You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for you have created all things, and for your pleasure they are and were created (Revelation 4:11).
As I was walking down a hotel hallway, I noticed four older men sitting around a table laughing and having a good time. Then I noticed that they all had blue ribbons around their necks and I recognized them as Medals of Honor.
I walked over to them to thank them for their service to our country, They all were joking and ribbing each other about which was the best branch of the armed forces. I stood in awe as I thought what these men had endured to protect our freedom.
The Medal of Honor honors those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Since 1863 it has been awarded 3,517 times, including 19 double recipients. Most awards are posthumous. As of this year there are only 71 living recipients. The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. It is generally presented to its recipient by the President of the United States of America in the name of Congress.
The Bible talks about honor as well. Many who have gone above and beyond to protect and preserve our faith over the years are worthy of honor, but Jesus gave His life for all the world both then and forever. We are told to honor him in many ways.
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Proverbs 3:9 – Honor the LORD from your wealth And from the first of all your produce
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1 Corinthians 10:31 – Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
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1 Corinthians 6:20 – For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.
As a noun, honor in the Bible means “esteem, value, or great respect.” To honor someone is to value him highly or bestow value upon him. The Bible exhorts us to express honor and esteem toward certain people: our parents, the aged, and those in authority. But we must understand that all authority and honor belong to God alone. Though He can delegate His authority to others, it still belongs to Him.
How will you show honor to the Lord your God this very day?
SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES
THE BIBLE GIVES US:
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Examples to follow
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Sins to avoid
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Promises to claim
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Prayers to repeat
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Commands to obey
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Conditions to meet
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Verses to memorize
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Challenger to face
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Hope for the future.
QUOTES YOU CAN USE
Most Christians are like a bad photograph, over exposed and under developed.
If you’re a leader, be even more vigilant about protecting your integrity. Jim Dennison
Salvation comes in an instant, but sanctification is a journey. Pastor Matt Blair
God has not changed; people have changed.
Selected portions of Thoughts on Life can also be read at TheLife.com.
