Devotional - November 12, 2025

Scripture: John 15: 12-13  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.

Yesterday, we took time to remember our veterans.  Some of whom paid the ultimate price for the ideals we hold sacred as Americans.  Being a soldier in whatever capacity one serves takes dedication and training, all the while knowing, it could at some point cost them their lives.  I commend such service, and I hope you do too.  It takes courage.  I also think about all those who serve along with them, their families.  They too know what the situation is, but they stand beside them and support them as they serve; that too takes courage.  In Jesus' teaching on love, He uses the term "greater" to describe the type of love He has for us.  It cannot be surpassed by anything.  In our service for others, do we show that kind of love?  Are there things in our lives that we love enough to set above even our own lives?  Unfortunately, we are dealing with a problem in the United States.  There are less and less people going into the military or even applying for college.  I worry that the constant criticism people hear, especially our youth, about policies and procedures in the United States is deterring them from using their skills and abilities to serve our country.  Let us always stay mindful of our actions.  If we do criticize, let us do it without diminishing the great blessing it is to live in the US.  Let us also express our appreciation for those who defend our liberties both foreign and domestic.  To those reading this devotional who have or are serving in our military, thank you for your service!

Pray with me...,  Holy God, watch over those who are serving in our military.  Grant them courage and wisdom as they carry out their duties.  Be with their families, give them the strength and support they need to serve alongside their loved one.  And for those who have been injured physically, mentally, or spiritually, we ask for Your healing.  Comfort those who have lost family members, especially during times like these.  We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Brian