Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

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



There once was a man pulling a boat along the shore. It was hard work. A stranger was watching and asked, “Why don’t you try it with water?”

The owner of the boat answered, “You are the third man who’s asked me that question. I tried at first, but it was even harder for me to do it that way.”

“That can’t be true!” objected the stranger.

But the stranger was no longer surprised, when he heard the man’s answer. “Look, I filled it with water, but that did absolutely no good!”

Funny, isn’t it? Who would fill a boat with water to make it easier to pull across the sand? But don’t we often make the same mistake with the things God gives us? There are many of us who say, “I would put my mind on the things of Christ, but my obligations are very demanding and I am too tired!” In these moments we do not grasp the life-giving words of Jesus. He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Our Lord promises He will provide relief and grant protection to all who believe in Him.

Magnus Malm, in his book “First Climber,” wrote about the difference between God, who is alive, and idols that are not. Idols have to be permanently maintained, upheld, and mended, but God maintains, upholds, and mends us.

We might climb wearily to God, but He lifts us up and gives us strength to carry out the work He has for us to do.

THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, remind us through Your Holy Spirit that You make available the power that sustains and refreshes those who labor in Your service. Amen.

Biography of Author:
Peter Dubec, of Slovakia, is a computer manager who is committed to serving God by writing texts that touch the hearts of many people.




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

Today's Bible Readings: Haggai 1-2    2 John

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