Faith Based Support Groups - Daily Devotion ~ July

"Get The Guests "

July 1, 2009



The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.' And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests. Matthew 22:8b-10



Scanning the news for these Daily Devotions, I've become impressed at how timeless are the words of Scripture.

That is certainly true in regard to today's message.

Recently, Reuters News Service carried an article about how, in tough times, the people of Japan are continuing to throw big weddings. Indeed, in Japan, it's customary to have as many family members, friends, and co-workers attend a wedding as is possible.

When those guests come to the wedding, they don't sit down and observe -- not at all. Bosses give speeches; friends put on plays; family members socialize. It's quite an occasion.

But what happens if Uncle Bob drinks too much or your cousins can't come? What's to be done if your boss is a jerk?

No problem, according to Hiroshi Mizutani of Office Agents in Tokyo. For $200, Office Agents will rent you a guest for your wedding. For another $50, that rented guest can perform a song or dance. If you really need your hired guest to step up, for an additional $100 he can deliver a speech that will bring tears to the eyes of the legitimate partiers.

Does this sound familiar at all?

Jesus' story about the wedding feast has some remarkable parallels to what is happening in Japan. For example, in both situations the people who were invited -- who were supposed to come to the wedding -- didn't. Then, left without guests, the wedding hosts got creative.

So the Japanese wedding hall may be full, they rent their guests. In Jesus' story, the servants go out and recruit them. Either way, the goal is a full house.

On the other hand, there is a difference. If you miss a Japanese wedding, it won't be the end of the world, but if you skip the heavenly feast, it's an omission you will regret forever.

So you may be at the unending wedding party of heaven, Jesus paid a great price. No, not $200 or even $300, Jesus gave His life as the price to get you there. His was a great sacrifice and a gracious one-of-a-kind invitation for which we should be thankful.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, for making sure I am invited to Your wedding feast in heaven, I am overjoyed. Now may I do all I can to make sure Your invitation is given to others. In Your Name. Amen.



In Christ I remain His servant and yours,



Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries

I cannot help about thinking about my sister on this. She kept saying someday she was going to sit at the dining room table with Jesus. I can just see her smiling from ear to ear and laughing so hard you would think she was laying a egg! What a laugh she had i sure miss it.

"Fishers Of. . . "

July 2, 2009



And he said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. Matthew 4:19-20



The good, the bad, and the ugly.

Along with being a Clint Eastwood movie, those words also describe fishing. They do if you listen to Captain Rodney Solomon.

Captain Solomon plies his fishing trade off the coast of Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico. As a fisherman, Rodney knows there are days when you can take your limit in a few minutes.

That's the good.

There are times when Captain Solomon, like the disciples, has fished for hours and never brought in anything.

That's the bad.

And the ugly? Recently, Captain Solomon went fishing and landed a guided missile. Yup, that's right -- an Air Force guided missile. Seeing a hole in the device, Rodney assumed the missile had gone off. He felt pretty safe keeping it on the deck of his ship as a piece of conversation.

Captain Solomon's assumption was wrong -- almost dead wrong.

To shorten a long story, the Air Force confirmed the missile, a Sidewinder, was fit as a fiddle and in fine working order. Before they disarmed it, the Air Force assured Captain Solomon that his missile was perfectly capable of exploding and distributing him, along with his ship, across a large expanse of the Gulf.

In truth, a person hardly ever knows what he's going to catch, does he?

That had to be the feeling of the disciples when they went out fishing for men. The Holy Spirit brought in big sinners, little sinners, experienced sinners, and novice sinners. There were times when the fishing was good, when it was bad, and when the fish got ugly.

There were two things the disciples knew: first, the Savior wanted them to fish. Second, they knew that if you don't go fishing, you won't catch anything.

That may sound obvious, but it is true.

A person, a church, Christ's disciples -- all have to go fishing if they want to catch fish. If they stay home, the odds are God's nets are going to be empty.

This is why today we pray the Lord will send us out and He will make the catch bountiful.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, You have told Your disciples to fish for souls. Grant us the willingness to follow Your instruction and send the Holy Spirit so the catch may be blessed. In Your Name, I ask it. Amen.


In Christ I remain His servant and yours,



Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries

Gary,
I would like to thank you for posting these daily devotions, they are wonderful and they help to keep to close to God and to know what is important.

Aggie

A person, a church, Christ's disciples -- all have to go fishing if they want to catch fish. If they stay home, the odds are God's nets are going to be empty.
So true! That I learned is what is so special about the computer ,you may stay in one place but you can go everywhere and reach out to people and share the Love of Jesus!

God's Promises"

July 3, 2009



"The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in Him." Lamentations 3:24



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 of The Lutheran Hour



Once there was a boy whose father promised him the chance to travel to a beautiful place in Guatemala for his birthday. This promise kept him excited for many days. Finally, the boy's birthday arrived. Everything was ready, and he was anxious to get going. No sooner had they stepped off their front porch and it started to rain. It did not stop for several days, making conditions dangerous for travel. The boy's father couldn't keep his promise, and this frustrated the little boy.

Fortunately, as Christians we have a Father who never fails us. We have a God who keeps His promises. From beginning to end, the Bible shows us how God gives us promises and keeps them. In Scripture, we see He is the one who takes the initiative and keeps His covenant with us. In Genesis, God promised Abraham land, descendants, and blessings -- and He fulfilled His promise. Through the prophets, God promised to send the Messiah to redeem His people, and it came to pass. He fulfilled His promise through Jesus Christ.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ continues to give us promises. He promised His disciples a Counselor who would guide them -- and us -- into all truth. The book of Acts registers that fulfillment. Jesus also promises He would be with us until the end of time, and He is keeping His Word.

We live in an age where promises are cheap and, more often than not, broken. The prattle of television commercials promises us a slim figure or beauty in an instant. Horoscopes promise fame, love, and fortune. Politicians promise labor improvement and better social conditions. The common denominator among all these is they fail to accomplish what they promise.

Isn't it wonderful to know that God the Father always keeps His promises? Therefore, we must seek Him with confidence knowing He is faithful to His Word. Let us go to His Word daily with a humble heart and obedient mind to discover His promises for our lives, seeking His truth in all things.

THE PRAYER: Faithful Father, thank You for keeping Your promises. You are my portion and I will hope in You. Amen.

Biography of Author:
This devotion was written by Carlos Raúl Sosa Siliézar, who serves as a musician, youth leader, and Sunday school teacher at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Guatemala City. In that city of more than two million people, the Lutheran Hour Ministries' office has been working since 1993. Its ministry includes Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC), Equipping The Saints (ETS) and Project JOEL, a program reaching out to young people throughout the country.


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

Thank You Gary, often I have had people promise things but they never said what month or what year ??? It is good to know that Jesus follows through his promises.

"God's Benefit "

July 4, 2009



And God said, "Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear." And it was so. God called the dry land earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called seas. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:9-10



On the occasion of the anniversary of the United State's birth, it's right that we stop and show our appreciation for what God has done.

That's the way it was over 100 years ago when the great preacher, Dwight Moody, was reading the 103rd Psalm. He came to the verse, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits."

Having read that Scripture to his audience, Moody stopped short, and with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face said, "You can't remember all o' God's benefits, of course. But that doesn't mean you should forget 'em all, either. Remember some of them."

Well, today, I can't list all of the benefits you and I have received through this wonderful land God has entrusted to us.

On the other hand, we dare not forget all those benefits either. That's why I'd like to encourage you to thank the Lord for the barbecue grill you might use today, as well as the abundance of food you'll cook on it.

Thank You, Lord, for the freedom we enjoy and the responsibility to use it properly.

Most of all, thank the Lord for always being there for us and offering us salvation through His Son's sacrifice.

Moody had it right. "We can't remember all of God's benefits. But that doesn't mean we should forget 'em, either." Take a little time out from the fireworks of today and give the Lord a little thanks.


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, You have given us so much. As we come together today to celebrate the birth of the United States, we thank You for the gift of the freedom we have in this land and the spiritual gift of freedom we have through Your Son. In Jesus' Name. Amen.


In Christ I remain His servant and yours,



Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries

I thank our Lord today for my wonderful 3FC friends :)

HAPPY 4th Of July Everyone :hug:

I thank our Lord today for my wonderful 3FC friends :)

HAPPY 4th Of July Everyone :hug:

Me too!

"Shine "

July 5, 2009



Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:8-9



It's summer time and, depending on what part of the country you live in, a cool thought might help relieve the heat.

To help you out, I'd like you to think back to the times you've watched icicles being formed, one drop at a time. Yes, it's possible you live in a place where icicles never form. If so, think of the ice palace from Dr. Zhivago.

Now this exploration into a wintertime memory is not without purpose. Think for a moment and you will agree -- if the water, which forms the icicle, is pure, then the icicle is also clean and clear. It will sparkle brightly as the sun bursts through it.

On the other hand, if the water, which is the icicle's water source, is tainted, the icicle itself will be cloudy, murky, and its beauty will be marred.

I think there's a lesson for us to learn from that.

While it is true, we are, upon occasion, shaped by large decisions and trials, most of the time we are formed like an icicle: drop by drop and small event by small event. If the things that surround us and to which we expose ourselves are foul and contaminated, then our lives and our witness to the Savior will never be as clear and beautiful as the Lord had planned for us.

That is why St. Paul urged the believers in Philippi -- and us -- to think upon that which is honest, just, lovely, and pure. He knew if we surrounded ourselves with the virtues of the Lord, if we constantly think about the goodness and grace of God, we would have a peace -- a joy in Jesus that the world can never know.

Indeed, if we avoid the evil and think upon that which is good, our lives will make a better, a purer witness for Jesus who gave His life for our salvation.


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Dear God, create in me a new heart, a clean heart, a saved heart. Help me avoid that which is evil and be composed of all that is good and comes from You. Turn me into a clear reflection of the love and grace I have received from the Savior's sacrifice. In His Name. Amen.

"Mind Reader "

July 6, 2009



O LORD, You have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Psalm 139:1-3



Hats off to the engineers of Toyota.

No, I don't mean that sarcastically. These guys have come up with an invention that is absolutely fantastic. I hope I never have to use it, but for those who need it -- well, it's wonderful.

And what have those engineers come up with? It's nothing less than a wheelchair run by a person's brainwaves. Petty high tech, don't you think? What happens is this: a person's thoughts are read by transmitters and fed into a computer. The computer analyzes and passes on the appropriate command to the wheelchair.

A person who is otherwise unable to move can think the chair forward, backward, left, or right. A command for an emergency stop is given when the navigator puffs his cheeks.

According to the inventors, the computer learns how to read the brain waves of the operator. Within a week the accuracy rate of controlling the wheelchair is about 95 percent.
That's not perfect, but it sure is pretty good.

It is pretty good, and it is also just the beginning. Nobody can guess how far this kind of robotic assistance will go in helping those who have physical challenges.

Yes, Toyota engineers have done a good thing here. Still, as good as it is, it's small potatoes compared to what God has done. Look carefully at the words of the Psalm. God knows us. He is aware when we rise up, and He doesn't need a computer to discern our thoughts. The Lord knows where we're going before we do, and He is fully aware of the path we will travel. God's knowledge of us is complete.

And this also needs to be said. In spite of knowing us as He does, and that knowing includes an awareness of our sinful shortcomings, the Lord still loves us. He has loved us enough to send His Son to redeem us.

Now, for all who believe, the pathway to heaven is open.

THE PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, You have created us, known us, and loved us. For doing all which was necessary to save us and move us from **** to heaven, we give thanks. In the Name of Jesus we offer our praise. Amen.


In Christ I remain His servant and yours,



Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries

"A New Building"

July 7, 2009



For we know that if the tent, which is our earthly home, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 Corinthians 5:1



St Paul has been found. At least part of him has been found.

On June 20th, the world heard that a white marble sarcophagus had been uncovered from beneath the Basilica of St. Paul's Outside the Walls in Rome. More importantly, that casket still contained some bones.

That, for many folks, was an important bit of information. Why? For a great many centuries tradition has claimed that St. Paul, who was beheaded in the 1st century, had been buried at this location -- at least most of him.

His head is supposed to be at another Roman basilica, St. John Lateran.

This takes us to the point in this devotion when you're probably wondering, "Pastor, are these really the bones of the apostle to the gentiles?"

Let me tell you that I do not know.

Scientific tests have been run on the bones and those tests say the remains date from the 1st or 2nd century. And there is that matter of a long tradition regarding this. But when all is said and done, the answer will still have to be that we do not know.

I do know, if St. Paul were given the opportunity to come back and talk to us for a few minutes, he'd probably tell us it doesn't matter if those bones are his or not. But wait, St. Paul has already told us exactly that. Our text for today tells us that when our earthly bodies go, it's all right.

Because of faith in Jesus Christ, because we believe He has ransomed us from sin, death, and the devil, we know the grave is not our final resting place. Because of the Christ's victorious third-day resurrection, we know that we, too, shall rise and be given a glorified body.

On that day when Jesus returns in judgment, those who have been given faith in the Redeemer will receive a building -- a body from God that will last forever.

That news was a comfort for those early Christians who buried Peter, Paul, and so many of the Lord's martyrs. It is a comfort to us as well. Christians in every age are blessed to know the Savior has won the victory and the sting of death is spent.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, because Jesus lives, we know we shall live also. May I look forward to a reunion with Paul and all others who are asleep in the Lord. May I await that moment when Jesus will allow our eternity of joy to begin. In His Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,



Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

Visit here to be refreshed through a meditation on God's Word. The devotions are updated daily, and you can also receive these devotions daily via e-mail. If you would like to read a devotion from a previous date, please visit our devotion archives.


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"Yesterday's Truth . . . Today's Fiction "

July 8, 2009



For the Word of the LORD is right and true; He is faithful in all He does. The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His unfailing love. Psalm 33:4-5



Dr. Aaron Carroll and Dr. Rachel Vreeman are myth busters.

That's right; these two doctors from the Indiana University School of Medicine have taken it upon themselves to expose some of those medical fictions, which everybody knows to be factual.

In short, they're writing about things which are supposed to be true, but aren't.

Do I hear you asking, "What kind of things?" I hope so, because if you aren't asking that question, this devotion is going to be a short one. So, in answer to your query, here are a few of those myths:

1. In the wintertime a person loses body heat through his head. "Nope," the good doctors say. You will lose heat through any body part that is exposed to the elements.
2. Milk produces phlegm. Every choir director I've ever met believed that one. But the good doctors say that isn't the case.
3. Cracking your knuckles will give you arthritis. The doctors admit the practice may give you fewer friends, but it does not increase the possibility of you getting arthritis.
4. Sugar makes kids hyper. The doctors say "no" to that one, too.

Other myths exposed by the doctors include the following: it's okay to double dip in the chip dip and food quickly picked up from the floor is safe to eat.

Ain't science wonderful?

The truth is what we know changes from year to year; sometimes it changes from day to day.

This is just one reason I am thankful for Holy Scripture.

The Psalmist accurately says, "The word of the Lord is right and true." About how many other things can you say that? And just as important, that Word points unerringly and unceasingly to the Savior who gave Himself as our ransom.

Because of what Jesus has done, the earth is full of God's unfailing love.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, for giving us truth which can always be trusted, we offer our thanks. Without the Savior and the true salvation He gives, our lives would be most uncertain. In Jesus' Name, I praise You. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,


Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries

"Tomorrow's Trouble "

July 9, 2009



Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34



Do you remember that Buck Owens-Roy Clark song: "Gloom, despair, and agony on me. Deep, dark depression, excessive misery. If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all. Gloom, despair, and agony on me."

According to Dr. Iris Borowsky from the University of Minnesota, those words have found acceptance among a fairly high percentage of young people.

Based on a survey of 20,000 kids, almost 15 percent thought they had a good chance of dying young.

The big problem is this: those dark thoughts are being transformed into a self-fulfilling prophecy. The logic goes this way: these teens think they're not going to live very long. Since they're not going to live long, they've got nothing to lose. Since they've got nothing to lose, they might as well do what they want.

All of this leads to taking chances and doing some risky stuff. How risky? Well, other statistics say that when compared to someone with a brighter outlook, a pessimistic teen has a higher chance of getting AIDS, of attempting suicide, and getting in a fight that will cause a serious injury.

How much higher a chance? Seven times higher. And that's a lot.

So, what do we do about these young folks who are sure every day is filled to overflowing with trouble?

First, we can pray for them. When Jesus talked about being the light of the world, He meant He can bring the brightness of God's grace into hearts, which are darkened by discouragement and depression.

Second, we can watch what we say around these future adults. While we can't sugar coat the dark side of life, we don't have to continuously dwell on sin's repercussions. There is another side to the story: Jesus is good news of great joy. He has changed everything for the better.

Our young people need to hear that from us, and they need to know if we really believe it, and why we believe it.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, every day has plenty of evil without us borrowing from tomorrow. May our witness to the young reflect the joy we have in Jesus, who has given His life so we might have an abundant life (see John 10:10). In His Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour

Thank you for posting all of these devotionals! I have really enjoyed reading them. Great insights!

"Peace In Christ"

July 10, 2009



Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. . . . But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:13, 16



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 of The Lutheran Hour



Sometimes it may seem we are beyond redemption.

Though the apostle Paul trekked thousands of miles during his missionary journeys of spreading the Gospel throughout the Greek and Roman worlds, before that he worked feverishly to stamp out and destroy those who believed in that Gospel. Having persecuted and been party to the murder of early believers Paul, no doubt, had to grapple with guilt over his previous sins during his new life as a Christian. Yet, God's grace -- and forgiveness -- was greater than this horrendous past. He received Jesus Christ as his Savior and lived a remarkable life for the sake of Gospel.

It is not beyond conceiving that you or I might have a past filled with misdeeds and wrongdoing that may even rival the crimes of Paul's pre-Christian days. Are there sins in your life that it would seem no amount of God's goodness or grace can touch and wipe clean? Think again. God the Father through Christ Jesus forgives you and will heal you from whatever sin haunts your past -- or your present.

Thanks be to God almighty whose grace as revealed in Jesus Christ is sufficient to cover any sin and blot out every wickedness. "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah53:6).

THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to die for my sins. Please strengthen me through Your Holy Spirit to live a life empowered by Your forgiveness to boldly take Your message of grace to a hurting and dying world. In the Name of Christ Jesus, my Lord and Savior. Amen.

Biography of Author: Nguyen Huu Dung works with Lutheran Hour Ministries' operations in Vietnam as a volunteer preacher. Known locally at The Voice of Hope, LHM has shared the Gospel in this country of 90 million for ten years via Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC), Equipping The Saints (ETS) outreach, puppet shows, and musical performances.

You are quite welcome goinskinny.

July 11, 2009



O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? Declares the LORD. Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel. Jeremiah 18:6



I once happened to be driving along a country road in upper Michigan.

After a sharp turn on the highway, my eyes were struck with a sight so strange I pulled into a farmhouse yard to examine it more closely. All around the grounds of the old yard were statues of gnomes, animals, birds, and people -- statues that had been carved out of tree trunks.

Soon a group of about 15 people gathered to watch the creator of these sculptures begin a new project with his preferred tool: a chainsaw.

Wood chips and sawdust flew everywhere as the artist managed to carve a reasonable likeness of a bear out of a piece of oak. Using a number of chainsaws, the job took about half an hour. It took the artist only 30 seconds more to put a price tag of $450 on his work.

It occurs to me God sometimes works like that wood sculptor.

Most people think of God, the divine artist of our lives, as always being slow moving, working gently and with delicate instruments. Of course, He can do that. On the other hand, I have observed the Lord often uses the spiritual equivalent of a chainsaw to shape us.

Major surprises turn our lives upside down. Our plans and goals end up flying everywhere as He dramatically shapes us into the people He wants us to be. It may not be the most comfortable experience for us, but God's handiwork does make us more valuable to His purposes.

This is why, right now, if you find major pieces of your life flying around like wood chips, you might want to hold on to that picture of my chainsaw carver. Trust the Lord, whatever tools He is using. He is motivated by an artist's eye, and He will make you more valuable when He's done.


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Lord God, You are always in the process of molding me into a new creation. Help me to become a delight to Your eye and empower me to live my life in thanks to the Savior who has died and risen to transform me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries

"Greatest Love"

July 12, 2009



This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:12-13



Although we don't like to admit it, most of us encounter times when we don't want to go to worship.

Is this kind of scene familiar in your home? It's Sunday morning and dad rolls over in bed and mumbles something like, "I don't want to go to church today."

"Why not?" his wife asks.

"Because the people there don't like me. I stayed up too late last night. There probably won't be anybody there this morning, and I just don't want to go." To that litany of excuses the wife counters, "Those are pretty silly reasons. You should go to church. The people at worship do like you. You'll feel better once you get moving, and there will be more than a handful of people at worship. And besides, you're the pastor."

As I say, there are times when God's saints don't feel like going to church -- even pastors.
Thankfully, there is never a time when God doesn't feel like loving His people. The entire Bible is an ongoing record of how God loves us, how He keeps His promises, and how He sent His Son to save us.

In Biblical times, and still today, God loves His people even when they forget Him. He loves us even when we ignore Him. He loves us even when we disobey Him. His love never ends. To live in the presence of that kind of love is pretty overwhelming. What a wonderful God He is to send His Son to lay down His life to save those whom He loves.


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Lord God, the greatest love this world has seen comes from You. Please, show me how to reflect the love of the Savior to others. Help me, Lord, to be more Christ-centered and less me-centered. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries

"What's It Worth?"

July 13, 2009



The price of wisdom is above pearls. The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it, nor can it be valued in pure gold. Job 28:18b-19



There aren't many television shows I enjoy as much as Antiques Roadshow. I like to watch the faces of the people, as well as the stuff being appraised.

There's the thrill of victory when someone's garage-residing bric-a-brac is judged to be worth tens of thousands of dollars.

There's the agony of defeat when an individual brings in a cherished and pampered family heirloom and is told the item is a piece of junk.

"A piece of junk" is not what they said to the lady who brought four pieces of carved Chinese jade to the show in Raleigh, North Carolina. She said her father had collected the jade during the 1930s and 1940s, when he was stationed in China.

The experts said the jade was conservatively worth more than a million dollars. It's the first time that figure has been reached in all the years the show has been on the air. Now, it's quite possible the four pieces of jade are beautiful and the result of painstaking and expert craftsmanship. But a million dollars? Wow!

I never would have guessed.

Sometimes it's pretty hard to figure out the value of a thing. For example, take a look at the baby in the Bethlehem feeding trough. What do you think He's worth? Or, take a few moments to see Him being challenged by the religious establishment. They obviously didn't consider Him to be of any value.

Pontius Pilate thought his political career was more important than that Man's life. His good friend Judas considered his Master to be worth . . . what . . . 30 pieces of silver?

No, you can't always tell what something, or someone is worth. I pray most of you, when you look at Jesus, see Him as the most precious Person in your life. Take a good look. See Him being beaten, falsely accused, and nailed to a cross. What do you see? What is He worth to you?

What was Jesus worth? I don't know. What is a person worth who was willing to die so you could live? What is the price on someone who loved you enough to give His entire life as a sacrifice to redeem you from sin, death, and the devil?

What is He worth? Everything is a price far too small.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, You loved me enough to offer Yourself as my substitute. It is a gift undeserved. May that gift never be underappreciated. In Your Name. Amen.


In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries

"A Longing Soul"

July 14, 2009



Let them thank the Lord for His steadfast love, for His wondrous works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things. Psalm 107:8-9



Ten-year-old Colby Curtin was dying of vascular cancer.

Diagnosed in 2005, the disease was doing its worst and Colby's life was limited to hours.
It's not that Colby wasn't ready to die. She was. It was just that Colby had something she wanted to do before she left.

Colby wanted to see the Disney-Pixar movie Up. In April, when she had been feeling better, she saw the previews. Back then she made a commitment to see the film.

But by June, Colby's health had deteriorated and the movie had not yet been released -- not that it would have made much difference. Colby was weak and confined to her bed.

But then some things -- some very good things -- happened.

A family friend called Pixar Studios and told them about Colby and her wish. The folks at Pixar went into a huddle to decide what they should do. It was a short huddle.

The following day a representative of the company showed up at Colby's home. He brought a copy of the film, stuffed animals, and other movie memorabilia.

The movie was played, but Colby hadn't the strength to open her eyes. Her mother had to describe what was happening on the screen.

Colby Curtin died later that night.

I don't know anybody at Pixar, but they did the right thing in satisfying the longing of a dying girl.

According to our text, that's exactly what God does for each of us. "He satisfies the longing soul and the hungry soul He fills with good things."

Because of the Lord's steadfast love, because of His gracious care, we have been given a Redeemer; we have been brought to faith, and we can look forward to eternity.

We have been saved, but there is a world out there dying from the cancer of sin. They need to see and hear the story of the Savior, of His life, His death, and His resurrection. Before they die they need to meet the Christ who can satisfy every longing soul.

Now, I know what Pixar would do in such a situation. The question is what will we do?

THE PRAYER: Dear Jesus, You satisfy the heart's desire of humanity. May I tell Your story to those who are dead in their sins. May they be moved to faith in You as their Redeemer. In Your Name, I ask it. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries

"Never Too Late"

July 15, 2009



This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10b



Seventy-eight-year-old Bill Fulton of Baker City, Oregon, can remember the good, old days.

Actually, right now, Fulton finds it a bit easier to remember those days. That's because Melanie Trindle, the secretary of Baker Middle School, recently returned the wallet Fulton lost -- in 1946.

Fulton's wallet, along with other assorted items that had disappeared over the years, was discovered when workers detached gymnasium bleachers from the wall of the old school. Those bleachers had been there since 1936. Fulton's wallet found its way behind them about ten years later.

Inside the mini-time capsule, Fulton found the address where he had lived as a teen, his Social Security card, his bicycle card, and a hodgepodge of other items designed to jolt a man's memory.

Now the amazing thing is this: the return of Fulton's wallet has made a difference for the man. But rather than focusing on what is inside his wallet, Fulton has been thinking about his life, his time in the Korean War, his military service in Berlin, and the years he spent working at a local lumber yard.

Fulton summarized his feelings this way: "Where did all the time go? It's hard to believe that the times have gone so fast."

I agree. And I also agree with the texts of today's devotion. This day, every day, is a gift from God. Each day can be used or abused; it can be squandered or appreciated. As far as the Lord is concerned: He prefers we rejoice and be glad for the time He has given us.

Not only does the Lord want it, He has done something to assure it. This takes us to the second passage of Scripture. Jesus came into this world to seek and save the lost and to bring light to those in darkness. He lived, died, and rose to save us from our sins, to assure us of eternal life, and to give us an abundant life.

With all those blessings coming together in this today, we just might be able to rejoice and be glad in it.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, You gave Your days so that my days might be blessed, my life be abundant, and my eternity a joy. For Your sacrifice, this day, every day, I will rejoice and be glad in it. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,


Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®

"No Stealing"

July 16, 2009



And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. Acts 2:44-45



According to the book of Acts, there was a time in the history of the Church when all things were held in common and shared.

Now it appears a woman in Westbury, New York, wants to revive that custom.

Police recently arrested her as she was leaving Our Lady of Hope Church. Apparently, the lady had developed a pattern of stealing from the purses of those who were sitting around her.

When the worshippers knelt down to pray, when the faithful went up for Communion, the woman reached into their purses and swiped their cash.

Since she "had need," this was her own way of having "all things in common" -- a way that was not looked upon with favor by her fellow worshippers.

Now I suppose there are some advantages in stealing while you're in church. If you're caught, people are more likely to be polite, less likely to pull a gun. On the other hand, stealing is still not a practice anyone would encourage.

Now, lest you think this devotion has no rhyme or reason, I have to say, "not so."

The early Church had a good idea in helping those who were part of the family of faith. It occurs to me that, right now, many congregations have somebody -- maybe a bunch of somebodies -- who are in need.

Tough times have almost guaranteed there are those who are unemployed or are worrying about losing a house. Most certainly, people are stressed.

So, what can we do? We who have received so much from the Savior, who gave His all when we had no hope, no future, no salvation, might want to do the same.

You employers, if you're hiring, why not post your position in a church's monthly newsletter? If you have some things you no longer need, why not offer to pass them on for free to someone who could use a boost.

You just never know whom the family of faith can touch when they move forward in thanks to the Redeemer.

THE PRAYER: Dear Jesus, the forgiveness I enjoy, the eternity You have promised are all blood-bought gifts. If I am in a position to help others, please open the doors and make the connection. This I ask, and do, in Your Name. Amen.


In Christ I remain His servant and yours,


Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries

"A Fresh Start"

July 17, 2009



In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. Genesis 1:1-2



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 of The Lutheran Hour



To put things in order, it is necessary to start at the beginning. The Bible tells us how God put the world in its place and everything was perfect. But Satan enticed man to disobey God and the perfect order was broken. Rather than the harmonious relationship originally instituted between God and man, a broken spiritual union resulted from man's most grievous sin in the Garden of Eden.

Instead of a joyful unity with God, chaos reigned, wreaking havoc on the original state of affairs. But the love of God was revealed when He gave man the promise of a fresh start -- a new and forgiven life that would ultimately be made possible by the atoning work of God's Son, Jesus Christ.

In this world under the devil's vile regime, the effects of our sin are plainly obvious. Our sin mars our relationship with God and those around us. It undermines our best intentions, and even those things we've done that we think are worthwhile in God's sight are tainted because of sin. For as the prophet Isaiah has said, "... all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment" (Isaiah 64:6b).

Corrupt to the core, things don't look very good for man when left to his own devices.

It is faith in God's Son, our Savior, however, that brings full light to lives once lived in darkness and despair. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be our light amid darkness, our life amid death, our peace amid desperation. By His death, He took every last one of our filthy sins and bore the horrendous weight of our endless failures. By His resurrection, He forever removed our sins from us.

And by the salvation His Spirit gives us through faith, He dispels all chaos and enthrones Himself as Lord of lords and King of kings in our hearts.

THE PRAYER: God, please create in me a new heart. Make it a heart that each day trusts in Your power alone for the only fresh start possible -- a new life won by Jesus' blood and freely given by Your unfathomable grace. Darkness once covered my life, but now You reign supreme. Amen.

Biography of Author: A volunteer from Lutheran Hour Ministries' operations in Argentina wrote this devotion. Known as Cristo Para Todas las Naciones ("Christ for all Nations" or CPTLN) within this South American country of over 40 million people, LHM has had an office in Buenos Aires since 1947. Principal Gospel programs utilized are Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC), Equipping The Saints (ETS) and Project JOEL, a children's outreach ministry.


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

Gary, thank you so much for sharing with us. It is appreciated. God bless you and yours.

"Pleasing God"

July 18, 2009



They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error. 1 John 4:5-6



There is a lot of free advice out there.

All you have to do is listen to the experts and semi-knowledgeable, and you will know exactly what you should do. That's what Charlie Stink found out. Charlie Stink was constantly being told by his friends and coworkers that he should have his name changed to something that sounded better.

Finally, Charlie Stink gave in and went to the court to have the legal work completed. The next day back at work, his associates inquired, "Well what did you have your name changed to?" "I changed it to George Stink," he answered, "but for the life of me I can't see what difference it's going to make!"

I guess that's what often happens when we follow the advice of the world and try to please others. In spite of our seemingly good intentions, things just don't work out the way we, or they, planned.

Maybe that's why most of us stop trying to remake ourselves into the person who pleases everybody all the time. Far better for us is it to please the Lord who has saved us, far wiser to listen to the Lord who knows what is best for us. He, and He alone, has, and is, the Spirit of truth.

There are certain advantages to listening to the Lord. First, the Lord's directions aren't confusing or contradictory. Second, our God doesn't change His mind. Third, and most importantly, since the Father sent His Son to save us, He will always give us wise advice -- advice that is profitable and right and true.


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Dear Father, sometimes listening to those around us is easier than listening to You. Give us the discernment to distinguish between Your Spirit of truth and man's spirit of error. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,


Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries

I get these sent to me everyday but I prefer to come here and to discuss them. On July 14th devotion I know this to be so true.

My Mama loved the Lord and her one request was to be buried in the snow, with red roses on her casket. Now it never hardly snows in central Texas , and during those times you could not find any red roses! On the day of her funeral, it snowed 5 inches and we found some red roses in Lafayette Indiana of all places, cousins had them shipped in!
My Daddy was a joker always up to meanness in a nice way and always pulling something on my Aunt Faye and cousin Wayne or any of us. He said that he was going to come in as a whirl wind raise that Tabernacle up and blow it right over the top of Aunt Faye and Wayne s head just for the fun of it . I did not see the fun in that but all during the funeral i kept waiting, nothing happen. I went and got in the pickup and left and went to the community center were they had prepared a dinner for the family.

Aunt Faye and Wayne walked in wild eyed and said Did you see what happen as you went out the gate? No Aunt Faye I did not, what happened? Wayne said a whirl wind came out from no where and lifted the tabernacle straight up in the air and came right toward us as we was getting in the car! We had to duck! I said it didn't hurt you are the car did it? Aunt Faye said, No but it almost made me wet my pants!

I just said Oh Daddy you did it again....I could just hear my Daddy laughing when Aunt Faye said that! I truly believe that God does gives us our last
wish especially if we love him.

In July 18th devotion

Maybe that's why most of us stop trying to remake ourselves into the person who pleases everybody all the time. Far better for us is it to please the Lord who has saved us, far wiser to listen to the Lord who knows what is best for us. He, and He alone, has, and is, the Spirit of truth.

There are certain advantages to listening to the Lord. First, the Lord's directions aren't confusing or contradictory. Second, our God doesn't change His mind. Third, and most importantly, since the Father sent His Son to save us, He will always give us wise advice -- advice that is profitable and right and true.

Thank You Gary I needed to read this today, it is so amazing how our Loving Lord Jesus has been talking to me through devotions and church today. I praise his name and love him and I know he is guiding me , that makes me feel safe and loved by him.

"Reaching Out"

July 19, 2009



Do to others as you would have them do to you (NIV). Luke 6:31



Being a collector of stories, I find them to be interesting things with a life of their own. By that I mean, some stories are told, then they are modified, then they are forgotten, and then some are resurrected for a retelling.

Recently, someone sent me a story about Dave and John who were hiking in the Rockies. As they walked, they spotted a mountain lion. Similarly, the mountain lion's hungry look said he had also spotted them. John froze in his tracks, but Dave sat down on a log, tore off his hiking boots, and quickly began lacing up his running shoes. John whispered, "For crying out loud, you can't outrun a mountain lion!" Dave smiled, "I don't have to outrun the mountain lion, I just have to outrun you."

Now that story, as near as I can tell, is on its fifth or sixth telling. Sometimes the pals are running from a mountain lion in the Rockies, sometimes they're fleeing a bull in a pasture. The story keeps changing, but the moral always remains the same: to survive we only have to outrun the other guy.

Is that the way life really is? We don't have to care about the other guy as long as we're safe? I suppose it sounds good, until we're "the other guy."

How different our present and our eternity would be if Jesus thought that way. How sad would be our lives if Jesus decided to save Himself and not us. Thankfully, the cradle, the cross, and the empty tomb tell us Jesus didn't think that way.

And He doesn't want us to think or live that way either. In a beautiful and incredibly concise way He tells His people: "Do to others as you would have them do to you." If everyone followed Jesus' rule, this world would be transformed, and we'd have a whole lot less over-fed mountain lions around.


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, it's such a blessing when we encounter people that are a reflection of You. Make me one of them. Help me treat others in such a way that when people see or hear me, they will see the presence of the Redeemer who sacrificed Himself for my salvation. In Jesus' Name. Amen.







In Christ I remain His servant and yours,



Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries

Gary, thank you so much for sharing with us. It is appreciated. God bless you and yours.

....Thank You Gary I needed to read this today, it is so amazing how our Loving Lord Jesus has been talking to me through devotions and church today. I praise his name and love him and I know he is guiding me , that makes me feel safe and loved by him.


You are quite welcome GALS :) I am a little late posting today. Angie and I went to church last night then headed out to the beach for a long walk and breakfast, with the mutts, at the beach cafe.

"I Understand"

July 20, 2009



Trust in the Lord always, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Today's devotion was sent to me by Maria Rusch, a student at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Hers is a devotion worth sharing, so I turn the microphone over to Maria.



My name is Maria Rusch and I'm a Lutheran college student who avidly reads the Daily Devotions! I simply love the encouragement they bring, reminding me of my Savior and the hope I have in Him!

I had something happen to me today I wanted to share with you. It was kind of funny, and it reminded me of a great lesson to learn from the Bible.

I was walking out of class today thinking about our upcoming test and the wonderful opportunity I had to get outside the last few days and work on my summer tan. I was looking down at my arm admiring how dark my skin was getting, when I missed the step and fell going up the stairs. I got a pretty good-sized bruise on my knee, but I was okay. I learned my lesson not to do that again.

It occurred to me that if I had only been looking ahead and focusing on my walk up the stairs, I would have never gotten hurt. That's when I smiled and chuckled a little.

It reminded me of God's promise to be there when I stumble and fall, and also His call for us to focus on Him and His plan for our lives. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord always, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths."

God calls us to trust in Him and believe in Him with every fiber of our being because He knows what's best for us. He loves us and has an incredible plan for our lives even when we don't know how to take another step. Will we stumble and fall along the way? Of course, we will. We are sinful.

But praise be to Jesus because He has rescued us from all sin and offers us forgiveness, life, salvation, and a fresh start each day. He's there to pick us up when we take our eyes off of Him and stumble and fall. God is our Way, our Truth, and our Life. He is the one that keeps us on level ground, and when we follow His ways, we avoid so many of the cuts, bruises, and pains of this life.

With our eyes on Jesus, our prize, we experience the greatest reward there is: a life filled with true love and joy devoted to our loving God -- with the hope of eternal salvation in the next!

THE PRAYER: Dear Jesus, thank You for being there to pick us up when we fall and for rescuing us from sin, death, and the devil. You give our lives total meaning and purpose. We are so grateful to have a God that loves us so much that He gives us a fresh start each day through the gift of Your Son and freely offers forgiveness and salvation. Our lives are Yours, now and forever. May we continue to walk in Your ways. In Your precious Name we pray. Amen.

It is good to know and believe in God being there when you fall and stumble, I sure have done a-lot of that lately, feel sorta like a female Job, nothing is going right. I am so ready for him to pull me back up,so ready. I guess I should not say nothing is going right, still married, have food to eat ,electricity, roof above my head paid for I should be more grateful for what I have instead being so down what I have given up and about to give our cows up at our friends place, at least its just part of our cows we still have 6 here. I should be thankful not sad about it. Oh I am so ashamed of myself for not being more grateful!

Thank you Father for what you have given to me and please forgive me for being sad because I have had given up so much lately and about to give up more. I know its the right thing or you would not let it happen. I still got my husband and family, the goats and six cows and those chickens that are on strike.A home and our place of business, you have blessed me Father and sorry so sorry for not appreciating it more. Amen

Prayers Bootsie.

I am ashamed for "whining" about having to work the last 2 Saturdays...I do know so many would love to be able to work not only Saturday but all the other days of the week!

I still am tired...blessed but tired.

"I'm Not So Okay; You're Not So Okay"

July 21, 2009



They show that the work of the Law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them. Romans 2:15



I remember many years ago when a book came out which assured its readers that "I'm okay and you're okay."

The book sold a lot of copies. It managed to do so in spite of the fact that the presence of sin guarantees we're not okay with the Lord. For our sins, our Creator is rightly, and justly, displeased.

Now, a study published by the journal Psychological Science has concluded that thinking positively about yourself can be a bad thing.

Yes, you read that correctly. When people try to think positively, it often has the opposite effect, and it highlights just how unhappy they really are.

I'm thinking that this study, which says people are not content with themselves, might be headed in the right direction.

Consider all the rich, famous, powerful, and sensational personalities featured on the evening news, or who make the front pages of magazines and supermarket tabloids. How many of those folks who have everything the rest of humanity aspires to possess seem happy?

They can't sleep; they can't maintain a relationship. They aren't obviously happy, are they?

The truth is all of us are sinners and we know it. Even the best of us -- the ones who are the kindest, the gentlest, the most loving among us -- are still bad to the core. That's what St. Paul was saying when he wrote to the Church at Rome. He said we may look good on the outside, but on the inside our conscience is busy accusing and excusing.

Truly, if we're ever going to be okay, that transformation is not going to come from anything we can do. If we are going to be made right with God, if we are to receive any peace, it will only be when it is given to us as a gift from the Almighty.

Thankfully, through Jesus, that gift has already been given. The Savior's life, His death, and His resurrection tell all who will listen that salvation is free for all who believe.

God grant the world to believe, be forgiven, and be made okay.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I am saved by grace through faith and not by what I can do or even the way I think. Let me -- having seen the Savior's sacrifice -- believe, be forgiven, and remain saved. Further, may those who are still desperately searching for what Jesus so freely offers, be brought to faith in His gracious substitution. In His Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,


Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries

The truth is all of us are sinners and we know it. Even the best of us -- the ones who are the kindest, the gentlest, the most loving among us -- are still bad to the core. That's what St. Paul was saying when he wrote to the Church at Rome. He said we may look good on the outside, but on the inside our conscience is busy accusing and excusing.

Is not our Christ Jesus amazing! Thanks I don't feel so guilty now, knowing I am not alone!

Truly, if we're ever going to be okay, that transformation is not going to come from anything we can do. If we are going to be made right with God, if we are to receive any peace, it will only be when it is given to us as a gift from the Almighty.

Thankfully, through Jesus, that gift has already been given. The Savior's life, His death, and His resurrection tell all who will listen that salvation is free for all who believe.

I love the above message in today's devotion!

"A Nice Change"

July 22, 2009



He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4



Since everyone has been talking about the passing of Michael Jackson, I have resisted the urge to add to the noise.

I have also remained silent in regard to the recent passing of other notables like Ed McMahon, Gale Storm, Oscar Mayer, Jr., Robert McNamara, and Karl Malden. All of these were covered in the news and didn't call for any kind of commentary.

Still, today a few words about death might be in order.

That thought was motivated by two stories sent to me. One involves the death of a two-year-old girl in Florida. She was killed by the family's 12-foot-long pet Burmese python. It was a death, which was preventable and should never have happened.

The other story was carried on July 8th by The Associated Press. That article told of a New Jersey man who died after falling into a vat of melted chocolate.

Those two stories got me thinking that death is coming. I don't know when it's going to arrive for you or me. I don't know the manner in which death is going to show its face. But I do know it's coming. Stories like the ones I've just shared show that death is imminent for the rich, the powerful, the famous, the young, and the old. It is coming in a way that is predictable, and in way that seems impossible.

There is one other thing I know. I also know that life is coming.

Throughout the Bible the Lord assures us that His grace, as proven by Jesus' perfect life, His unfair death, and His victorious resurrection, promise that life is coming.

Did you hear what the book of Revelation says? Death shall be no more. Mourning shall be no more. Crying shall be no more. Pain shall be no more.

The grief we all experience when we say an earthly farewell to a loved one will be no more. It is a blessed thought, a wonderful fact. The Lord has done all that is necessary so people of faith may enter an eternity where death shall be no more.

This is why today I give thanks -- because of Jesus the former things have passed away.

THE PRAYER: Dear Jesus, for having lived a life that would lead to the cross, I give thanks. By Your sacrifice, I shall, someday, enter a place where the old hurts and pains are gone; where death is banished and joy will reign forever. May I -- while there is still time -- share Your story with those who need to hear, to know, and to see how much You care. In Your Name. Amen.


In Christ I remain His servant and yours,


Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries

You know Gary I have had people come by my house tell me this meant something all together different it is amazing how anything can sound different to others. I think this is what it truly means.

"What Is Owed"

July 23, 2009



Genesis 1:31 - And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.



Recently, Reuters News Service carried a very serious article about trade problems between China and the United States.

Maybe I should say the article tried to be serious. Me? I had a hard time not laughing when I read it.

In a nutshell, here's the story: Because of food safety concerns, the U.S. is worried about Chinese chicken imports. In fact, they may extend a ban on the importation of Chinese chicken products.

In retaliation, China has stopped issuing import permits for American chicken. And that means America has an oversupply of chicken feet. Yes, chicken feet. More than half of our Chinese chicken exports are in the form of chicken feet. The creative cooks of China apparently transform these feet into tasty soups, stews, and snack items.

It was that last part about how chicken feet are used, which made me chuckle. In my mind I saw somebody opening up a potato chip can and pouring out chicken feet, or a bunch of folks watching the Super Bowl munching on buffalo-style chicken feet. Then I began to wonder how one tells a good chicken foot from a bad chicken foot? Do you thump it like a watermelon? What does a person look for?

In the midst of this silliness, a serious thought finally emerged and made itself heard. That thought was triggered by the verse above. When the Lord created the world, He saw everything as being very good. That means everything!

While I may see a tree with its rough bark, the Lord saw quinine and aspirin. Where I see a mold that needs to be wiped out, the Lord saw penicillin. Where I see chicken feet, the Lord sees an opportunity for Chinese cooks to get creative and feed their families.

May I take that line of thinking one step further? Where humanity saw Jesus' crucifixion as the death of a troublemaker, our heavenly Father saw His Son's sacrifice as the payment that had to be offered if our sins were to be forgiven and our salvation won.

Jesus' death and resurrection -- even someone like myself who has limited vision, can see that is "very good."

THE PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, for giving us a world, which, in spite of sin, remains a wonderful place, my deepest thanks. Today I ask that You enable me to see things through Your eyes. Let me clearly see and appreciate Your ongoing handiwork, which preserves and keeps me. And let the world see Your gracious love, which sacrificed Your Son to save our souls. In His Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,


Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries

Boy did this hit home when I was a kid! Mama used to fix those chicken feet for us kids and we used to have to draw straw who got them! My middle sister would cheat on everything and always win! I don't remember how she fixed them but she cut the toenails off and scraped them I know. Not much on them but they were tasty!

Jesus must see something in me I don't see because every time I think of them beating him nailing him to the cross I feel like wanting to give them a good Christian Kick! I often wonder why and I don't think I will ever understand but why did he have to suffer so?

.....

Jesus must see something in me I don't see because every time I think of them beating him nailing him to the cross I feel like wanting to give them a good Christian Kick! I often wonder why and I don't think I will ever understand but why did he have to suffer so?

Oh BOOTSIE....:hug: Me and you drove those nails into His hands...me and you beat Him....we do that with our sins. That is why He had to suffer so much...for what We did to Him....He had to be beaten in order to complete God's Great Gift to us.

When we leave church on Good Friday we place nails into a cross. The cross is made from the Christmas trees we place on our altar for His birth. I have made that cross many years.

Just try to understand this.....He wanted to take the suffering for us because He loves us that much!

That is really all we need to understand....that HE loves us that much!

"The End Of Time"

July 24, 2009



When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. Luke 21:28



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 of The Lutheran Hour



What will happen when the world comes to an end? That's been a favorite subject of movies and books lately. Some people say a great war will destroy the earth. Others are convinced global pollution or some cosmic collision with a meteor will be its demise.

While we do not know when or how the world as we know it will end, the Bible is clear that it will come to an end. The disciples asked Jesus to explain what signs they should look for. Many of them have already happened and continue to happen -- things like wars, earthquakes, changes in the sun and moon. But, more than warning us, Jesus gives us consolation and shelter in the midst of this shaken life. He speaks of the end of the world, not to cause fear but to show us that no matter what situation in which we find ourselves, He is always with us and will never leave us.

The joy we have in knowing we are safe comes from what Christ has already done. He paid the price for our sins by dying on the cross and rising from death so that our sins will be forgiven and we will have eternal life in heaven.

Let us lift up our heads and rejoice when the catastrophes of this world bring fear for our redemption is drawing near!

THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for the love and comfort You have sent us in Your Son, Jesus. Help us to lay all our fears on Him. Amen.

Biography of Author:
Lindolfo Osvino Zuse, vice-president and secretary of Emanuel Parish congregation, wrote this devotion. With offices in Asuncion since 2000, Lutheran Hour Ministries -- known locally as Cristo Para Todas las Naciones ("Christ for all Nations" or CPTLN) -- conducts Gospel outreach to the citizens of Paraguay through Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC), Equipping The Saints (ETS) and Project JOEL.

"Beautiful"

July 25, 2009



And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11



Would you say you're pretty or handsome? More than likely you think of yourself as average and unexceptional.

No matter where you rank yourself, few would be eager to join the group of self-named "uglies" who picketed a major airline's ticket office not so long ago. They were protesting what they felt to be alleged discrimination against hiring people who weren't attractive.

The group, "Uglies Unlimited," was formed to fight prejudice against ugly people. The president of the group said, "We just want to be accepted for who we are instead of what we look like."

That's a pretty tall order.

In truth, most of us make our first evaluations of others on the basis of what they look like. On the other hand, most of us give thanks when we find someone who loves us and accepts us on the basis of who we are, rather than just first-impression, outside appearances.

These people are special, and we need to let them know they're appreciated.

Chief among those who love us for who we are, and not what we look like, is the Lord. His willingness to see us for who we ought to be, and His dedication to making that transformation possible is one of the reasons God makes an impact on so many people.

The Lord is indifferent to what we look like on the outside and cares only that we are beautiful on the inside. And for those of us who feel their insides are pretty ugly, filled with sadness and despair, there is the good news that God is willing to transform us through His Son. Because of Jesus' life, suffering, death, and resurrection all who believe on Him are washed, cleaned, forgiven, and saved.

This is just another way of saying we who have been fearfully and wonderfully remade by the Savior never need to picket heaven.


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, You delight in me as Your child. Thank You, my God, for sending Your Son to transform me into a saved and forgiven soul. May all those who see me see the beauty of the Savior. In His Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour

Wouldn't it be nice if we could accept people by who there are and not what they look like?!

Thank You Lord for doing that for us.

It would be nice if people could except for what God is making us to be also Gary, sometimes it is hard for people to accept that. Some people want us to be who they think we should be instead.

"Abide"

July 26, 2009



Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21



Some of us have come to believe doing nothing is one of the great pleasures of life.

Doing nothing is something at which Melody Schick is very good. Not so very long ago, Melody, dressed as a rag doll, sat on a revolving platform in a Dallas shopping center.

Thousands of people gathered to watch Melody sit and do nothing.

For five hours and forty-three boring minutes Melody sat and did nothing. Then, at the end of that time, Melody rose, tried to smile, and left the platform as the proud possessor of the world's record for sitting still and doing nothing.

Now the purpose of this devotion is not to get you to start thinking, "I bet I could beat that record." Nor is it to encourage husbands and wives to say, "Melody is an amateur at doing nothing compared to my spouse."

Of course, such an observation may be right.

There are a lot of folks who work very hard at doing nothing -- even more who like to observe others doing nothing.

What a waste. Each of us has been given gifts from God -- gifts He wishes us to use for a purpose.

Now, it's possible that doing nothing may be Melody's gift. However, doing nothing is not the kind of life to which all of us should aspire. The Lord sent His Son to save us. Now, the Holy Spirit equips us to do His will, to work that which is pleasing in His sight.

Now, I don't know what that might mean for you, but I'm pretty sure the Lord has something for you to do today. May you do that something to the glory of Jesus Christ.


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to do Your work while there is time to do it. When a job needs to be done, and You have given me the talents to do it, may I tackle it willingly and joyfully. This I ask in the Name of Jesus who did everything so I might be saved. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries

"Thou Shalt Not"

July 27, 2009



For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24



According to www.insurance.com, 80 percent of auto accidents take place because of distractions.

Not only does the Web site share that very believable figure, they also list some of the most obvious distractions.

For example, they share the "ten most dangerous foods" a safe driver ought to avoid when behind the wheel.

Having read the article, I now know a person shouldn't drink coffee or eat hamburgers when behind the wheel. (I can almost hear the groans going up from our German and Scandinavian readers when they hear that first one.)

And although I never considered myself as having lived a sheltered life, it never occurred to me to indulge in many of the other items on the list. For example, a safe driver shouldn't drink soup like coffee, since soup spills. Nor should he or she indulge in chomping down some tacos.

It also never occurred to me to eat a chili dog, barbecued ribs, or any kind of fried chicken when driving. Still, those foods are on the list. So are jelly donuts and soda, which can fizz the nose.

Do any of these sound familiar to you? Rounding out the list of things to be avoided is chocolate. According to the article, chocolate can melt in your hands and make the steering wheel slippery.

They don't say anything about M&Ms®, which "melt in your mouth, not in your hand!"

So, there you have the list of foods to avoid. The question is, "Will you avoid eating every one of those foods when driving?"

I'm guessin' probably not. People will break these ten commandments, just as they break the Lord's.

When it comes to God's rules, we may know something isn't good for us. We may even acknowledge some things aren't right for us or are dangerous for us, but we do them anyway.

That disobedient spirit is part of our sinful nature. We think we know better than God does; we
believe His rules don't apply to us; we feel secure in thinking nobody is going to tell us what to do.

This is why we, when left to our own devices, are headed in the wrong direction eternally. It is also why we need the Savior. If we are to be forgiven of our sins and justified before the Lord, it will only be because Jesus has taken our punishment and given Himself as our substitute.

THE PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, forgive me for thinking I know better than You. Also accept my thanks for sending Your Son who took my punishment so I might be forgiven. Now, I pray, that Your will shall also be mine. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries

This hit my eating routine , I try to stay on my diet to please God to having a better temple for him but my wants seem to get bigger than my control of what I have planned. I do exactly what I don't want to do, knowing that is what I am doing! I really don't make any sense to myself for overeating or eating the wrong foods and then I do the one thing Jesus does not want me to do, I hate myself.

"For What Purpose"

July 28, 2009



And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us. . . . Ephesians 5:2a



A week or so ago, when I was at the 92nd convention of the International Lutheran Laymen's League (the organization which sponsors these devotions), I came across an article in the Greensboro News & Record.

The story told how Danielle Starr and Anthony Mohney were married for one whole day. For one day the couple became husband and wife. Then, on the second day, Anthony died of cancer.

The story went on to tell how Anthony's hospice team had planned the wedding and how the businessmen of that wonderful North Carolina community had graciously given everything necessary for the couple to get hitched -- even the rings.

The story spoke of how Danielle, who had been told Anthony would soon die of his illness, had assured him, saying, "I'd rather be married to you for one day, than not at all."

My first reaction to that story was to cry. It was a beautiful human-interest story.

My second reaction to the story was to ask a few questions: Why did they bother? Why did a jeweler give away some expensive rings? Why did the folks who catered the meal offer up their services? Why did the tux people not charge for the rental? Why bother to do any of this if you're sure one of the principals is going to die?

These were questions that bothered me -- a lot.

Turning from what this very special bride and groom had done, my thoughts went to the Savior. I asked many of the same questions about Him I had asked about the newlyweds. Why did Jesus come into this world? After all, He knew how things would end up. He knew a friend would betray Him; He knew He would be rejected; He knew He would be beaten, whipped, crowned with thorns, and nailed to the cross.

Why did Jesus come if He knew He was going to die?

The answer to why the bride and groom got married and to why Jesus entered this world is the same: they were in love.

Danielle loved Anthony, and she was willing to suffer a great deal to be with him. The same is true for Jesus. So we could be with Him, Jesus was willing to live, suffer, and die for us. Now, because of what He did, we can be forgiven, saved, and with Him forever. Because of what Jesus did, the story of Danielle and Anthony isn't over.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, for having a great love for me, I praise You. I am unworthy, but I give thanks for Your commitment, care, and sacrifice that saves me. In Your Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,


Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries

"The Best Construction"

July 29, 2009



You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. Exodus 20:16



"Christians in one Indian state are once again targets of radical Hindus." That was how an article carried on www.onenewsnow.com began.

The story went on to tell how believers in Orissa, India, had been attacked by a mob of 40 to 50 weapon-carrying people. It seems the vigilantes were upset because Christians there wouldn't participate in a Hindu festival.

You might note this is the same charge, which was brought against early Christians who refused to make a sacrifice to the heathen gods of Rome, Greece, and Egypt.

According to the article, the mob broke into Christian homes and began to beat our brothers and sisters. Then the fanatics tried to find -- and promised to kill -- the local pastor.

It's the kind of story that is repeated so often I don't generally report it in the Daily Devotion.

But this story was different. It had an added element.

This story had an element of hope. The man who heads up the local missionaries said, "some of the people who do the persecuting are some of the first believers to be added to the Church . . . the response of these (persecuted) believers . . . stirs these people's hearts and . . . God uses that to draw them to Himself."

I was amazed to hear those words.

The man did something Luther said all of us should do: he resisted condemning all Hindus and he didn't bear false witness. On the contrary, he put the best construction on everything.
Knowing the same Savior who conquered sin, death, and devil could also conquer hateful, human hearts, he spoke no words of anger.

There is nothing in his statements that calls for revenge or withdrawing the missionaries to a place of safety. He doesn't demand the authorities get those Hindus.

From beginning to end, the man showed his complete and utter faith in the Lord. In doing so he shared something that we know, that we believe, but that we often forget.

Putting the best construction on everything, he told anyone who listened that Jesus' redeemed children are victors.

As Luther might have said, "This is most certainly true."

THE PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, give me a faith that sees You are in control. Help me point people to the Savior rather than giving into my desire for revenge. Help me put the best construction on everything so the lost may see the living Savior. In His Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries

"The Greatest Achievement"

July 30, 2009



Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27



Most of us, when we look back on our lives, can remember a few special moments -- moments that made us proud, or less embarrassed than usual.

Recently, CNN asked a question to people in Berlin, Madrid, Rome, Bangkok, Tokyo, New Delhi, and Paris. CNN asked, "What is humanity's greatest achievement?"

As might be expected, the answers were pretty diverse.

Some said "fire" was the best thing humankind had ever done; others said the "wheel" ought to qualify as our outstanding accomplishment. More than a few said it was the "airplane," or "printing," or "landing a man on the moon," or the "computer."

Then there were other responses, what I think are less obvious answers. Some people said "architecture" or "sanitation" or even "video games" were our highest achievement. That video game man explained his thinking by saying that "video games allow us to live in whatever world we want."

Perhaps the most interesting reply came from a man who said, "Peace . . . peace would be the greatest achievement for all."

Of course, peace is a pretty hard thing to come by -- an even harder thing to keep.

Students of history say there are very few years that don't see the outbreak of a major conflict between nations. Personally, most people seem to be dissatisfied with the way their lives are going.

In truth, peace is a pretty rare commodity.

This is precisely why we need the Savior. Sinful humanity cannot -- on its own -- achieve personal or public peace. It is a dream, a hope, an idea, but without Jesus, that really is all it will ever be.

Yes, we need Jesus. We need Him who gave His life so we might have life. We need His perfect substitution, which fulfills the God's Law and forgives our sins. We need a living Lord because with Him in our heart, we will never be alone.

We need Jesus. We need the Savior who gives us a lasting peace, a complete peace, a peace the world, for all its claims, will never be able to bestow. We need the peace of Jesus, which removes our fears and troubles.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, there are many things that try to frighten us, which will try to ruin our days and our lives. As Christians, we know the world cannot give us something it simply does not have. If we are to be given lasting peace, we will find it only in the crucified, risen, and ever-present Savior. It is in Your Name we pray it. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,


Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries

"Clothe Yourselves"

July 31, 2009



Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Romans 13:13-14



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 of The Lutheran Hour



Though Christians are forgiven by the grace of God, they certainly are not beyond sinning. The apostle Paul knew this when he wrote to the Christians in Rome that they needed to "clothe" themselves "with the Lord Jesus Christ," rather than partake in debauchery and gratify the desires of the flesh through immoral sexual behavior.

Conducting ourselves as Christians means showing love and concern for one's brothers and sisters in Christ and compassion for those who do not yet know their Savior. It also means what we do, how we act, and the way we come across to people is a significant part of our witness as well. For dedicated Christians, shunning participation in orgies, drunkenness, sexual immorality, and the rest should be an easy call. Paul, however, reminds his readers that the first battles against such behavior begin in the mind: "and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature."

Yet, sorrowfully, daily we do. We not only think about old, dead nature desires, we coddle them, get comfortable with them, rationalize them, and let them get the best of us. We sin.

But thanks be to God for His Son Jesus. In Him there is forgiveness. In Him there is the newness of life that transforms us into reliable witnesses for Him. In Him -- Him alone -- there is a complete victory over "the desires of the sinful nature."

THE PRAYER: Jesus, please help us find release from our past sins and trust in the forgiveness You have won for us on the cross at Calvary, that we may become free to live life in fullness for You. Clothe us with Your Holy Spirit and strengthen us in our witness. In Your Name we pray. Amen.

Biography of Author:
Christel Scharlach is the director of Lutheran Hour Ministries-South Africa with its office in Johannesburg. In addition to Equipping the Saints (ETS), Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC), and a performing arts program, LHM-South Africa conducts an active prison ministry providing spiritual counseling and support.


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