PREPARATION

In a "What do I get out of it?" world, sacrifice is not a hot topic, except in Baseball strategy and on Memorial Day. Although we don't speak of it in life, we do in death.

Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice. He died for us, for our present and our future. His death was a sacrifice, but so was HIS life. He lived for us; he lived to show us how to put God's glory ahead of our own. He was really good at it, much better than we are at following his example.

We have trouble with sacrifice. When is the last time you sacrificed, without campaigning or expecting reciprocity? I am fearful the concept, like the word itself, is just slip-sliding away,

For the believer, sacrifice isn't a game to play in order to manipulate the outcome, it's a lifestyle that focuses on making God look good, even when it costs us.

It cost Jesus HIS life, It will cost you your life, too.

Question: Do you live to make life better for someone else, or better for yourself?

INPSIRATION

In 2006 I walked barefoot on the sands of Normandy. I stood alone on that awe-inspiring beach. In the gentle sounds of the waves, I could hear the cries of death and dying.

More than 130,000 troops were crammed onto 1,000 transport ships. None of them wanted to die that morning, but over 4,000 did. They died for my freedom to choose. They died so I could walk wiggle my toes in that sand.

Rommel had the entire coastal wall fortified with tank-top turrets and extensive barbed wire, and he had laid a million mines to deter any landing craft. Although the German's were occupied with Russia in the East, the Normandy coast was still guarded by four divisions.

Working their way up the sea wall, blowing holes in the German defenses, the men of the 1st and 29th Divisions and a handful of Rangers, without armor, broke through the German lines and they were were there to stay. By late that night 34,000 men were ashore with more to follow.

The engineers were transforming a quiet beach into a major sseaport--overnight.

The invasion was only the beginning, but close to 5,000 men died here on the sand and rocks. They gave their lives for us. They died for their children and their children's children.

This was holy ground!

MOTIVATION

Who has sacrificed for you? If they are still alive, name them, call them, text them. Thank them for the gift. 

You can honor them in three ways:
1. Say thank you! (Just a simple thank you, no big production).
2. If they are dead write a tribute to them and post it somewhere. (email it to your friends.)
3. Sacrifice for others. Be willing to do what needs to be done when it needs to be done.

Remember Jesus gave everything, for you to give up anything. Have you thanked HIM?