If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! Matthew 7:11
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
I was traveling to a church in the southern region of Madagascar, an island off the coast of Africa. Family ties are strong there, and fathers enjoy a special place in the lives of their children. Fathers are heroes.
My bus stopped by a high school in the little town where the church was located. As we got out, I noticed two teenage boys and a girl in a hot discussion about something. The word “father” came up many times. It aroused my curiosity, and I got closer to learn more. The boys lauded their fathers because of the wonderful skills each had and the relationships they shared. The girl stayed quiet. Suddenly, she left the group and passed by me. I pleasantly greeted her. She stopped, looked at me, responded to my salutation, and turned to hurry on her way.
I got her attention again by asking directions to the church. She offered to lead me to it. On our way, I asked her about herself, her studies, and her family. Then, she talked about her father. She said she did not know who her father was. She was envious of those two boys whose fathers were filling them with happiness. She cried as she expressed a desire for her father to be with her.
Then, I introduced her to God, our Heavenly Father. This Father loved us so much that He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us. If He gives food to the birds of the air and clothes the lilies of the field, He will satisfy all our needs. This was just what she needed to hear!
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, be with us and walk with us. Your Son, Jesus Christ, is the unmistakable token of Your love and care for us. Amen.
Biography of Author:
Dr. Joseph Randrianasolo is pastor of the Malagasy Lutheran Church. He has occupied positions as Parish Pastor and Youth Chaplain and is currently the Dean of the Lutheran Graduate School of Theology at Fianarantsoa, Madagascar. He is a well-known and gifted preacher, lecturer and spiritual counselor.
To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhmint.org.
Today's Bible Readings: Jeremiah 3-5 Acts 27:1-26
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