray for those who have having difficulty seeing the light in their darkness. They need our support and our love. And if we are the ones in the dark, we can ask other believers to do the same for us. It really makes a difference now and always because Jesus is here for each one of us no matter how dark it may seem.
Dear Jesus, When it gets really dark, help me to see your light, even if I can’t really see it. Help me remember to ask others for prayer instead of keeping my pain and suffering in the dark to myself. I know that your light always gives hope, no matter how dark the night may seem. And your light comes to bring my heart hope and joy, no matter what. Thank you for loving me that much. In your name, Amen.
Pastor Ellen
June 15, 2010
Power from weakness
Revelation 17:17-18 “For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to give the beast their power to rule, until God’s words are fulfilled. The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth.”
When we think of power-hungry dictators, we are reminded of that quote, “Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” And usually those kinds of leaders will stop at nothing to gain more control of everything until they lose it all in the end.
Jesus wants us to know that when we seek power and control in our lives, we turn away from God’s plan for goodness and love. We are headed for disaster and ruin! Yet those who strive for such power, as in the verse above, are clearly not seeing the negatives of their choices. They are not forward thinkers who can visualize the terrible end they are making for themselves. All they can understand and all they desire is in the moment. God knows their limited vision and gives them what their hearts desire (We need to be careful what we ask for!). As followers of Jesus, we know deep in our hearts that the best thing we can ever do is give all power and control in our lives over to Jesus. Now turning over power and control is not an easy thing! Because we are in the flesh, we are constantly wrestling with the temptation to control and wrest all power into our own hands. Wrong! It’s only when we submit everything (and that means everything!) unto the Lord that we can experience His grace and love and yes, power! from the Holy Spirit. It’s absolutely true that in our weakness we can be strong! Because it is only in our humility and submission that God can take over in our lives and bless us. It’s only in our humility and submission that Jesus can steer our lives in the plan and direction that is the best for us. It may feel scary and crazy to give up all control when we think we know better. But Jesus is all-knowing and has the best plan laid out for us. All we need to do is humbly submit to His control and His rule, and His power will come coursing through us to bring us joy, love, hope, and grace now and always.
Dear Jesus, I always want to control everything in my life (and sometimes in the lives of others!)! Teach me to submit to you daily and experience real power and all your blessings. In your name, Amen.
Pastor Ellen
June 9, 2010
Through thick and thin
Revelation 17:16 “The beast and the ten horns you saw will hate the prostitute. They will bring her to ruin and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire.”
Betrayal is probably the worst way to sever a relationship. Not only is that relationship broken between two people but also it’s as if our heart got stomped on because the loyalty has shifted from us to that other person (or sometimes it’s even just work or a drive to succeed and achieve power!). It happens to all kinds of people from regular people like us to famous and very public figures (that we read about in the papers!). We are a broken and flawed people and we probably always will be.
Jesus wants us to know that the bad guys are not up to any good here. And being evil and corrupt, they can betray each other, turn on each other, and gang up on one another in the worst ways. The beast and those horns did a complete turnabout and began to hate the prostitute rather than find pleasure in her! Not only that, but the betrayal was followed by stripping her of everything, from wealth to wardrobe to daily sustenance. And to add insult to injury, they devoured her and burnt her to a crisp! Not nice.
As followers of Jesus, we can look at that and shake our heads. But we aren’t really that far from their terrible behavior either. We are just flesh and blood, prone to betrayal and sin, ready to jump ship and find better alliances. What really stops us from committing such lowly and despicable behavior is our relationship with Jesus. He is the only one who will never betray us or cause us to stumble. He will always stick by us when we falter or get confused about our choices. He is the one who will always be there for us, better or worse, through thick and thin, whether we’re up or down, now and always. He is our source of strength when we feel weak and tempted to give in to sin. He will help us to be loyal to our loved ones and our friends day by day. Let’s always go to Him for solace and guidance and maybe throughout each and every day!
Dear Jesus, I can be strong and loyal when things are going well and life is good. When life gets murky and dark, I get weak and want to give up (sometimes even in my relationships). Help me to stay strong in you and to depend on my relationship with you always. In your name, Amen.
Pastor Ellen
June 8, 2010
Going with the flow
Revelation 17:15 “Then the angel said to me, “The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages.”
The Gulf oil spill is such a huge, sad disaster. The waters hold so much sea life and potential and hope. The waters are home and recreation and livelihood for so many. The waters mix and flow and have been in relative harmony and balance for years. Yet this vile debacle threatens to destroy so much of the waters for a long, long time.
Jesus wants us to know that relationships flow amongst people, just as waters flow freely in the seas. People are influenced by each other (even introverts like me!), and they live together in relative harmony. Yet like the waters under the prostitute, people in the world can be affected and held captive by sin and evil and greed and misdirected power. And just as the waters get polluted and tainted like the Gulf waters are now, relationships probably break down and begin to show dysfunction and chaos and ruin (what the effects of the oil will do even way after the leak is stopped), like when we live for ourselves selfishly and sinfully (we can all be guilty of this when we live in the flesh!).
As followers of Jesus, we are to be aware of how relationships affect us – at home, at work, with friends and family, and with those who happen to come into our daily lives. Some relationships are a blessing. These are the people who affirm and support us and love us even when we are unlovable (we can’t even love ourselves sometimes!). Some relationships are draining and practically toxic. These are people who can cling onto us and suck the very life out of us! Let’s not just go with the flow aimlessly and be clueless about our relationships in life. Let’s be sure to anchor ourselves in Jesus first before we start maneuvering through the waters of life. He is the one who can guide us and steer us through our smooth waters, rough waters, and yes, even polluted waters now and always.
Dear Jesus, I want to go with your flow of waters (they are everlasting, right?). Teach me to navigate through each day of life seeking your presence and experiencing your love and grace. Help me to share my faith with others and to know when I need to distance myself from toxic and unhealthy relationships. In your name, Amen.
Pastor Ellen
June 7, 2010
Excelling inside and out
Revelation 17:12-14 “The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not received a kingdom, but for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast. They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast. They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings – and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”
Professional athletes have their faithful followers and fans. They are good at what they do, and their fans enjoy seeing them perform well at their sport. It’s even better, though, when an athlete is also admired for his or her conduct outside of their sporting area. He or she can show character and integrity and be a role model for the fans (like Rafael Nadal who just won the French Open in tennis and always takes the time to sign autographs for his fans and says gracious things about his opponents!).
Jesus wants us to know that these ten kings and the beast are going down. Not only are the kings deceived about the outcome of their battle against Jesus, but also they are sadly misguided that the beast will somehow lead forth with character and integrity. Unlike athletes such as Nadal who are excellent at their craft and also nice guys, the beast is misleading these kings to believe they will have victory with him (not!) and he will be there for them (also not!).
For us as followers of Jesus, we absolutely know whom to follow and trust to lead us into victory daily. And we also know that to be truly gifted is to be able to use our gifts for God to give Him the glory. Yet true character and integrity is not about showing our gifts and strengths but to show our hearts from within. This can only come from our Lord and Savior who teaches us how humility and grace make our strengths even more excellent. How blessed are we to have Jesus showing us the way to true excellence day in and day out, from the revelation of His Word and the power of His spirit.
Dear Jesus, Thank you for showing me that my gifts are from you, but to use them humbly to glorify you is what you desire. I am glad to be your called, chosen, and faithful follower today. Help me to share your grace with someone who needs to be in your presence today. In your name, Amen.
Pastor Ellen
June 5, 2010
Life coaching
Revelation 17:9-11 “This calls for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits. They are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; but when he does come, he must remain for a little while. The beast who once was, and now is not, is an eighth king. He belongs to the seven and is going to his destruction.”
John Wooden was a legendary basketball coach. He shaped young men’s lives not just to play basketball well, but also to live life well. He was a wonderful role model and a fearless leader. He will be remembered with love and admiration by not just his players but also all who watched his powerful influence in life over others.
Jesus wants us to know that it takes great wisdom and responsibility to be a good leader. Here, these seven hills (which apparently do exist in Rome!) represent fallen and flawed leadership. Not only have they strayed from God’s guidance, but they have also managed to hook up with the dark side of Satan’s power with those who persecute and murder Christians. They are just the opposite role models of John Wooden, yet since they are leaders and wield power, they influence many others, especially young and malleable lives.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to a higher standard of modeling Jesus’ life and character. So, as leaders who influence those who follow us, we are called to be wise and discern the direction in life we are going (no matter what we do in life, even if it’s not basketball coaching!). Sure, it may be fun to live our lives dangerously or without considering our impact on others. Yet as we live each day for Jesus, we know in our hearts that our purpose is not just to have fun and live for pleasure and success. Our main purpose is to enjoy God’s presence in our lives and glorify Jesus. Each choice we make daily reflects our wisdom or our folly. Let’s examine our hearts daily and see if we are making wise and loving choices. It can make an eternal difference for us and others who look up to us!
Dear Jesus, I don’t always think about living my life so that others might shape their lives after mine. Yet anyone who is younger than I or needs some advice might be influenced by me! Help me to make good choices and follow your lead. Thank you for guiding me daily. In your name, Amen.
Pastor Ellen
June 3, 2010
Never-ending stories
Revelation 17:8 “The beast, which you saw, once was, now is not, and will come up out of the Abyss and go to his destruction. The inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the creation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast, because he once was, now is not, and yet will come.”
In most stories and in the cycle of life on earth, there is a beginning, a middle, and an end. For us as believers, the end becomes a new beginning of sorts, because we get to go to heaven to live with Jesus forever. So in a sense, we have a never-ending story that goes on for eternity as believers.
Jesus wants us to know that unbelievers and Satan and his evil crew will not have such an easy time in their lives. Heaven is not on their itinerary at all. The beast was created, died, and will return from death (like a resurrection!). But this beast doesn’t get to live in heaven after his return because he is headed for destruction and eternal suffering. Jesus, on the other hand, wasn’t created but always was. He came to be on earth for a short time and was put on the cross and died. Yet He overcame death in His resurrection and lives on today. The Bible is a testimony of this. Now instead of heading for destruction like the beast, Jesus is going to make His return to earth at His second coming to bring about the end of the world. So heaven and earth will be one, and the reign of God will be complete and final.
For us as followers of Jesus, it will only be joy and wonder that will fill our hearts from now until all this takes place. We have nothing to fear but everything to look forward to! The poor deceived followers of Satan will not fare well at all, and in fact will face an eternity of suffering. How urgent it is for each of us as believers to share God’s love and grace to all who need to know Jesus as we do! It’s not an optional decision! It’s one that leads to a never-ending story of love and hope and joy now and always.
Dear Jesus, I want my life to be a never-ending story with you. Help me to share just how urgent knowing you and accepting you is for this to happen. Teach me to share your love and grace so that others will know and see the truth. You are the author of all of our stories and can set the ending to be happily ever after for me and others who are yours. In your name, Amen.
Pastor Ellen
June 2, 2010
Positively astonished!
Revelation 17:6b-7 “When I saw her I was greatly astonished. Then the angel said to me: “Why are you astonished? I will explain the mystery of the woman and of the beast she rides, which has the seven heads and ten horns.”
“Bikkurishita yo!” is a Japanese phrase Auntie uses when Michael comes upon her unexpectedly (on purpose!). Being surprised is when something unexpected happens out of our control. It can be a good surprise or a bad one (like in Auntie’s case!), but it causes us to gasp and be flustered (until we figure out what is going on!).
Jesus wants us to know that being astonished is an initial reaction that can be alleviated when there is an explanation of what happened that follows the initial shock (in Auntie’s case, it’s just Michael catching her off guard!). We needn’t panic or be terrified (Did you know that “do not fear” is one of the most frequent phrases in the Bible?). But our initial astonishment shouldn’t allow fear or doubt or panic to set in. Jesus is in control always. And if an astonishment should happen, we should not choose to feed our negative, dark side!
As followers of Jesus, we should know that God is often a God of surprises. He always has a reason and purpose for all things that happen in our lives, even astonishment! So even if the explanations of our astonishment may reveal sadness or regret; even if they may reveal harsh truth about ourselves or others, God is always here to provide solace and comfort that we may need. And sometimes the astonishment can turn into unexpected joy and delight (like finding out about an unexpected pregnancy like Mary!) or a gift unexpected (like receiving money when we don’t expect it!). Jesus is a Master of astonishment (as well as the Master of the universe!), so let’s allow our next astonishment (and there will be one!) to be an expectant, hopeful, and joyful surprise from the Lord now and always.
Dear Jesus, I don’t like to be astonished. I am in favor of predictable outcomes! But here you assure me that astonishment can be a good thing. Help me to put all my trust in you so that my next experience of astonishment will be filled with your love and grace (and joyful surprise!). In your name, Amen.
Pastor Ellen
June 1, 2010
Brave believers
Revelation 17:5-6 “This title was written on her forehead: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus.”
When we are proud of our accomplishments, we proudly display our certificates or trophies or medals. When we have a medical condition (like diabetes or epilepsy or allergy), we have to wear our bracelets or necklaces to alert others if we need medical assistance. And when we want to show our faith choices, we wear our crosses or yarmulkas or carry our ojuzu’s (although none of these options require us to display them on our foreheads!).
Jesus wants us to know that this woman either chose to write these labels on her self or had them written for her (I wonder if they were tattooed?). In any case, it wasn’t something she was ashamed of or denied. And it was confirmed with the fact that she persecuted Christians to the point of death. Unlike Paul who initially persecuted Christians and then did a 180 to follow Jesus, this woman had been a follower and went in the other direction! Being the mother of prostitutes and other abominations plus drinking saintly blood is a pretty messed-up direction to go in, and to have it displayed on her forehead must have been a badge of how evil she was!
As followers of Jesus, we often wear our crosses to show who we follow (sometimes it starts conversations and becomes an opportunity to share faith!). We don’t have to display our beliefs or titles of being Jesus’ on our foreheads, but we should always be proud and willing to be bold about sharing our faith in Jesus. How bold and courageous are we to be willing to claim our faith by wearing crosses or speaking up in discussions or debates or even saying grace among a mixed-faith crowd? Let’s put our hearts out there for Jesus because He did for us by His work on the cross! You never know who will meet Jesus by what we do or say for Him, now and always.
Dear Jesus, I want to be brave and show my faith in front of others. I can’t imagine branding my forehead with anything, but at least to wear a cross and to speak up when there is an opportunity to share about you. Help me to be bold and courageous in my faith today. In your name, Amen.
