(Jesus said) "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

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 Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour



Manuel was tired of his daily problems.

Those problems increased when his mother became ill. In his worry and anguish Manuel despaired of anyone or anybody ever making his life easier.

If it had not been for the Lord's intervention, it is quite possible Manuel might have continued to live in an unending, dark day of depression. But God did intervene. He touched Manuel through a Lutheran Hour Ministries' broadcast which offered listeners a booklet entitled, Hard Times.

Manuel sent away for the book and devoured it when it came.

The difference that book made was profound. Manuel came to understand that Jesus Christ was his solution! Yes, Manuel was given faith and learned to trust in His Savior. That trust was centered on the Savior's words, which serve as the scriptural basis for our devotion today. In Matthew 11 Jesus extends an invitation for all who labor and are heavy laden to come to Him.

Those who do, like Manuel, will find the Lord gives peace and rest.

Now that is Manuel's story.

The question is what will you do when you cannot stand to deal with any more problems and feel overwhelmed by the difficulties of life?

Now I cannot tell what kind of problem or difficulty may be yours. Possibly it is bad friends, or drink, or drugs or, well, it could be just about anything, couldn't it? And the worst part is every time you think you've fixed your problems they seem to come back stronger than ever.

If that is your situation, I am pleased to say there is Someone who can help. Understand, He is not a temporary solution. The changes He proposes are permanent.

Of course, I am speaking about Jesus. He is the One who encourages us to "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your soul."

Since He is the Son of God He is always ready to help you, always prepared to give you strength and guidance, so you may face the daily struggle. Come to Him in prayer. The Holy Spirit will open your heart, so you may tell the Savior your problems.

And if you're wondering if you can be sure, remember He is your best Friend. He died on a cross to forgive your sins and give you eternal life. What greater proof of love can He offer than that?

THE PRAYER: Lord, I need Your help in my day-to-day problems. Guide me and enable me to find the rest my Savior has promised. In Jesus' Name I ask it. Amen.

Biography of Author: Today's international devotion was written by Murel Ballestero, a young Nicaraguan girl who is offering her spare time teaching our Bible courses for kids. She also visits the walking clinic to share the Good News. Finally, she is one of the speakers who broadcasts for Lutheran Hour Ministries on the radio and Internet. In this country of nearly six million people, Lutheran Hour Ministries-Nicaragua, known locally as Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones (Christ for All Nations), has been sharing the Gospel since 1999. It does this by holistic ministry projects, prison visits, and by using Equipping the Saints (ETS) and Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC) through its ministry centers in Chinandega and Leon. It also offers Project JOEL, a values-based education program that helps children and youth learn to make healthy lifestyle choices and avoid addictive or destructive behaviors. The program also reaches out to high school and university students. You can check out LHM-Nicaragua by visiting its blog at cptlnnicaragua.wordpress.com.


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: Exodus 1-3    Matthew 24:1-28

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