A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
The salvation story of Jesus Christ reaches around the world. So that the readers of our Daily Devotion may see the power of the Savior on a global scale, we have asked the volunteers of our International Ministry Centers to write our Friday devotions. We pray that the Spirit may touch your day through their words.
In Christ, I remain, His servant and yours,
Kenneth R. Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour
Arturo and Javier were two young people who entered the same university and shared the same quarters. In the beginning, Arturo spent much time with Javier, who was very shy and not too popular with the other university students. Still, Javier was a very good friend to Arturo.
Gradually, Arturo sought the consideration of other students and, trying to achieve their friendship, stayed away from Javier. He thought that by joining the most popular kids in college, he would get to meet more girls and take part in social events.
Over time, Arturo found the other young men began treating him coldly. He did not get the support he wanted from them and discovered the friendship they offered was superficial.
On the other hand, in Javier, Arturo found the support he needed during those difficult times. He knew he was a true friend, and he realized he had not placed sufficient value on the genuine friendship Javier consistently offered him.
As a youth, learn to cultivate real friendships. Don’t value people for what they can do for you, but for who they truly are. We escape loneliness through friendship, and through it we have someone who will stand with us during difficult times in our lives.
Speaking of friends, we should think of the best Friend we can have. The name of that Friend is Jesus. He died to forgive our sins and now lives. Trust in Jesus with all your heart, and seek Him as your Friend.
THE PRAYER: Dear precious Friend, Jesus, thank You for understanding us and upholding us through all the difficult situations in our life. Amen.
Biography of Author:
Jaime Paredes has held the positions of Coordinator of the Lutheran Hour Office of Valencia until 1987, and Director of the Lutheran Hour office of Caracas since June, 1988. He is married to Dr. Ruth Paredes, and his children are Jaime, Julio, and Rugh Noemí.
To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhmint.org.
Today's Bible Readings: Ezekiel 20-21 2 Timothy 4
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