Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
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
I joined LHM-Uganda in 2001 and served the ministry as a volunteer for over eight years. In 2008 I was offered the opportunity to serve as the office attendant.
Those years have given me what some might refer to as a "complete makeover." By that I mean my work here has shaped me spiritually, socially and emotionally. It has made me a better person.
In some ways my time at LHM has been like watching a child grow up into an adult.
Maybe I should explain. I grew up in a family where things like reading the Bible were not emphasized, and prayer was a mere recitation. Today, at Lutheran Hour Ministries, I belong to a Lutheran family that offers me something different.
During devotion time everyone carries a Bible, reads from it, and freely presents their prayerful, heartfelt petitions to the Lord. Our staff takes turns in leading devotions and Bible study -- a practice I found to be interesting.
Of course, fears came over me when it was my turn to share.
With lots of Christian tracts around the office, I grabbed a copy of Portals of Prayer and took a few copies for my "lost" sisters at home. All evening I fidgeted through the pages, as I looked for something worthy of being shared the next morning. Believe me when I say I didn't sleep much that night. By God's grace I made it through the devotion time. Whether what I said made any sense to the listeners or not, I cannot tell you.
That was a long time ago. Since then I have learned how to use the Bible and each day I felt more comfortable. But there is more to my transformation than just being familiar with the Scriptures. As time went by, I found the Lord was actually speaking to me through His Word.
To my amazement, I can now share in the Bible, without fear. Instead, I can convey the joy that the Word of God rekindles in my heart.
Those of you who have always known the Savior may not understand the intensity of that joy.
I used to live under the bondage of anger so much that anytime I was so upset I would end up bleeding from the nose. I could never easily forgive, and this kept me in pain most of my days. The Savior, as shared by Lutheran Hour Ministries, became a hospital for me, and here I received the Lord's medicine of forgiveness and grace, free of charge. I now live freely from that kind of anger. Other teachings have motivated me to try and be a better person. To that end I find myself praying and repenting of my sins.
My participation in the various ministry programs, such as the promotion of the Bible courses, have also caused a great deal of improvement in my life. I can now confidently express myself as I reach out to others with the love of Christ.
So when I talk about a changed life, you should know that I am that changed life, and I want to live this wonderful change forever. Many times I have wondered what my life would have been like if I had not joined LHM. But then the whole truth is that God knew me even before I was formed in my mother womb (see Psalm 139:13).
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I praise You for Your faithfulness and loving kindness. Remember, O Lord, those who do not know You, and draw them into Your marvelous grace that they may receive all Your forgiveness and salvation. This I ask in the Savior's Name. Amen.
Biography of Author: Today's international devotion was written by Mrs. Judith K. Tukesiga. She is married and has three children. Tukesiga spent eight years as a volunteer with Lutheran Hour Ministries-Uganda. Later she was recruited to be an office attendant, a position which she has held for the past five years. As part of her service with our ministry, Tukesiga has been participating in various programs, including the promotion of the Bible course and the youth program.
In this African nation of nearly 37 million people, Lutheran Hour Ministries-Uganda was established in 1996 in Kampala. Known locally as Lutheran Media Ministry, this ministry center has connected with more than 250,000 individuals through print, broadcast, electronic and traditional media, which includes the use of radio and television programming as well. This outreach has led to the formation of more than 100 Lutheran churches countrywide, working in partnership with the local Lutheran Church. Additional efforts include enrolling students in Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC), distributing Bibles and topical booklets, and launching a biblical values-based peer education program designed for secondary school students.
See how Bible Correspondence Courses are making a difference in the lives of Ugandans by clicking here and visiting the LHM-Uganda blog.
To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhmint.org.
In Christ I remain His servant and yours,
Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker emeritus of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Today's Bible Readings: Genesis 4-6 Matthew 2
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