He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge. Proverbs 14:26
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
Our homes should be a sanctuary -- that peaceful place where we can go that is happy, friendly, and a safe haven against the cares and concerns of the world.
Sad to say, it's not that way for everybody.
Instead, for many their homes, while nice on the outside, are scarred by hostilities and bitter strife between family members on the inside. For those living in such circumstances, going home is a powder keg full of unresolved issues, biting words, and unreceptive attitudes, all waiting -- at any given moment -- to ignite into another fiery blaze.
For some, pairing peace and safety with their home is an impossible match.
How can this problem be solved? Well, as the proverb says, fearing the Lord will secure one's fortress and provide a refuge for one's children.
Fearing God and acknowledging Him as the Lord and Giver of life puts a godly perspective into our hearts and minds. There is confidence and security in trusting God to meet our needs.
And if there is any question about the ability of God to do that, consider this: He has already met our needs -- every one of them and far beyond anything we could ask! Through the blessed gift of His own Son, Jesus Christ, God has conquered our most vile enemy -- Satan -- and given us the victory of eternal life.
Looking for a secure fortress? Interested in a refuge for your family? Ready to see your home become a haven where peace rules?
Jesus understands these heartfelt longings perfectly. "Do not let your heart be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me" (John 14:1). The comfort He offered His disciples is the same comfort He offers us.
Let Him make your heart -- and your home -- into a secure fortress.
THE PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, remind us that You are concerned about us in every possible way. You have shown us this by giving us Your Son, our Lord and Savior. Through Your Spirit make our lives -- and our homes - secure in faith and a welcoming place of refuge for others. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.
Biography of Author: This devotion is based on a text submitted from a volunteer with the Lutheran Hour Ministries' office in Brazil. In that South American country of 200 million people, Lutheran Hour Ministries operates as Cristo Para Todas as Nações (CPTN)-Brazil. Outreach programs include "Five Minutes with Jesus," a radio program; "Messages of Hope," a voicemail response service delivering more than 10,000 Gospel replies each month; and Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC).
To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhmint.org.
Today's Bible Readings: Jeremiah 23-24 Hebrews 4
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