Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
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
"God has been so good to me. I thank Him everyday," were the words of a woman I visited on the outskirts of Tijuana. As I sat with her in her home, it was evident she lived a humble life. Her home was a meager structure with a dirt floor. Her poverty is compounded by the fact that she is raising her children alone since her husband is in jail. She also lives with a brain tumor, which hasn't grown but still has affected her vision. She belongs to the local Lutheran mission and has come to know about a loving and good God. She understands she is in His capable hands, and He finds a way to provide for her and her family no matter what the circumstances.
This woman trusts in His goodness and love, and it is that confidence that has given her hope in the midst of a difficult and trying life.
This woman has also found joy - - the joy Paul speaks of in 1 Thessalonians. This delight has nothing to do with her situation. Instead, it has everything to do with her relationship with the Creator of heaven and earth. Jesus, who died on the cross, offers true joy. With eyes of faith and gratitude, believers see the perfection of living in a relationship with Jesus, their King and Savior. With those same eyes, they see their daily circumstances are very small but their God is big, and His promises provide the joy and security they need to thank Him everyday in all circumstances.
THE PRAYER: Thank You, Father, for forgiving us our sins by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Thank You for giving us heaven. It is all we need, and it is enough. Amen.
Biography of Author:
For ten years, Melissa Salomón has worked for Lutheran Hour Ministries. Currently, she is director for LHM-Mexico (Cristo Para Todos Las Naciones). She holds an A.B. in political science from Los Angeles-based Occidental College and a doctor of law degree from Loyola Law School in that same city. Melissa is a member of Concordia Lutheran Church in Chula Vista, California.
To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhmint.org.
Today's Bible Readings: 2 Chronicles 10-12 2 Corinthians 3
To Download Devotion MP3 to your computer, right click here and select "Save Link As" or "Save Target As" or "Download Linked File As"