But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17

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 Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour



It really happened.

A woman's car ran out of gas. She walked to a gas station and bought a tin of gas to carry back to her car. On her way back, she was stopped by six youths who forced her to pour the gasoline over herself, and then they lit her on fire.

Terrible? Of course! What makes the incident even worse is that only two days earlier a similar scene had been shown on a television show.

There were some who said the two incidents were linked only by coincidence. I have a hard time believing that.

Many studies have analyzed the cause-and-effect relationship between televised violence and real world aggression. The studies have concluded that TV violence tends to increase the aggressive conduct of TV viewers.

How could it be otherwise?

It is estimated by the time a person is 16 years old, he has seen at least 15,000 murders on the tube. That's terrible.

My friends, we need to hear what St. Paul said to the church in Rome. In Romans 12:2, he writes, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- His good, pleasing, and perfect will."

Following Paul's advice, we will become rededicated to helping our children receive a better education, so they can learn to resolve their problems in creative ways, without losing compassion and love toward their neighbors.

THE PRAYER: Oh God, our daily life is so busy most of the time we cannot even stop to analyze it, much less reflect upon it using Your Word. We need Your direction and guidance. Protect us from all evil. Help us to conduct ourselves appropriately and be eager to display Your love. In Jesus' Name I ask it. Amen.

Here are some suggestions to reflect upon:

How can I control TV viewing at my home?

I can improve the quality of time I spend with my children in the following way ....

Biography of Author: Today's international devotion was written by our co-workers at the Lutheran Hour Ministries office in Panama. Serving from Panama City, the LHM ministry center has been effective in using printed resources and mass media to share the Gospel and hope that is in Jesus Christ. Project JOEL, designed to share the Savior with Panama's youth, and Equipping the Saints' workshops have had significant impact carrying the Good News forward. We invite your prayers and support for those who share the Savior in this small, but critically located country of 3.5 million people in Central America.


To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhmint.org.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 15-16    John 9:1-23

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