Daily Devotional

A hero is defined in Webster’s Dictionary as “A person admired for achievements and noble qualities. One who shows great courage.” Who are the heroes in your life? Perhaps a favorite Bible character, a person in history or perhaps you even have a hero in your family. I am fortunate to have a family of heroes I admire.

My great, great, great uncle fought in the American Civil War and was awarded the Medal of Honor.

My grandfather was in the Army in World War I. He later became a fireman for the city of Muncie, Indiana. My father told us he was the Fire Chief.

My father was in the Navy during World War II. In fact, his naval medical ship, USS Dorothea Dix, was a part of the great armada that carried the brave soldiers that stormed the beaches of Normandy.  After the war my father ultimately worked his way up to Lieutenant and Chief of Detectives of Santa Cruz County for the Sheriff’s Department. In addition, my father was a part of the Sheriff’s Posse that searched on horseback for lost people in the mountains or criminals in hiding.

My uncle, my father’s brother, served as Navy corpsman with the 1st Marine Division.  He later he served as special deputy with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office for eleven years before starting the Scotts Valley Police Dept in November 1966.  He retired in 1986 after serving as Police Chief for twenty years.

My husband was in the Navy stationed on the attack carrier, USS Kitty Hawk during the Vietnam war. His brothers both served. One on a Naval missile base, the other at the Navy’s Top Gun School. My husband later became a pastor, missionary and president of JARON Ministries.

When I think of all the brave men and women that put their lives on the line for others I think of this verse. I John 3:16 - “We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”

Yes, I am very proud of my family of heroes. I will always admire those who sacrificed greatly to serve others. But there is another hero—JESUS.  His nobility is above all. The courage it took to die on the cross for our sins is unfathomable. What He achieved is the most magnificent work in history

I pray: “Jesus, I praise you for your sacrifice on my behalf. You are my hero!  Help me to be willing to sacrifice and serve others. AMEN”

PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS and TEACHERS

1. Inspire your kids by telling them stories of heroes in your family, community, history and of course the Bible. 
2. Talk to your kids about what it means to be a hero.
3. Talk about why Jesus is our hero.

New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation