Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

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



We all live in an evil world.

In this evil world we are constantly being bombarded with events and examples that are contrary to those which are held up and supported in the Bible. It is tragic to see the new generations that are growing up in a time where low ethical standards are accepted as being "normal" behavior.

God commanded us to grow thoughts of honesty, beauty and goodness. Along with that, He has told us we are to live by those tenets. Most of all, God has asked His people to let the world know that Jesus Christ is their Savior, their Redeemer, the One who can make a difference in their lives.

As my biography has shared, I am a Project JOEL volunteer in Guatemala.

I have dedicated my time to this particular program of Lutheran Hour Ministries because Project JOEL swims against that worldly current. By that I mean we try to bring an uplifting message of hope to children and youth all over the country.

I can share that, no matter where we have gone in our country, we have been amazed at how much these children show their need for love and guidance.

Recently, we had a conference about dates and healthy relationships.

Using the teachings of Holy Scripture we challenged them to step up and make a difference. This they were to do by changing their lives and, in so doing, changing their families and their communities. This they were to do regardless of their circumstances or finances.

The response to what we said was powerful.

Of special note was a young girl who came up and thanked us for having shown her a new way to live a new path to walk.

We had a feeling she had been searching for that which the Lord provided.

For her it was an alternative that opened up worlds of possibilities.

Now, by God's grace, we pray we may be able to reach more and more of these young people and that the Holy Spirit may put faith into hearts, which now only know the sorrowful and sinful path of the world.

THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we thank You because You plant and grow the seeds of the Gospel in these youthful hearts. We ask for Your help as we continue sharing the story of salvation, which is good news of hope and love to every generation. This we ask in the Name of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Biography of Author: Today's international devotion was written by Ana Sofía Bernice Orozco Paredes. She has an MBA in project management and works for Max International as a networker. She is a member of the Lutheran Church in Casillo Fuerte, Guatemala, has worked as a volunteer for Project JOEL since 2013, and is dedicated to bringing the Savior's message of hope to the youth of Guatemala.

Based in Guatemala City since 1993 and known in-country as Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones ("Christ for All Nations"), Lutheran Hour Ministries-Guatemala works through radio, TV, the Internet, and automated text-messaging media, along with numerous community-based programs, to share the Gospel in this Central American country of nearly 16 million people. Additionally, it employs Project JOEL as a values-based education program to reach thousands of young people in elementary and high schools. Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC) also help promote the Gospel message as do Equipping the Saints (ETS) workshops, which give laypeople resources and training to help them speak about their faith with others.

You can click here to visit LHM-Guatemala's blog and see how this ministry center paid tribute to Dr. Martin Luther recently.


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: Ezra 1-2    1 John 4

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