(Jesus said) "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first." John 15:18
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
When we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, friends or even family members might persecute us. Becoming a child of God, the Holy Spirit gives us strength to live a godly life and turn away from evil intentions and wrongdoing. In fact, not becoming involved in acts that are displeasing to God may cause those who oppose our faith to hate us even more.
Jesus Christ anticipated this. Even as He came into the world to die for our sins, He was still hated by people. Jesus said, "No servant is greater than his master" (John 15:20a). The world hated our Master; it certainly will hate us.
As we live godly lives and serve Jesus Christ, we are blessed. It is written: "Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man" (Luke 6:22).
If the world hates you, don't lose heart. Trust in the Holy Spirit's guidance, persevere in the reading of God's Word, and consider the reward that is yours in heaven through faith in Jesus Christ. "All men will hate you because of Me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved" (Mark 13:13).
This is God's promise to us.
THE PRAYER: Dearest Heavenly Father, thank You for the strength to help us stand firm in the face of persecution from the world. Thank You for the blessings You pour on us when we are hated by men. Please keep us in Your almighty arms and give us peace through the time we have in serving you. We pray in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Biography of Author: A volunteer from Lutheran Hour Ministries' office in Vietnam wrote this devotion. Known within Vietnam as "The Voice of Hope," it has operated from offices in Ho Chi Minh City since 1999. Using creative productions like puppet performances and music in its outreach efforts, LHM-Vietnam also utilizes Equipping the Saints (ETS) and Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC) in its outreach efforts.
To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhmint.org.
Today's Bible Readings: Exodus 14-15 Matthew 26:36-75
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