OCTOBER ~ Daily Devotion
 

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"Care For Your Body"

October 2, 2009



Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17



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



According to a popular story, a pilgrim decided to find the "Country of Truth." When the day of departure arrived, he slung his backpack over his shoulder and started out. How long some of the days felt! However, what great expectations filled his heart! Some of the days were wonderful: the landscape, the road and, above all, his travelling companions made for a great trip. Whenever he needed to renew his strength, he would stop by the roadside with his companions.

These breaks were absolutely essential in order to rest and eat, but he knew he could not take too many or he would never reach his goal. And so, day after day, month after month, rest after rest, the pilgrim continued until he reached his destination.

He was happy in the Country of Truth and every year he would undertake a fresh journey towards new destinations. In preparation, he had to train his body in order to reach his goal.

To be physically fit is certainly an emphasis in the world we live. Participating in sports, going to the gym, walking, being mindful of diet -- all these things help establish a fit body. Our body, however, is not our exclusive property, but belongs to God, who gave it to us. Above all, it is His body because He has bought it at a very high price: the blood of His Son, Jesus. This body we have is no longer ours, but God's, who inhabits it, as Paul writes in Corinthians: "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?"

To destroy our body is to destroy something sacred God gives us. Therefore, let us not just care for its physical appearance, but let us also take every precaution to prevent harming it. Let us protect it from accidents and fights, excess drinking, cigarettes and drugs, excess food or exaggerated diets.

Let the fact of being a child of God, purchased by Christ, and being the temple of the living God in this world, be a challenge and lead you to care for your body and your health every day.

THE PRAYER: Beloved Father, keep us in Your care that we may always be able to serve You and love You with our body, soul, mind, and spirit, living and giving with joy. Amen.

Biography of Author:
This devotion was written by Guillermo Herigert, a Lutheran pastor in Uruguay. As a Lutheran Hour Ministries' volunteer, he works with LHM-Uruguay, a ministry established in 1999 serving this country of more than three million from its office in Montevideo. Programs like Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC), Project JOEL, and Equipping the Saints (ETS) help spread the Gospel in this South American country.

"Temptation"

October 3, 2009



Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial. . . . James 1:12a



It doesn't make much difference how old you are, temptation can always be a problem.

Temptation was the problem for the ten-year-old boy whose parents told him not to go to a movie. You need not be a rocket scientist to guess that movie was the place where mom and dad found their son the following Saturday.

As they drove home, the mother took the role of parental spokesperson. With her voice showing an appropriate mixture of sadness and icy coldness, she said, "Young man, I want, I mean we want an answer. We told you not to go to that movie. Whatever possessed you to disobey us and do that?"

She didn't wait for his reply. She was on a roll and continued, "You knew we wouldn't be happy. You knew we would have to punish you. Why? Why would you break your mother's heart?"

Eventually, mom ran out of steam and that pause gave the boy an opportunity to share his well-rehearsed explanation.

He said, "Mom, it's not my fault. I just couldn't help myself. I was out on the street when I first smelled that popcorn. I wanted to smell it better. That's why I walked up to the ticket booth. I wasn't going to go in. I wouldn't disobey you. But the outside entrance of the theater was so slick from all the buttered popcorn spilt over the years, I just slid inside.

Then, trying to change the subject, the boy asked, "I think that's dangerous for older people, don't you? We ought to put up a sign or go and tell somebody. Who should we tell?"

Like the boy, people from mankind's first days have been sliding inside to temptation and doing all manner of things they shouldn't. Understand, your temptation may not be mine, and ours may not do anything for the person next door. Even so, we all have sins into which we slide.

This really takes us to the point of this devotion. If you have a personal temptation that has been hard to shake -- a propensity to sin you've not been able to conquer on your own -- help is available.

The Lord Jesus wishes, through His sinless sacrifice and His ongoing presence, to change you.

Those who are turned to Him in faith find He has the ability not only to forgive sins of the past, but the desire to fix your future as well.

For such a transformation, for victory over temptation we pray the words below:


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"




THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, the devil has had a lot of practice at tempting souls. Sadly, he has a lot of success in getting us to sin. This is why I need Your help, Your forgiveness, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Strengthen me so I may resist sin and Satan and bear witness to the transforming power of Your love. In Your Name. Amen.


In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

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

"Imperfections"

October 4, 2009



"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. Isaiah 1:18



People will do a great deal to cover their sins and shortcomings.

Not so long ago a lady who is director of adult education at a community college shared the sad story of a man who had came to her and confessed he couldn't read.

It wasn't the man's inability to read that surprised her.

What was amazing is the man's wife of eleven years didn't know her husband couldn't read.

How had he kept her in the dark? That's easy. Every night after dinner the man went into the living room, held a newspaper in front of his face and, for an hour, pretended to read.

Finally, when the man couldn't stand his cover-up any longer, he decided to do something. He decided to learn how to read.

In his actions that man could easily be the poster boy for humanity. Most of us, like that man, try to cover up our shortcomings. We all want to maximize our good and minimize our bad.

Sadly, when it comes to sin, covering up is just about all we can do. We are completely and utterly helpless to do anything more than masquerading, camouflaging, and smoke-screening our transgressions.

It is only the Lord who has the power to erase our sins. Only through the substitution of the heaven-sent Savior can our scarlet sins be made white as snow.

So, if you have a sinful shortcoming that doesn't seem to go away, try giving it to the Lord. Because of Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and ongoing presence, forgiveness has been given to millions.

Forgiveness can also be given to one more -- you.


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, a long procession of sinners has stood before You. I give thanks that You have, in the Person of Your Son, offered forgiveness to them all. Now, may I rejoice in that blood-bought gift of grace that has changed my life and my eternity. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

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

"The Obvious"

October 6, 2009



The wise men shall be put to shame; they shall be dismayed and taken; behold, they have rejected the Word of the LORD, so what wisdom is in them? Jeremiah 8:9



NOTE: PASTOR KLAUS IS ON JURY DUTY THIS WEEK, SO THESE DEVOTIONS WERE WRITTEN BEFORE HIS TIME OF SERVICE. PLEASE EXCUSE THE FACT THAT THEY MAY NOT BE BASED ON CURRENT OR NEWSWORTHY EVENTS.

Scripture's evaluation is clear: God isn't all that impressed with the wisdom of humankind.

That's what Jeremiah was saying when the Holy Spirit inspired him to write that the wise who reject the Word of the Lord will be put to shame.

In truth, we're not as smart as we think we are. As evidence of that, I refer to a story about the great detective Sherlock Holmes and his colleague Dr. Watson.

The story begins with them going on a camping trip, setting up their tent, building a campfire, and turning in for the night.

Hours later, Holmes wakes his friend and says, "Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see." Watson replies, "I see millions of stars." Sherlock says: "What does that tell you?" Watson thinks for a moment. "Astronomically speaking, it tells me there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. The positions of the stars tell me it is roughly four-thirty. Meteorologically, it indicates we will have a beautiful day tomorrow." Then Watson asks, "So, Holmes, what does it tell you?"

Holmes was silent for a moment and then he said, "It tells me, dear Watson, that someone has stolen our tent."

While all of us benefit from and rejoice in God's gifts that come to us through advances in technology and medicine, we also must admit that the world, like Dr. Watson, sometimes misses the obvious.

Here are some obvious examples:

· We often miss the fact that we are, by nature, helpless sinners.

· We often forget that if we are to be forgiven and saved it will only be through faith in the crucified and risen Savior.

· We often fail to remember that although medicine can often provide help and healing, death still comes to us all. We forget that advancements in technology may make life easier, but eternal life is only going to come through faith in Jesus.

So then, what is true wisdom and where is it to be found?

The book of Job provides the answer when it says, " ... Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil, is understanding" (Job 28:28b).

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, truly every good gift, including wisdom and technology, comes from You. May I be grateful for these things and for the gift of salvation that is mine through the risen Savior's suffering and sacrifice. In Jesus' Name. Amen.


In Christ I remain His servant and yours,


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

"Greatness"

October 7, 2009



He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. . . . Luke 1:32a



NOTE: PASTOR KLAUS IS ON JURY DUTY THIS WEEK, SO THESE DEVOTIONS WERE WRITTEN BEFORE HIS TIME OF SERVICE. PLEASE EXCUSE THE FACT THAT THEY MAY NOT BE BASED ON CURRENT OR NEWSWORTHY EVENTS.

By now most of you have heard of the 19-pound, 2-ounce baby who was born in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Although his size didn't establish a world record, he was, at birth, quite a handful.

· The doctor who officiated said the baby's size made the caesarean delivery difficult.

· One of the people ministering to the baby said: "He's got a strong appetite; it's almost non-stop feeding."

· Another person commented, "This baby boy is extraordinary; the way he's crying is not like a usual baby. It's really loud."

Radio and TV talk shows, comedians, Internet commentators, and Web blogs have all had a field day with this child. When hosts from NBC's Today Show began making jokes about the oversized baby, Ann Curry went the opposite direction. She noted the oversized child might be a special gift to his mother.

Listening to the variety of comments about this baby reminded me of the diversity of opinions which were voiced when Jesus was born. The angel Gabriel said Jesus would be "great" and Mary knew He would change the world. The night Jesus was born, the shepherds went to see the Savior and, later, the Magi looked for the King of the Jews. But when Herod thought of Jesus, he could only see some kingly competition for his throne.

Looking at Jesus, Simeon, by the Holy Spirit's power, rightly commented the newborn Child was the Lord's salvation that God had "prepared in the presence of all peoples" (Luke 2:31b).

Two thousand years later, things haven't changed. People still have differing opinions about who Jesus was, about what He did, and as to what His importance is. It will be that way until the end.

As for me and my house, we will continue to look into the Bethlehem manger, stand before Calvary's cross, and run to the empty tomb. Then, having seen, we will know and share this truth: Jesus is God's crucified and risen Son; He is humanity's substitute and Savior.

No matter what the opinions of others, that is who Jesus was; that is who Jesus is for all who see Him with eyes of faith.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, I will never understand the grace that brought You into this world. Even without understanding, I give thanks for the forgiveness -- and the salvation You have given to me. Now, may others be granted the ability to see You with eyes of faith. In Your Name. Amen.

Lutheran Hour Ministries and the Lutheran Women's Missionary League are conducting two women's ministry surveys, one for pastors and one for women. To take one of the surveys--click here!


In Christ I remain His servant and yours,



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

"Quieted By Love"

October 8, 2009



The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty One who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love. Zephaniah 3:17



NOTE: PASTOR KLAUS IS ON JURY DUTY THIS WEEK, SO THESE DEVOTIONS WERE WRITTEN BEFORE HIS TIME OF SERVICE. PLEASE EXCUSE THE FACT THAT THEY MAY NOT BE BASED ON CURRENT OR NEWSWORTHY EVENTS.

The following is a totally made-up story that some may find amusing. I do.

According to this totally made-up story, Sam was having a tough time of it. His business was failing; his wife was leaving him; he couldn't meet his mortgage payments.

As if that were not enough, on his way to work Sam was involved in an accident. The accident wasn't his fault, but that doesn't change the fact that Sam's car was totaled. As he sat on the curb waiting for the wrecker to tow his vehicle, Sam was informed that the other fellow -- the fellow who caused the accident -- had allowed his insurance to lapse.

That's when Sam looked up to heaven and asked, "Lord, why me?" In reply, a big voice boomed out of the sky saying: "Well, Sam, the truth is, I just don't like you very much."

Now the reason that story makes me smile is because it is so totally, absolutely, completely impossible. It could never happen. It couldn't happen because the Lord loves the sinners of this world.

I know that fact should be obvious, but the truth is there are times when most of us feel we are living the life of Sam. Minor difficulties and major problems seem to stalk us from the moment we get up until the time we go to bed to endure a sleepless night.

There are times when many of us feel God doesn't like us very much.

When that happens, we need to remember the Lord's love is constant. Because the Lord loved the proto-sinners, Adam and Eve, He promised to send His Son to be their Savior.

Because He loved the man who was going to betray Him, Jesus kept reaching out to Judas.
And the Lord loves each of us.

No matter what today's circumstances might seem to indicate, no matter how difficult things may be, you can be confident the Lord wishes to do what is right and best for you. The manger, the cross, and the empty tomb tell humanity that God wishes to forgive, to save, to help, to restore, and to provide hope.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, grant me the faith to believe it is the world's sinfulness, not Your disfavor, which causes the pains of life. Send Your Holy Spirit so my faith might confidently trust You and the faithfulness of Your love. In Jesus' Name. Amen.


In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

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

"Economic Crisis And Faith"

October 9, 2009



Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He (Jesus) gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to His disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. Mark 6:41



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



People around the world are concerned about their countries' economies. They are worried about employment loss and having sufficient income to keep their homes or to purchase the necessities of life. Unfortunately, we can concentrate on these problems so much we forget Jesus' promise that God will not give us burdens heavier than we can handle. God tells us to pray without ceasing. In His kindness, our Heavenly Father allows us to come to Him with our problems through prayer, but we do not always communicate with Him as we should.

The Lord tells us to imitate the birds of the air. They neither worry about the cares of tomorrow or where their food will come from. Yet, the Lord provides for them. And He has promised to take even better care of us.

As we go to Him in faith and trust in Him to care for us, He calms our fears and helps us face our problems and concerns with the assurance that, with God, nothing is impossible. If God did not spare His only Son but offered Him as a sacrifice to win our eternal redemption, surely He will generously provide for our every need here on earth.

THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, be our guide in this difficult time. We leave our problems in Your hands and trust that the afflictions of this present age are nothing compared with the glory of paradise You have promised us. We glorify Your Name through Your dear Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Biography of Author:
Citia Karina, a volunteer with Lutheran Hour Ministries-Nicaragua, wrote this devotion. As an elementary school teacher, she is active in teaching the Bible to children and young people. In Nicaragua, LHM works with Project JOEL, radio ministry outreach, Equipping the Saints (ETS), and Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC).


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


In Christ I remain His servant and yours,


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

"Help"

October 10, 2009



But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12: 9a



There are times when a person just doesn't want help.

That's the way it was for Signor Dorando, the champion Italian long distance runner who participated in the 1908 Olympics.

With 30 yards to go, Dorando was two laps ahead of everyone else.

That's when Dorando collapsed.

If he had crawled, Dorando might have won the race; but Dorando didn't crawl.

The friendly crowd urged him on after the champion had staggered back to his feet.

A well-wishing supporter put his hand on Dorando's back to steady him. The fan didn't shove or push, he just steadied. The action was enough.

The judges disqualified Dorando because he had been helped.

Dorando can tell you: there are times when we don't want help. But there are more times when we need the help of an expert.

When a student is stumped on a problem; he needs help. When we have a flat tire in a rainstorm, we welcome assistance. At such times it's good to have someone stop and say, "Can I be of service?"

That is exactly what God has done for us. Seeing our helpless condition, the Lord sent His Son to "be of service'. It was a gracious, Godly act which cost the Savior His life. Still, because of what Jesus has done, all who believe on Him are forgiven and blessed with the gift of eternal life.

Which makes this devotion a reminder: there are times when we don't want to be helped, but sometimes, like when it comes to being saved, we need all the help we can get.

THE PRAYER: Dear Savior, when it came to saving myself, I was weak and helpless. That I have been rescued from sin, death, and devil is due to Your great sacrifice. Now, may I, with a thankful spirit, give You honor and glory. In Your Name. Amen.


In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

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

"Supporting Others"

October 11, 2009



By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 18Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3: 16-18



Most of you would agree, 'Life is filled with all kinds of nasty nuisances.'

Most of the time we can't or choose not to do anything about such inconveniences.

Of course... there is that man in New Jersey who lives by the side of a great national highway.

Recently, he was seen out in the middle of the thoroughfare. Keeping one eye on the traffic, he kept the other on a large hole which he was filling up.

He had to dump, and tamp down, the contents of four five-gallon pails before he managed to have that hole filled.

When a reporter asked him, "Why?" the man had a reply.

He said, "Filling the hole took me only a few minutes... but I probably saved motorists hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars in repair bills. It was a job which needed to be done, and I wasn't all that busy."

Impressed? Me, too. Are you more impressed if I tell you that man doesn't own a car?

In our text for today, John reminds Christians that they are to reflect the love and sacrifice of the Savior to those around them.

In short, we shouldn't just complain about, swear at, or leave untouched the potholes we come across.

Motivated by Jesus' gift of salvation and forgiveness we should do something to help smooth out the road for others. As John said, "let us not love in word or talk... but in deed and in truth."

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, for a Savior who has, through His life, suffering, death, and rising fixed the road which leads to heaven, may I be thankful. Further, may my thanks show itself in doing what can be done for others. In Jesus' Name, Amen.


In Christ I remain His servant and yours,



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

"No Church For The Nones"

October 12, 2009



Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15



Do you know somebody who is a "Nones?"

In truth, I didn't know what a "Nones" was until I read the Dallas news story which spoke of Americans who don't identify with any religion. The "Nones" get that name because when they're asked about their religious affiliation they say, "None."

The rest of the article gave the explanations of experts as to why someone might be a "Nones."

One scholar said "In the news media "Christians" are routinely depicted as narrow-minded bigots bent on keeping out anyone who is the slightest bit different. They are defined by what they are against, not by what they stand for. Love is rarely talked about while judgment is always talked about.

Another said, Christianity has been used historically as an excuse for pogroms, wars, crusades, Inquisitions, and others terrible things.

Yet another suggested, 'over the last 50 years (is that) people are finding supportive communities in many forms, from book clubs to rugby clubs, and religion seems not only "outgrown" but unnecessary.'

One final expert (that I'm going to share) said, "Religion has done a poor job generally of answering the difficult questions about the mysteries of human existence and the meaning or purpose of life in the face of a world that has lost its imagination."

According to these experts, Christians haven't done much of anything right. And if they're right, that's a shame.

Maybe that's why St. Paul encouraged Timothy (and us) to do our best, to become, by the Holy Spirit's power, a worker who needs not be ashamed, rightly sharing God's Word of truth and eternal life.

St. Paul was right. All too often, and unfair as it may be, unbelievers judge the Savior by what we His servants do and say.

That's why, as we take seriously the job Jesus has entrusted to us, we need to be good mirrors for our Redeemer, doing our best to accurately reflect the gracious sacrifice of the Savior to those "Nones" who constantly are looking for reasons not to need or believe in Him.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, for the sacrifice You have made, I give thanks. Now may I, in word and action, show to the "Nones" the wonders of the salvation Your life, death, and resurrection have given. In Your Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,


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

"No Church For Me"

October 13, 2009



And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25



Walt Disney is trying to do a good thing.

Disney is giving a free day's admission to the first 1 million guests who spend a day doing volunteer work.

Of course there are those who look upon Disney's gesture with a skeptical eye.
For example, Duncan Dickson, an instructor in theme park management, a school of study which I didn't know existed, says the idea is a "smart marketing move."

He also says Disney is going to get a ton of free publicity. I can't argue with that since this Daily Devotion is already sharing the story with tens of thousands of people.

To top off his critique of the Disney offer, Dickson said, they'll make their money in other ways. After all, he commented, "You make a lot of money in popcorn and T-shirts and other things."

When the writer to the Hebrews wrote his epistle, he knew nothing of popcorn and T-shirts.
On the other hand he did know what Christians are supposed to do.

Christians are supposed to stir each other up so they might reflect the love of the Lord Jesus to others.
Christians are supposed to stir each other up to the doing of good deeds.
Christians are supposed to encourage each other, to support each other in fellowship and worship.

Why? Because the world's clock and our individual timepiece is ticking away. The Lord Jesus who gave Himself for our salvation is coming back. He who suffered, died, and rose so we might be saved has entrusted us to share His story with others.

It's a job. We're glad to do. After all, we want people to be ready for that unknown day and hour. We want them to be in heaven with us.

After all, given a choice between having my family and friends spend a day at Disney or an eternity in paradise... well, that's just not much of a choice.

After all, Disney can only advertise itself as being the happiest place on earth...

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord let my actions show to others the importance of the Savior's salvation. Before the Day of Judgment comes, may I witness to those around me the love and grace He gives. This I ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.


In Christ I remain His servant and yours,


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

"Real Learning"

October 14, 2009



You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:7



In March 2009, President Obama said longer school days and shorter summer vacations might be the key to helping America improve our standing among the world's educated nations.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan agrees with the President.

Recently Duncan said, since America is no longer agrarian the children are no longer needed on family farms. He also noted "poor children, whose parents cannot afford private summer school or tutors, tend to forget what they learned in the previous school year over the summer break."

There may well be some truth in what they say.

On the other hand, anyone who has ever been in school for any length of time has had the opportunity of learning under great teachers and those who were less motivating.

I don't know if spending more time with a mediocre teacher who is teaching a mediocre curriculum is going to elevate America's standings in the global arena.

Although it may sound foolish in its simplicity, an excellent education is the result of excellent teachers enthusiastically imparting superior subject matter to students who have been motivated at home.

Which is exactly the point of our text from Deuteronomy. The all-knowing Lord told His people to educate their children on the really important things of life. From break until end of day they were to share the story of God's love.

The Lord knew that while our children may learn many other things, they will never learn anything more important than the tale of God's sacrifice.

This is a command from God which still has not changed.

If our children learn nothing else from us, they need to know that the Father has sent His Son to seek and save the lost sinners of this world.

There is no lesson which will ever be as needed, as important, as long lasting as the one which says, "For God so loved the world, he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (KJV)

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord for giving me a teacher, a parent, someone who imparted the story of salvation to me, my thanks. Now, in my time, may I pass the message of salvation to those who come after me. In Jesus' name. Amen.


In Christ I remain His servant and yours,



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

"Depending On You"

October 15, 2009



Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12: 17-18



Readers of the Daily Devotion will note that I haven't mentioned the Islamic rally which took place on Capital Hill.

It was hard not to address the subject as my mailbox has been filled with correspondence of Christians who feared the gathering. While promoters of the event hoped for 50,000 participants, only three-to-five-thousand showed up.

Now there is a reason why I haven't spoken about the event until now. In the United States every religion has a right to peacefully assemble when and where they wish.

And there is also a reason why the subject of that rally is being addressed now. No. it's not because of violence, or because of what was said. The truth is, as far as I have been told, there was no violence and there were many nice speeches made at the event.

But there was one thing which wasn't said at that event: nobody condemned the worldwide violence of radical Islam. Yes, it's true; most followers of the prophet are nice, peaceful people.

But it's also true that as long as the silent majority of Islam remains silent, the radicals will dictate and determine the future.

It has always been that way.

To verify that fact we need only look at the terrible hurt of Germany in the 1930s and the world in the 1940s. When good people are silent, the devil wins.

Which is why Christians have a responsibility to say that which is right and good. That's the Lord's wisdom St. Paul was passing on to the Roman church and us.

As far as it depends on us, we who have been redeemed by the Lamb's suffering and sacrifice should do what is honorable in the sight of all.

As far as it depends on us, the representatives of the Savior should live peaceably with all.

After all, the cross and the empty tomb are enough to offend the world. We don't need to add anything more on our own to make them hate us.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord let any offense I give to others be a witness to the suffering, the sacrifice the Savior has done for me. May all who meet me also see the wonderful love You have shown in the Redeemer's resurrection. In His Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,


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

"God's Word At Work"

October 16, 2009



For the Word of God is living and active . . . . Hebrews 4:12a



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



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.



Pastor Klaus returns
again tomorrow.

"Mission Possible"

October 17, 2009



For nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:37



Not so long ago I heard of a teacher who was asking her class this traditional, adult question: "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

Most of the class gave the traditional answers. One wanted to be president; another wanted to be a fireman; another wanted to be a police officer.

One by one they answered until it was Seth's turn to say what he was going to be when he was older.

Seth didn't respond as quickly as was his normal habit. Finally, the teacher asked him, "And Seth, what do you want to be when you grow up?"

Seth replied in one word: "Possible."

"Possible"? asked the teacher.

"Yes, I want to be possible." Seth said again. "My mom is always telling me I'm impossible. When I grow up I want to become possible."

Are there things in your life that seem impossible? There are in mine. My eyes say I will never fly a commercial jetliner. Bodily aches and pains tell me my chance to be an Olympic medalist is over. There are a lot of impossibles in my life . . . and maybe some in yours as well.

I know one "impossible" which brings all of humanity together.

We cannot save ourselves. Yes, I know all the other religions of the world say you have to try; you have to strive; you have to work; you have to struggle to obtain forgiveness and heaven. But the truth is, it can't be done. Earning forgiveness, earning heaven is an impossibility, even for the best of us.

This is why -- if we are to be saved -- it will only be by the grace, the mercy, and the love of God that is shown in the Savior's sacrifice.

In that sacrifice the impossible becomes reality. Prostitutes and publicans, sinners and semi-saints are saved by the commitment of the Christ -- saved by grace, through faith. It is a cause to rejoice!


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, by the Holy Spirit, I have been given faith in Jesus. May my life reflect the joy that comes in knowing Christ has changed my impossible situation. Because of the Redeemer's sacrifice I am saved. Thank you, dear Lord. In Jesus' Name. Amen.



In Christ I remain His servant and yours,



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

"The Chapel"

October 18, 2009



(Jesus said) "It is written, 'My house shall be a house of prayer. . . .'" Luke 19:46b



Ain't technology grand?

You just never know what science is going to come up with and what need it's going to answer. It seems as if there's nothing man can't do when he sets his mind to it.

Indeed, from what statistics say, there are many people who think of God as being irrelevant.

This reminds me of a time, years ago, when Long Island's Camp Upton was converted into a research base. The job of the scientists employed there was to discover new uses for atomic power.

The camp really became quite a show place -- important enough for a herd of reporters to be given the 25-cent tour.

The scientist serving as host proudly pointed out the various buildings and explained how they were being used. He did an excellent job until the tour came to the chapel. That's where the group stopped and there was a silence.

Eventually, the scientist confessed, "We haven't found any use for that chapel."

One of the newsmen there that day later commented, "I saw Hiroshima. Maybe they ought to use that chapel."

That reporter hit the nail on the head. God has given many gifts to humankind. But no matter how far we may have come, no matter where we go, there are some things we just can't do.

We may prolong life, but we can't stop death. We can give medicine, but we can't offer eternal hope.

The truth is obvious: we need God.

He can do things for us nobody else can do. Through the sacrifice of His Son He has given us forgiveness, freedom, contentment, hope, and eternal life.

Maybe that chapel should have been used as a chapel back at Camp Upton.

And maybe, just maybe, our friends and family members, our neighbors and our coworkers, ought to use the church in their neighborhood too.


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, we give thanks for the blessings of technology. They, like all other bounties, are gifts from You. Now we pray that humanity may see its limitations and how much the world needs the Savior and the salvation His sacrifice bestows. Grant us humility and hope in Him. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

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

"Most Influential Man"

October 19, 2009



Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2



Many thanks to Mr. Ian Adnams, director of Communications for Lutheran Church-Canada for supplying this idea.

There is an Internet magazine that is rating the world's most influential men.

I wasn't surprised to see rulers, athletes, artists, and politicians on that list. I didn't even object when Simon Cowell from American Idol showed up in spot number five.

I did have a problem with the man who is holding the number one spot of "Most Influential Man."

Are you ready? No, you're not. You will never guess who it is.

Really, you won't.

According to this survey, the number one spot goes to Don Draper.

See, I told you. You didn't guess Don Draper because you probably don't know Don Draper. Actually, nobody knows Don Draper. Nobody knows Don Draper because Don is a fictional character on a TV program called, Mad Men.

Don Draper is supposed to be influential because he is a man's man -- a hard-working, hard-drinking, semi-moral, tries-real-hard kind of guy. He's the guy the rest of us guys are supposed to want to be like.

If I want to see someone worth emulating, all I have to do is look at the Savior. It is He who endured the cross and gave His life so I might be forgiven.

And if Jesus is out of range -- which He is -- I can give thanks for the cloud of witnesses who have surrounded me since I was young. There is my father, the Christian blacksmith; that's him in the picture above. There is Mel Rotermund, Al Dutcher, and a host of other Christian men who were also Christian teachers. There are retired pastors who gladly shared their wisdom, were always supportive, and never pushy. And the laypeople . . . well, I can't begin.

No, if I'm going to look for influential men, I don't have to go very far, and I certainly don't have to go to TV and made-up characters.

That's because I'm blessed I've known Christian men.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I give thanks You have surrounded me with Christian men who have not been ashamed of the Gospel or their Savior. They were not perfect, but they have been Your powerful witnesses. By the Spirit's power, may their numbers increase. In Jesus' Name, I ask it. Amen.


In Christ I remain His servant and yours,


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

"Peace Prize"

October 20, 2009



For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6



The list of names is an impressive one.

Let's see, there's the U.S. General George Marshall, and the organist-doctor from Africa, Albert Schweitzer. The Quakers are there as an organization, and John Raleigh Mott, chairman of the YMCA was not forgotten. Teddy Roosevelt would have been pleased to see his name wasn't left off the role call. Yes, Teddy is there, as is Jean Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross.

Now President Obama has had his name inscribed with the others who have also won the Noble Peace Prize.

The reaction to that news has been mixed.

There are those who say, "He doesn't deserve it," and others who reply, "Not yet."

As far as I'm concerned, the only important part of that news story is this: it pointed me back to the passage from Isaiah, the one that serves as our text for today's Daily Devotion.

Centuries before the Christ's birth in Bethlehem, Isaiah prophesied Jesus would be the heaven-sent Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace.

That's the part I want to zero in on: Jesus is the Prince of Peace -- the only Prince of Peace.

Truly, the Savior is unique. While these other individuals and organizations may dedicate their lives trying to bring about world peace, the results of their efforts have not proven to be successful in the long term.

On the other hand, the peace that comes to sinners through faith in Jesus' life, suffering, sacrifice, death, and resurrection is unique.

The forgiveness the Christ gives to troubled minds, the contentment He brings to hurting hearts is permanent, complete, and it is total.

And no other person on that list of Peace Prize winners -- not even the greatest -- will ever be able to lay claim to that prize. Jesus is -- and will always remain -- the one, the only, the divine Prince of Peace.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, Isaiah prophesied Your sacrifice would result in peace of mind, heart, and soul for all who believe. When You rose from the dead, You bestowed peace upon Your fearful disciples. For Your great gift of grace I give thanks. Now may You send Your Spirit as a powerful force that will touch lost souls. Grant them faith, forgiveness, and permanent peace. In Your Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,


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

"Imagine That"

October 21, 2009



For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. . . . no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:16; 20b-21



I admire the faith of French-British anthropologist Maurice Bloch.

Bloch, of the London School of Economics, believes that of all the animals, humans alone practice religion. They practice religion because humans alone have evolved imagination.

Bloch further believes our imagination evolved about some 50,000 years ago. This newly evolved imagination allowed people to believe in things like an eternal soul and other imaginary things -- like God.

Finally, Bloch also believes that "Once we realize this omnipresence of the imaginary in the everyday, nothing special is left to explain concerning religion. . . . "

That's just a nice way for Maurice to say that all the things I believe in are a figment of my imagination -- or a lot of people's imaginations.

Truly, I admire Bloch's faith. I don't agree with any of it, but I admire it. I admire it because, in his eagerness to explain away all that is spiritual, he is willing to make one giant leap of faith after another.

As for me, all I have to do is believe the Holy Spirit-inspired, eyewitness reports of the disciples. Long before Bloch and his doubts were ever born, the Holy Spirit inspired Peter to write, "we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. . . . "

So, if I understand rightly, the choices are these:

1. I can believe Maurice Bloch who, without any tangible proof, is telling me what happened 50,000 years ago.

Or

2. I can believe the disciples who lived less than 2,000 years ago and wrote down what they had seen.

Yup, I admire Bloch's leap of faith, but I think I will believe and follow the holy men of God who spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

THE PRAYER: Dear Father, if it be possible, let the wisdom and the creativity of the world be redirected to promoting the Savior rather than tearing Him down. This I ask in the Name of Jesus. Amen.


In Christ I remain His servant and yours,



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

"Do-Overs"

October 22, 2009



For the death He died He died to sin, once for all, but the life He lives He lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:10-11



It's been 200 years since he was born and 160 years since he was found aimlessly wandering the streets of Baltimore.

Obviously sick, he was taken to a city hospital, where he died a few days later.

A funeral was quickly arranged and the penniless man was buried. Seven people came to his farewell.

Over the years, friends of the ghoulish, the ghastly, the gruesome, and the grisly have concluded this was a poor way for Edgar Allan Poe to leave this world.

That's why Jeff Jerome, curator of the Poe Museum in Baltimore, recently arranged a "do-over" for Poe's funeral. That's right; a new funeral was given the deceased author. A life-sized model of Poe's body was put on display so visitors might pay their respects. The casket was loaded onto an old-style hearse and driven to Westminster Burying Ground. That's where the real Poe has resided for more than a century and a half.

It was a funeral do-over. Now I know a lot of folks who would love to have a funeral do-over for Jesus.

Irreverent rulers, other religions, atheistic and agnostic thinkers -- they have all expressed their willingness, their eagerness to stuff Jesus' body back in the tomb.

Indeed, in the early days of the Church the emperor Diocletian set up a stone pillar on which he had inscribed this prideful achievement: FOR HAVING EXTERMINATED THE NAME CHRISTIAN FROM THE EARTH. Today, it's not much different.

Of course, every enemy of the cross has been confronted by the same problem: Jesus died once, and that was it. He's not going back in His tomb. That's what Paul said to the church in Rome. It's what God says to this dying planet.

The Lord sent His Son to give His life as our ransom. Now, all who believe on Him as Savior are forgiven and redeemed. Those who don't believe . . . well, they'll keep trying to stuff Jesus back in His grave, and He - just - won't - stay - there.

THE PRAYER: Dear Savior, living Lord, for having lived, died, and risen for me, I shall always be grateful. You have given me eternal life. Now, please send Your Holy Spirit upon those who don't believe. Let them see that because You live, they can live also. This I ask in Your Name. Amen.


In Christ I remain His servant and yours,


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

"Letting The Hands Of Jesus Shape Our Lives"

October 23, 2009



Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel. Jeremiah 18:6b



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



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.


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



Pastor Klaus returns
again tomorrow.

"Contentment"

October 24, 2009



We love because He first loved us. If anyone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. 1 John 4:19-21



It's been a good many years ago since Pam and I visited some friends who had a whole herd of cats. Yes, I know, "herd" is probably not the right word to use when it comes to describing a bunch of cats, but "flock" didn't seem right, either.

At any rate, when it was time to go we began to round up our children. We found our youngest sitting on the porch swing, petting one of their very, very contented, purring cats.

We told our daughter to get ready as we were on our way.

Although she didn't argue with our decision, Kris also didn't move. When we asked what was holding her back, she confessed, "I don't know what to do with the cat. He has his motor running."

Since then I've found that what sometimes works with a cat -- love, care, and attention -- almost always works on people. It's a rewrite of that old proverb, "We can capture more flies with honey than we can with vinegar."

Sadly, the Church doesn't always dispense love, care, and attention as freely as it ought. There are times when we demand people meet some arbitrary and unnecessary rules before we accept them. There are times we refuse to forgive as we have been forgiven. There are times when . . . well, I don't have to go on, do I?

It's sad we act like that. It's sad and it's wrong. Look into the manger of Bethlehem, gaze upon Calvary's cross, enter the empty tomb -- you must be impressed at how much undeserved love, care, and attention the Savior has given us.

Now, all He asks is that we love others because He first loved us.

If we did, it would be deafening -- what with all of those ex-strangers and ex-enemies of the Savior beginning to purr.


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, You have given me a love I never deserved. May I be thankful and moved to share Your love with others. By my actions, deportment, and words, may those around me see I know the wonders of the love, care, and attention You have given this poor sinner. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,


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

"The Truth"

October 25, 2009



. . . and be content with what you have, for He has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" Hebrew 13:5b-6 -



It was in the last century, that a very poor, young man went to London.

In that city he became acquainted with a young lady of the nobility -- a young lady who also happened to be wealthy.

They fell in love.

At her insistence, she was the one who went to her father to ask for permission to marry the young man. With considerable -- and understandable -- concern her father replied, "He's got no background, you don't know where he's come from." "That's true," she admitted, "but I know where he's going and I want to go with him."

So, do you know where you're going? And if you do, how many of you think your destination is good enough that others would like to travel by your side?

The truth is most people don't know where they're going.

Oh, we know if we're going to work or to the market. But where are we going with our lives? It can get pretty confusing. We start out heading one way, then we lose a job, or a friend dies, or our plans fall through, and everything changes.

Thankfully, we have a God who knows where we're going, even if we don't. Even more than that, He promises to be by our side. His love, as it comes to us in Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection, is there in our accomplishments and failures; it's there when we are detoured from our destination and present when we reach wherever our destination may be.

It's a comfort, isn't it?

It's such a comfort that those who have seen the Savior's sacrifice, who believe in the greatness and purity of His love, are glad to say to Him: "I know where He's going, and I give thanks He's taking me with Him."


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You so much for watching over and being with us. Because of the Savior we know there is no place where You will ever leave us or forsake us. For that reason, we will not fear the future or the opinions of others. In Jesus' Name. Amen.


In Christ I remain His servant and yours,



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

"Mischief"

October 26, 2009



Sanctify them in the truth; Your Word is truth. John 17:17



Linda Brown is a generous soul.

A week or so ago, she got out of her Hummer limousine, walked into a store in Columbus, Ohio, announced she had won the lottery and would pay for everyone's purchases -- up to a maximum of $500.

People immediately called their friends, family, and neighbors! Soon 500 folks were standing at the cash registers and 1,000 people were waiting to get in the store.

After an hour or so, the storeowners realized Brown hadn't paid any bills yet. When they went looking for her, they found she had left to go to the bank to get her cash.

Sadly, Linda Brown didn't have enough money in the bank. She didn't have enough money to pay for the store purchases. She didn't have enough money to pay for the limo rental. She didn't have enough.

When the people in the store found out they had been lied to, they went nuts. They wanted their free stuff. Some fled the store with stolen merchandise; others began throwing clothes all over. By the time they were done it looked like hurricane Katrina had ripped through the building.

At the end of the day everyone was disappointed. Everyone!

Maybe we shouldn't be surprised. Lies have a tendency to let people down, don't they? Satan lied to our first ancestors in the Garden and he's been lying to humanity ever since.

The Lord says, "My Word is truth" and Satan says, "There is no such thing as 'truth.'" God says, "Forgiveness, faith, and salvation is found only in Jesus," and the devil lies by saying, "There are many ways to heaven, if there is a heaven."

Somebody is lying here and I pray you know that somebody isn't the Triune God. And if you're not sure, please, take Him at His Word and search the Scriptures. There you will find He has always told the truth.

And the folks who believe Satan's lies . . . well, they are going to find themselves incredibly disappointed. One might say, eternally disappointed.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord I give thanks for Your truth and my salvation which comes only through Jesus. Now, I pray others may see past Satan's lies and be brought to faith in the Savior. In His Name. Amen.


In Christ I remain His servant and yours,


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

"Justice Delayed"

October 27, 2009



How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? Psalm 13:1-2



British statesman and Prime Minister William Gladstone once said, "Justice delayed is justice denied."

Remember that. It will be important before you finish this daily devotion, which deals with a picture drawn by Antonio Peck, a kindergartner in Baldwinsville, New York.

The class assignment had been to draw a poster on how to save the world or save the environment.

Peck drew a picture of Jesus.

Although Peck's choice makes sense to me, it didn't do much for his teacher, who folded the picture and displayed it so Jesus was hidden.

Peck was devastated and his mother was outraged.

She was so outraged at the censorship of her son she sued the school district.

Do you remember Gladstone's quote about justice delayed? It is at this point in the story those words become applicable. Peck's mother has been in court for ten years now and Antonio is now a junior in high school.

I share his story with you not because it is a landmark case, nor because Antonio Peck will become a multi-millionaire if he wins the suit.

This story is shared because some people still believe in taking a stand. Peck's mom could have said, "Don't worry about it, son. Your teacher doesn't understand about Jesus and how He carried our sins and died on the cross or rose on the third day." She didn't say, "It's not important what your teacher believes as long as you and I know what we believe."

She didn't do that. She felt it was important to stand by her son and his simple childlike faith in the Christ who is the Savior of the world. For a decade she's stood by him and, although I'm not a great lover of lawsuits, I'm glad for her stand.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, You, better than anyone, understands that justice doesn't always come. Although You were innocent, You were still condemned to death on the cross. For Your stand, Your sacrifice, I give thanks today. Now may we, when possible, take a stand in sharing Your salvation story with the world. In Your Name. Amen.


In Christ I remain His servant and yours,


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

.......... "Don't worry about it, son. Your teacher doesn't understand about Jesus and how He carried our sins and died on the cross or rose on the third day." She didn't say, "It's not important what your teacher believes as long as you and I know what we believe."........

That is probably what I would have done....good for her to stand up TALLER! :)

"Keep Going"

October 28, 2009



As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13



Jarrette Schule owns some property in Comal County, Texas.

It was while he was cutting some trees on that semi-remote piece of property that Schule came across something that looked like a missile launcher.

Actually, it was a missile launcher, its identity being determined by the words on the side of the weapon that said, "Guided Missile and Launcher, Surface Attack."

Sure enough, Schule had found a Dragon surface-to-surface missile. It's the kind of missile, which, when a soldier points it at an enemy's tank, it makes the tank and the enemy go away.

Being a good citizen, Schule tried to turn the missile in to the authorities. That's when his story got interesting.

Schule called the FBI; the FBI didn't want it. He called Homeland Security. They didn't want it. He called the sheriff and every agency he could think of. He talked to the military police at Fort Sam Houston, but their authority didn't extend beyond the base. Nobody wanted the weapon.

Finally, and at long last, Schule's request was passed on to an Army criminal investigator who, along with an ordinance disposal team from Lackland Air Force Base, picked up the weapon that was, at that point in time, sitting on Schule's dining room table.

When I read Schule's story last week, I was impressed by how hard it was for him to do the right thing. I know a lot of folks who would have said, "forget it," and thrown the launcher in the dumpster. I am acquainted with more than one person who would have been glad to use the launcher at a Fourth of July celebration.

But Schule didn't get tired of trying to do the right thing, and we shouldn't either. That's what St. Paul said to the church in Thessalonica.

After all, we have a Savior who in spite of being hated, mocked, misunderstood, and rejected, still gave Himself as the ransom that buys our forgiveness and earns our salvation.

In short, we have a Savior who didn't tire of doing the right thing. It is an example we should follow. It's the right thing to do and more importantly; it's the Christian thing to do.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord I give thanks I have a Savior who did not falter or fail on His gracious mission to save me. Now may I, as the Holy Spirit gives opportunity, also prove myself faithful. May I try to do that which is right, and make a witness to my long-suffering Savior. In His Name. Amen.


In Christ I remain His servant and yours,


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

"Maybe So, Maybe Not"

October 29, 2009



You are a hiding place for me; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with shouts of deliverance. Psalm 32:7



Anne Frank's Diary.

In our high school German class at Concordia, Milwaukee, we had to translate The Diary of Anne Frank. Back then, as I concentrated on the intricacies and subtleties of the language, much of the emotion of the young lady's book escaped me. It was only much later that I grew to appreciate the deep feelings and thoughts of a young woman who, along with most of her family, died in the **** extermination camps of World War II.

In truth, I haven't thought about Anne Frank for years. That changed last week when I read an article carried by CNN.

The story spoke of a newly posted Internet video -- a video that showed the 12-year-old girl.

Curious, I took a look at the black-and-white, silent film. For just a second or two, it showed her leaning out of a window so she might be able to watch the wedding of a couple who lived in her building.

That short bit of movie saddened me.

It touched me because I knew the rest of Anne Frank's tragic story. Looking at the movie play, I knew what was going to happen to her. And I also knew that when this film was shot, there would still have been time for her family to escape the ****s.

It saddened me I couldn't warn the girl, that I couldn't help her family escape the coming holocaust. For Anne Frank and her family, the time of warning had come and gone.

Of course, it is not too late to tell the millions of unbelievers in this world how they can escape the holocaust awaiting them if they die without faith in Jesus. There is still time to tell them ****'s holocaust is far worse than the most terrible of **** concentration camps.

There is still time to tell the lost about the Savior who gave His life so they might live. There is still time to speak of the Christ, who alone has paid the price that rescues sinners from the law's condemnation.

But this time to give warning will not last forever.

The time will come for them, as it did for Anne Frank, when it will be too late for us to speak, or for them to believe. This is why we must share the Savior's story today. Today, we must tell others of the Lord's birth, His life, and of His suffering, death, and resurrection.

We must let them know that in Jesus there is salvation and life.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord we are only given so many opportunities to tell others of the salvation Jesus offers. Bless those opportunities. This I ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.



In Christ I remain His servant and yours,


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

"Fragrance On The Hand Of The Giver"

October 30, 2009



Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 2 Corinthians 9:6



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



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, (ETS), Bible Correspondence Courses, (BCC), 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.

Makes you wonder doesn't it? If we could see where the seeds we plant "grew"...would we plant more than we do? :)

"Unconditional Love"

October 31, 2009



Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent. Psalm 71:9



Every time we go past the pet store, my beloved wife, Pammie, drags me in.

That's because she finds the antics of small puppies and kittens absolutely irresistible. And though I am fully aware of the puppy mills that operate across the country, and even though I am afraid we will end up with some of those adorable animals, I enjoy the visit, too.

The reason I share this is because the last time we stopped by there was a sign on the glass window.

The sign said, "Love Guaranteed Forever."

Now, there's no question in my mind the pet store certainly does sell animals that, given a chance, will love their owners. My problem comes with the word "forever."

Forever seems to be stretching things a bit.

Is there any place where love can be guaranteed forever? Because of sin and death, even the most faithful of spouses will eventually have to say an earthly "farewell."

This is why, if we are looking for real permanence in love -- a love that is going to be around forever -- we're going to have to find it in someone who will always be with us.

That kind of criterion limits things, doesn't it?

Truly only the eternal, omnipresent Lord has the ability to give us love which is guaranteed for all of our tomorrows. Only the Triune God can make a loving commitment that can be counted on to last forever.

The Psalmist should have been sure: The Lord doesn't cast off the elderly, and He will be around to strengthen us when we have grown weak and tired.


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I live in a changing world. People, philosophies, countries, and leaders all come and go. This is why I give thanks that You, dear Lord, can be counted on. Your love as shown in the Savior's sacrifice is a source of comfort and strength to me. For that eternal love I give thanks in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,


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

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