Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. Hebrews 10:24
Much of today's devotion comes from Lisa of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. We thank her and pass her encouragement on to others.
There's a commercial on television that shows people helping other people.
Actually, the commercial shows one person watching as another person does a small and unexpected good deed for another. Inspired, the observer ends up doing a kindly thing for yet another person.
Along with selling a product, the commercial is saying, "Good things can happen if we all do something good."
One of our Daily Devotion readers would agree. That's why she shared this with me: "Months ago, a co-worker started sending out a simple Bible verse every morning to a few others who had previously spoken of their faith together. I heard about this and asked to be on the e-mail list.
"From the time I started getting these daily verses the sharing of a simple daily Bible verse has grown tremendously. There are now over 40 people on the e-mail list. That's 40 people who make use of the opportunity to discuss and talk about the personal meaning of that day's verse.
"My favorite addition to the discussion is that we now have a prayer list every day. I love that people aren't afraid to ask for prayers -- prayers asking for encouragement during a difficult time, prayers of rejoicing and prayers asking for strength.
"It's truly amazing that a group of people (most of whom don't know each other) have formed a bond in Christ and are praying for each other and encouraging one another."
Our Daily Devotion reader concludes by saying this: "I wanted to share this with you in the hopes that other people won't be afraid to reach out to other Christian friends. It may start as just an e-mail between two people, but it has the potential to grow into something much bigger."
Our reader is right. Starting with a tax collector, some fishermen, a political activist, a murderer and a handful of other disciples the Holy Spirit has turned the world upside down. He can also use you. Share a Bible verse or share this devotion. Reach out to others. Let them know the Savior who gave His life for our lives. Point those around you to the Christ who rose so we would live forever.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, use me to direct others to Jesus. Let them see His love reflected in my life in the big and small things I do. In His Name I ask it. Amen.
For Audio of todays devotion please click here
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(Used with permission by Lutheran Hour Ministries)
Greetings blog friends & readers! A wonderful new day has begun... early morning hours is so peaceful, quiet, & relaxing as I sit enjoying morning coffee in HIS Word. Starting my day out in HIS Word seems to always bring clarity to the mind from the previous day; reflecting back over the list of gratitude in the blessings that Our Lord has provided. Remembering to be Thankful always for what HE has done, not only for me but for those around me. Knowing that Jesus suffered & died on the Holy Cross for our sins is always first, of course. To wash away our sins & never keeps track of them is an absolute joy in & of its self! Wouldn't it be totally awesome if we all did that? Yes! Yes indeed it would be a wonderful world to live in. Unconditional Love is the Almighty!
As I reflect over yesterday, writing down the names that I need to either thank or make amends to (admitting my wrong doings) and sharing in the Glory of Our Beloved Father, it always brings forth a peaceful feeling & prepares me to continue this journey toward Heaven walking in HIS LOVE with the brand new beginning.
Of course, before my feet even hit the floor, upon awakening my words are, "Good Morning God, I Love You! What may I do for you today?"
Knowing & remembering that it is HIM that always comes first. That I am to live my life accordingly to HIS plans for me instead of my plans. That's the beginning of the new day. Jesus & Love.
Once that is done, I come sit at the kitchen table with coffee & Bible. Opening up to the daily devotion & read that chaper of todays contents. Oh, I don't just read the one verse, (Hebrews 10:24). I read the whole chapter. Hebrews 10. Doing this broadens my understanding of what God wants of me. What HIS Will for me is.
*Please not the italic print.
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
So my friends, I go from here encouraging others with love and good works... “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”
Which brings me to my list writing: Names that I will contact TODAY! Yes, God may cross my path with even others (that's an added blessing). But as I set out from here to do HIS Will in Faith; I will continue to seek out those who I've either harmed or those who may need an encouraging word.
Again, please note the italic word: I've ... it's not you, but me! What your sins are do not matter, I've forgiven them jsut as Jesus has forgiven & does not keep track. This is the reason I can sit & listen to someone confess their sins without judgement whatever it may be... and in that list is my own past sins. I will bow to no one but HIM & HIM alone.
"Free as an Eagle, Bold & Strong as I may be."
"And as a Dove with Love"
