Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His Law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:1-2
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
Each day we are faced with choices. There is blessing for the person who resists the association of sinners and who delights in knowing and meditating on God's Law.
But we also see those who walk in the counsel of the wicked and spend time in the way of sinners. The way that leads to sorrow is a well-worn trail. All around us, "the counsel of the wicked," and "the way of sinners," and "the seat of mockers" are places easily found. The way leading to sorrow is full of evil intentions, a lack of justice, and criminal deceits. These abuses appeal to our sinful nature and are constantly warring with the new nature we have in Christ.
Through faith in Christ as Lord and Savior, Christians take pleasure in God's Law and His direction for their lives. Though life can be tough -- even cruel at times -- God has given us His Holy Spirit so we can persevere through difficulty and rough periods. While seeking to follow God, we may even face persecution along the way. People might seek to disrupt our progress or mock the joy we experience in our faith. They may be jealous of our success. We might even suffer discrimination in the workplace and endure false accusations in public. Christians may find life is more difficult if they themselves are not corrupt or willing to exploit others. And that is where Christians face one of their most challenging duties: to seek after and take delight in God's Word for their lives.
Scripture says that blessed is the man who does so. God has chosen us for life in Christ. And it is through Spirit-inspired faith that we follow the way of Jesus in this world.
THE PRAYER: Thank You, Father, for providing us with faith, forgiveness, and new life in Jesus, who is the Way. Amen.
Biography of Author:
Alex Kohkoh works as a volunteer for the Lutheran Hour Ministries office in Cameroon, West Africa. Headquartered in Yaounde since 2001, LHM-Cameroon and its volunteer corps is active in prison ministry, door-to-door evangelism, drama and music presentations, and outreach to the hospitalized and children living on the streets.
Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 27-29 John 11:1-29
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