Devotion: Jesus Is Our Hope

Before the time of Christ, life was very difficult and people searched for something in which to place their hope. They had the Law, but that only came with accusation. No one could fulfill the Law, and the result was death.

This crisis covered all aspects of life: politics, economics, health, even spiritual life. This is similar to the situation today, with one exception: Jesus has brought us the hope of forgiveness and eternal life. Through His death on the cross, He took the condemnation of our sins upon Himself. Through His resurrection from the dead, He gives us complete forgiveness.

The world we live in is ruled by a physical law. Decay is a natural ending to any living thing. But scientists are trying to prolong human life by developing cryogen systems and clone technology, spending huge amounts of money on rich people who are afraid of death and are hoping to avoid it.

There is, however, something very simple - and remarkable -- that gives us hope. Whether you have money or not, faith in Jesus Christ alone provides hope. The apostle John wrote, "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13).

But, how can one believe if they have not heard? This is where God uses us -- to tell others about what He has done through Jesus Christ!

THE PRAYER: Thank You for the love and life You have given us through the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus. Give us the opportunities and words to share Your Good News with others. Amen.

Biography of Author:
Igor Savich, director of Lutheran Hour Ministries' Russian office, wrote this devotion. In this enormous country spanning ten time zones, LHM-Russia connects with people through a variety of Gospel-centered programs, such as LHM's Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC) that Savich and his staff are now organizing. Such mission work gives people in distant villages a wonderful opportunity to access the Bible and hear the message of Christ as their Savior.

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Devotion: Fragrance On The Hand Of The Giver

The owner of a large estate once gave his gardener some red roses to take home to his wife. The flowers, however, never made it to their intended recipient. On the bus that afternoon, the gardener sat next to a widow who spoke of her loneliness. Knowing his wife would understand, he gave the roses to the lonely widow and brightened up her day.

But the widow didn't get home with them either. At the grocery store, she came upon a tearful young girl. The girl's mother was very ill. "Here," the widow said, handing the flowers to the girl. "Give them to your mother; tell her I'll be praying for her tonight."

Gratefully, the girl accepted them and took them to her mother. The roses cheered the bedridden woman, but even she didn't keep them. "They're too beautiful not to share," she told her pastor when he came to visit the next day. "I'd like the church to have them." So the pastor took them and placed them in the sanctuary where his congregation could see and enjoy them. After the service, the minister gave single roses to some of the church members as they left. The beauty of the flowers was extended once more before they wilted.

There's a beautiful poem entitled, "Flowers Leave Their Fragrance on the Hand of the Giver," and the words are true. Every good deed, every selfless kindness, every thoughtful action which comes from a heart full of faith -- a heart touched by the abundance the Lord has freely given -- has a way of blessing the giver and multiplying the gift. Like the ripple effect of a stone tossed into water, the circles that emanate can reach many unseen shores.

So it is with the greatest love of all. Jesus' redemptive work on the cross comes to us through God's Word. By the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit, we are made clean and acceptable to God through faith in the salvation Christ has won for us. God's fragrance, the perfect sacrifice of His Son, is offered to everyone.

It is free. Share it the next chance you get.

THE PRAYER: Thank You, Father, for Your love. Help me today and always to have the courage to pass it on. Amen.

Biography of Author: Pastor Charles Bameka has directed LHM-Uganda since 2002. From an office in Kampala, volunteers and staff help people in need through Equipping the Saints, Bible Correspondence Courses, and the This is the Life TV program. Ministering to those living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda (more than 500,000 are afflicted with this disease) is a critical aspect of LHM's mission there.

Devotion: Letting The Hands Of Jesus Shape Our Lives

An auction of used items was being held. Among them was an old, scratched guitar. When the auctioneer lifted it up and offered it to the audience, no one bid anything for it. The room remained silent.

Just then, a famous guitar player from the area came to the front. He was the owner of the guitar. He stepped forward, took it in his hands, blew off the dust and tuned it. After doing this, he performed a beautiful music piece on that dented guitar, leaving the audience elated, and letting them see the guitar was a great instrument if played in such a masterful way. When he was done, the audience gave him a standing ovation.

So the auctioneer tried again. He presented the old, worn guitar to the audience. This time one of the participants offered a lot of money for it, and it sold for a very good price.

Many times in the course of our lives, we think we know everything about a given situation. Of course, with our limited and imperfect knowledge that's not the case. As a consequence, our arrogance often leads us to bad decision-making and faulty conclusions. In humility, we must recognize we need God and, by the power of His Spirit, yield our lives to His direction.

Today's Scripture reminds us that God -- and God alone -- is in total control. Through His infinite love and the forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ, He molds and shapes the lives of His children. He gives us the strength necessary to serve Him obediently, even as we are renewed daily to accomplish positive changes in our lives and improve our personal relationships.

Through His grace and forgiveness, Jesus gives us the only peace we need, which turns us into helpful people for ourselves, our loved ones, and those around us.

THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, let the hands of Your beloved Son, Jesus, touch our lives and fill us with His beautiful blessings and love. Amen.

Biography of Author: Alexander Jesus Perez Leon, the director of Lutheran Hour Ministries' Venezuelan office, wrote today's devotion. Established in 1953 in Caracas, LHM-Venezuela or Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones (CPTLN) meaning "Christ for All Nations," operates a radio and print ministry addressing issues like anxiety, sex, drugs, depression, occultism, and family relations. These programs are broadcast to more than 30 million people over 40 stations in Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Spain, and Cuba.

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Devotion: God's Word At Work

Before each of my English classes I write a short Bible verse at the top of the white board. Because it's in the direct line of sight of the students, they can't miss it. Even those students who aren't interested in hearing about Christianity can't help but read it. I'm sure some students read it more than once during the class.

In the middle of one of my classes I was teaching about past tense. After a few examples and some practice, I asked if anyone had any questions. One student raised his hand. "I'm wondering about the meaning of what you wrote at the top of the white board," he said.

"Could you please explain it to me?" Of course he was referring to the Bible verse. On that particular day the Bible verse was "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15b).

To explain the verse I spoke about how all people are sinners and how we are unable to save ourselves from the punishment we deserve for our sins. I told him Jesus was the Son of God, and that God loves us so much He sent Jesus to die on the cross to suffer the judgment we all deserve. In the midst of teaching past tense, I was given an opportunity to share the Gospel with the whole class.

The Word of God is indeed living and powerful. The Holy Spirit used it to touch the mind of one student. It stimulated his curiosity and prompted him to ask about its meaning. As a result, every student in the class heard the Gospel.

In the book of Isaiah God says, "So is My Word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." God's Word is powerful. God sends out His Word to do His work and it succeeds. When my students read God's Word on the white board, God's power works within them.

God's Word is not only beneficial in teaching and strengthening us as we study it, but it is also an effective tool for us to use in reaching out to people who don't know Jesus as their Savior. Sometimes we want to witness to someone, but we don't know what to say. Our words are often weak and stumbling. But God's word is sure and strong.

THE PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for giving us Your Word. Teach us how to use Your powerful Word as we reach out to the unbelievers around us. Amen.

Biography of Author: Dennis Denow is a missionary with LCMS World Mission and the husband of Monta Ekwanit Denow, director for Journey Into Light, the ministry center for Lutheran Hour Ministries located in Bangkok, Thailand. There, LHM ministers through community radio, Equipping the Saints (ETS), Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC), print, Internet and Gospel text messaging. The staff also conducts numerous children's activities and makes presentations in government schools.

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Friday Devotion: "Put Your Life In The Care Of The Lord"

While a lady was visiting her neighbor, she allowed her six-year-old son to go out and play in the yard. After a while, she went out to see what the child was doing. Nearby, was a painter on a high scaffold. To her dismay, the lady observed that her son had gone up to the last rung of the ladder.

"Arthur, get down!" the nervous woman yelled, alarming the child who began to look down full of fear. The painter immediately realized the danger the child was in and very calmly spoke to the mother saying, "Your boy is all right. I will take care of him." Then he told the child, "Look up and climb to where I am."

With a smile, and watching the man's eyes, the boy arrived safely to where the man was waiting. He took the boy in his arms and carefully started to climb down, finally handing him over to his mother.

How often do we look down when we face dangers and conflicts, rather than focusing on Jesus and trusting our lives to His care and guidance? When we are threatened by dangers and conflicts, we cling to our own strengths instead of looking to Him. We often forget to let Him guide us with His love through the difficulties of this life.

When it is your turn to face difficult tests, and you think you are sinking in misfortune, stop looking down and look up to Jesus with confidence. Remember the psalmist's words: "Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this."

Always remember, dear friend, that in the midst of adversity, the promises of our beloved Father are greater than the conflicts we experience in life.

THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love to help us confront our tests with great peace and the assurance You have provided protection. Help us savor the great blessings and immense love You have for us. Amen.

Biography of Author:
Alexander Jesus Perez Leon, the director of Lutheran Hour Ministries' Venezuelan office, wrote today's devotion. Established in 1953 in Caracas, LHM-Venezuela or Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones (CPTLN) meaning "Christ for All Nations," operates a radio and print ministry addressing issues like anxiety, sex, drugs, depression, occultism, and family relations. These programs are broadcast to more than 30 million people over 40 stations in Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Spain, and Cuba.

Friday Devotion: See Him With Your Heart

Recently, the staff and volunteers of Lutheran Hour Ministries in Lebanon distributed Bibles and food parcels to needy people in southern Lebanon. At one church, the pastor invited people to come forward. He said, "Come, Jesus is here, and He is ready to heal every wound, wipe every tear, and mend every broken heart."

A nine-year old boy named Ibrahim, a refugee from the 2006 war, asked, "Is He really here? Is Master Christ really here?

An LHM volunteer replied, "Yes, He is here, but we don't necessarily see Jesus with our eyes-we see Him with our heart."

Ibrahim asked if Jesus could be sitting next to him. The volunteer said, "Not only can He be right next to you, but even within your heart." Ibrahim said he wanted to know God and trust Him completely. By God's grace, Ibrahim acknowledged his sins and placed his trust in Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, grant us childlike faith so that we might trust Your love and feel Your presence all the time. Amen.

Biography of Author: Michel Matar is a guitarist in the Worship Band, a Christian music group performing since 1990 that has toured several countries with its Arabic, English, and French music. Jesus' love and forgiveness radically changed Matar's life in 1989. Since then, he has dedicated his life, his music, and his talents to serve the Lord. He and his wife Nuna-who sings and plays keyboards in the Worship Band-have five children.

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Friday Devotion:"Christ, My Companion"

Most people do not like being alone. Some people want to keep away from other people, groups, functions, or programs, but most people want to identify themselves with other people or groups.

The real situation that prevails among people is loneliness. Even though loneliness can become unbearable, it can also provide an experience of calmness and contentment for many.

Our Lord Jesus Christ often took time to be by Himself in silence and loneliness. According to John 7:53 and 8:1, everyone was leaving to go home, but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. He spent His alone times with God.

New ideas and useful thoughts about life and the future come when we spend time with God. For example, many of our great leaders were raised in God-fearing families. We can also stress the fact that, without the companionship of God, we can do nothing and we are nothing.

In the beginning, God created man and woman. God felt it was not good for Adam to be alone so He created Eve to be a companion, partner, and helper. How many of us feel this way? Many young people shout, "Leave me alone!" as they struggle with tension and confusion about finding a true companion.

Many of us fail to realize we are not alone. God, our heavenly Father, gave His son Jesus Christ as our companion. He is with us always. Jesus is also named "Immanuel, which means God with us" (Matthew 1:23b). God sent His Son in the flesh, however, not merely to be our companion but to be our Savior. Without Christ's sacrifice, without His all-atoning work on the cross on our behalf, we would be lost forever -- friendless and doomed by our sins.

But God through His Son has made a better way -- an eternal way that begins in faith in Jesus' work and trusts He will never fail or forsake us. Our Lord also says, "I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20b). Since Christ is with me, how can I say I am alone?

Dear friends, let us determine who should be our best companion today. The companion we decide upon must be sufficient for us in every aspect of life. Christ is the only one who can dispel our loneliness.

THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for being our constant companion and for sending Your one and only Son to conquer our loneliness. Teach us to trust in You. Amen.

Biography of Author:
Rev. E. Eben Titus has pastored three Lutheran churches during a 25-year ministry in India. He assists Lutheran Hour Ministries-India at the Christian Media Centre in Chennai. Using radio and television broadcasts, Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC), Equipping The Saints (ETS), and rallies, the Gospel goes forth in this country of more than one billion people.

To read more daily devotions please visit the Daily Devotions page or subscribe to receive daily emails.

Friday Devotion: Power & Peace

During our recent trip to Thailand we would often find ourselves walking through the little souvenir shops that lined the streets or the open area around a popular Thai attraction. As we admired the workmanship of the beautiful Thai silks, carved wooden objects, colorful gem pendants, and polished stone figurines, we soon concluded many of the items in these shops were either in the shape of elephants or were decorated with pictures of elephants. Later, we learned from our tour guide that elephants were very important to Thai culture. Elephants in Thailand have long been a symbol of both power and peace. Several centuries ago, they were used by kings to lead armies to win wars and therefore restore peace among the people.

While looking through these same souvenir shops, we discovered most of these shops did not display anything with the shape of a cross. With only 1.6 percent of the population claiming to be Christian, this is not a surprising discovery. The cross, a symbol of power and peace for Christians around the world, reminds believers of God's sacrificial love. It was on a cross that God allowed His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for the sins of the world. The powerful death and resurrection of Jesus Christ gives victory, hope, and the promise of eternal peace to all believers.


A large cross is fastened to the front of the Lutheran Hour Ministries Thailand building in Bangkok. During our first few days in the city, that cross became the image we sought. As we made our way through the unfamiliar streets of Bangkok congested with people, scented with unfamiliar smells, and displayed with unfamiliar words, the cross on this building brought us a powerful sense of security and peace. The cross identifies this building as a place where Christ is present -- both in the work being done and within the people who daily carry out His tasks. As Lutheran Hour Ministries reaches out to others through their countless ministries, we pray that 1.6 percent of the population (Christians) will be blessed and strengthened and 98.4 percent of the population (non-Christians) will hear the message of Christ, and no longer consider it foolishness, but as a means of hope.

Though our trip to Thailand quickly came to an end, it will long impact our hearts and lives. Like most tourists, we brought home a collection of souvenirs to remember our visit. This collection includes some beautiful silk scarves, tasty cashews, and even a few items with elephants on them. One item, though, will always be treasured as a rare find in Thailand: it is a hand-painted ceramic cross -- given to us by Lutheran Hour Ministries Thailand.

THE PRAYER:O God, we thank You for sending Your Son Jesus Christ to suffer and die on the cross so that we might know the power of the forgiveness of sins and the peace of eternal life. Open the doors of faith to non-believers so they might also enjoy the power and peace that can only come from You. In Christ's Name we pray. Amen.

Biography of Authors:Pastor Doug Chinberg is senior pastor of King of Kings Lutheran Church in Chesterfield, Mo. He and his wife, Kathy, went to Thailand with the Pastoral Leadership Institute where they led men and women's seminars and shared messages in various Lutheran churches in Thailand. Since 1991, the LHM-Thailand office in Bangkok, known locally as Journey Into Light (JIL), has used community radio programs, Equipping the Saints (ETS), Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC), print, Internet, and Gospel text messaging to share the good news of Jesus Christ in this country of 65 million people.

See some photos from the PLI Global Impact Volunteer trip to Thailand here.