But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

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




Many people are concerned more with life’s frills instead of life itself.

I remember the story of Paulo, a nine-year-old Brazilian boy, whom I met in the Amazon Forest. He was a smart, young man and was looking forward to becoming a guide on jungle tours. I was impressed with his knowledge of such a vast environment. I asked him, “How do you know so much about the forest animals and plants?” He quickly answered, “Respect for this great forest is the most important thing to know. My father, the greatest guide I know, taught me!”

Paulo’s comments made me think of John the Baptist. He was a great preacher; he was a very important person in the kingdom of God. However, instead of looking for honor and glory, he knew that someone else more important than himself was present—Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. John the Baptist is a wonderful example for us as we live our lives as Christians in this world.

Of Jesus, John wrote: “He must become greater; I must become less. The One who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The One who comes from heaven is above all” (John 3:30-31).

We live in an anxious world filled with things that preoccupy and distract. There’s a lesson in little Paulo’s admiration for his own father. When considering our own Lord, how much more should our thoughts be directed to Him in adoration and respect? Let us remember to honor and glorify the One who is above all and in whom alone is our salvation.

THE PRAYER: Gracious Heavenly Father, guide us as we seek Your kingdom and righteousness. Thank you for the blessings of life You have given us. Amen.

Biography of Author: Clovis V. Gedrat is a pastor in Brazil. He works in partnership with the Lutheran Hour Ministries ministry center in Sao Paulo, which is locally known as “Cristo Para Todas as Nações” or “Christ for All Nations.”





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

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Leviticus 23-24    Mark 10:32-52

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