Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3
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
To find peace and cope with his depression, a man decided to seek the help of a psychiatrist. Detailing his situation, the man explained the traumas of his youth and the failures of his adult life, which continued to cause him anguish and sorrow.
After appraising the man's predicament, the doctor counseled him to handle the sadness in his life by looking at things from a different perspective -- a new angle. He suggested he try to laugh more and enjoy the positive things around him.
Mulling it over, the doctor recommended a somewhat novel approach to this man's plight: he referred him to a comedian who worked at a local nightclub. "People who watch him perform have come away happy and light-hearted," the doctor said enthusiastically. "Maybe an evening on the town would refresh your outlook."
The man sighed deeply at these words and said, "If seeing this comedian is going to bring me happiness and a smile then I am surely lost -- because that man is me!"
Sometimes proposed solutions are nothing more than cosmetic touches for our problems. Jesus didn't come to simply lift our spirits; He came to transform us completely, radically, from the inside out. The willing, sacrificial offering of His life on the cross for the sins of the world broke the devil's stranglehold on us. Through faith we are free -- forgiven by His blood and set aside -- beyond judgment and born unto life everlasting.
In times of anguish and sorrow, remember that through Christ, we will prevail. (Jesus said) ". . . In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33b).
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, Jesus is the only answer, the only solution to this world's woes. Help us to turn to You for all our needs and return with thanksgiving for all You give us. In Jesus' Name, we pray this. Amen.
Biography of Author: Alexander Jesus Perez Leon, the director of Lutheran Hour Ministries' Venezuelan office, wrote today's devotion. Established in 1953 in Caracas, LHM-Venezuela or Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones (CPTLN) meaning "Christ for All Nations," operates a radio and print ministry addressing issues like anxiety, sex, drugs, depression, occultism, and family relations. These programs are broadcast to more than 30 million people over 40 stations in Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Spain, and Cuba.
To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhmint.org.
Today's Bible Readings: Genesis 46-48 Matthew 23:1-22
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