But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner." Luke 18:13
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
A group of hunters was stalking some big game when one of them fell into an abandoned mine shaft. Stuck and injured and too deep for the other hunters to get him out, it was a cell phone call to the local hunting lodge's rescue unit that made the difference. With ropes and sophisticated climbing gear, the expert team descended the dark shaft, secured the fallen hunter, and hoisted him to safety. Escaping what could have been a tragic demise, the hunter profusely thanked his friends and the skill of his rescuers in lifting him to safety.
We, too, are in need of rescue. Sometimes we need it in our physical lives; we especially need it in our spiritual lives. The good news is there is help, comfort, and salvation to be found for everyone from every nation, any class, and in whatever condition. "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Romans 10:13). How simple this verse is; how eternally profound is its meaning!
The story of Peter from the Gospel of Matthew 14:25-33 is a clear illustration of God's great saving power. When Peter was walking on the water and coming toward Jesus, the wind frightened him and he began to sink. He cried out, "Lord, save me!" Hearing these words, Jesus immediately reached out His hands and caught him.
Peter's physical life was spared that night when he cried out to Jesus on the turbulent waters. His spiritual life, however, was redeemed through believing Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that His death was the only sacrifice sufficient before God to save us from our sins.
We all have a problem in our lives that is much greater than falling in a hole or drowning. Our problem is sin. And it's a problem no amount of manpower can make right or save us from.
But we have a Savior in Jesus Christ. Call on His name and receive His forgiveness. God's Word promises that "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
And that is a call that will most definitely be answered.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, our Almighty God, thank You for Your Word today. I'm a sinner and I need Your salvation. Please forgive me and save me from the burdens of sin. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
Biography of Author:
Mr. Nguyen Huu Dung works as a volunteer with LHM - Vietnam (The Voice of Hope) as it partners with about 25 congregations in this largely rural country. Through puppet shows, musical performances, videos, and Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC), the Gospel is shared. The LHM office in Ho Chi Minh City has been in operation since 1999.
To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhmint.org.
Today's Bible Readings: Genesis 31-32 Matthew 20:1-16
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