"A friend loves at all times. . ." Proverbs 17:17a
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
Has it ever been difficult for you to love someone? Has God ever used someone you did not like to do something wonderful for you? Here's a story about two young Christian women in Thailand. Perhaps you will see yourself or someone you know in this story.
Tuey and Oy first became acquainted as roommates in school. In the beginning, they weren't very close, and each had characteristics the other didn't like. Sometimes they were jealous of each other, too. Over time, however, they became friends while attending the same church and working together on various activities. Even so, it took a personal crisis for Oy to realize Tuey was indeed a friend who could be counted on and who loved her deeply.
Oy made a mistake, for which some people at the church criticized her. This caused Oy to lose face, and she quit attending church. Tuey knew Oy was grieving over the way some church members had reacted to her. Tuey continued to communicate with Oy even though she was not attending church. Little by little, God used Tuey to help Oy see her mistake and her need for the forgiveness Christ earned for her through His death and resurrection. This forgiveness that God had so freely given her enabled Oy to overcome her feelings of hurt and anger. It wasn't long before Oy was once again attending worship and participating in activities.
THE PRAYER: Father, thank You for true friends and for giving us the greatest friend of all in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Teach us to follow His lead when true friendship calls for more than we might feel comfortable giving. Amen.
Biography of Author:
Christie A. Nelson is a missionary in Thailand. In March 1982, God used an open-heart surgery life-and-death experience to mark the beginning of her life of joy and service to the Lord. She has served for one year in the Peace Corps in Ecuador and as lay missionary for five years in Guatemala.
To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhmint.org.
Today's Bible Readings: 1 Samuel 22 Psalms 56 Luke 22:1-23
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