daily devo: "THIS IS GOD’S DAY"
Rev. Reuben K. Youngdahl, grandfather to Eric Youngdahl and Senior Pastor of Mount Olivet Lutheran Church from 1938-1968, was widely known and respected for his pastoral leadership and his uplifting messages of God's love. These messages were published into devotional books so that people might find hope in the promises found in Jesus Christ.
One of his many books was titled, "Going God’s Way.” Pastor Youngdahl issues the challenge for people to go ahead and live today in the faithfulness of God. In his words: “Live each day by itself. Begin and end each one in communion with God. Life’s meaning will be made clear, and its challenge will summon you to follow the way of the Lord, and claim the triumphant life He is able to give you.”
January 11
It Is Worth the Price
“One God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all.” -Ephesians 4.6
Many years ago there was a courageous preacher who defied his lawless and heathen government. He kept on telling his people about the love of God. The emperor threatened to destroy him and throw him into exile on a deserted island. The faithful preacher gave his answer: “There is not such a thing as exile. The whole world is my Father’s house and you can never get rid of Him.” Then the emperor said he would have him killed. But he only replied, “I cannot die, for my life is hid in Christ.” The next threat was to take away his treasure but the answer came “My treasure is in heaven and you can never take that from me.” Then they threatened to destroy all his friends and leave him alone in the world. “You cannot banish all my friends for I have one who will never leave me. In truth, there is really nothing that you can do to hurt me, for I have Christ.”
The Christian way of life demands sacrifices and hardships. But nothing can really hurt you when Christ is your king. His power is greater than all the tribulations of the world. His strength is mightier than all the armies and His promises are surer than all earthly threats. The road that you must walk may not always be an easy one to travel, but the will of God is always there willing to help you across the pitfalls and to ease the pain of bruised steps. The Master wants you to know happiness and peace and He constantly seeks to guide you away from the discouragements and tribulations of the world. But when they come, He offers grace sufficient for them.
Look at the Christian facing a troubled world after a long day’s work. Stop and ask him if he is sorry that he has walked the way of Christ. Listen to him as he smiles and answers, “Sorry? How could I be sorry when my heart is full of happiness and love.” No price is too great to pay for such a reward. It may mean that you will have to stand alone in the riotous crowd that ignores God. It means to put yourself last, but it is worth it!
TABLE TALK: What makes your religion worth fighting for, and worth the ridicule of a crowd? Discuss.
