(Jesus said) "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

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



A boy named Gustavo was trapped in the second floor of his home where there was a fire.

The child was screaming from the window, "Save me, daddy!"

His father was down on the ground, standing underneath the window. Calmly, he called back to his boy, "Jump, son! I will fetch you!"

The smoke kept Gustavo from seeing his dad, but he still could hear his voice.

He hesitated as long as he could. Finally, when there was no choice, the young boy made the jump and landed safely in his father's arms. It was at that moment when Gustavo finally felt safe and protected in his father's arms.

When I first read that story, I was shocked to realize it was also my story ... and yours, too.

Often difficulties, anxiety and fears do their best to overpower and consume us. On our own we are helpless and unable to find a way out. That is when we recognize, if we are going to be saved, it is going to come from Someone else ... Someone who possesses a greater strength than we do ... Someone who is willing to make a commitment to save us.

By God's grace and the Holy Spirit's power, we are able to acknowledge that help comes from our Father in heaven.

It is He who sent His Son into this world to live, suffer, die and rise for us. It is He who has carried our sins and fulfilled the laws we have transgressed. In the Person of Jesus the Savior, we are given hope, forgiveness and salvation.

Truly, my friends, in difficult and anxiety-producing times we need to remember that Jesus is by our side. His desire to save us is so great, He died for each one of us and rose victoriously. Through His relentless commitment, we are delivered of our sins, granted forgiveness, and are given a new and eternal life.

Jesus tells us, "I will be with you every day" (see Matthew 28:20b). You can be sure that even in pain or the most intense distress, the Lord will never abandon you. He will give you peace and comfort, and He will guide you in difficult times.

THE PRAYER: Loved Lord, give me the light in the midst of my distress, give me Your love and peace, and guide me according to Your holy and loving will. This I ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Biography of Author: Today's international devotion was written by Pastor Edgar Martin Coronado of Venezuela. Pastor Coronado is supportive of Lutheran Hour Ministries' work in his country, and we thank him for his devotions. Currently, he is serving at La Fortaleza Lutheran Church in Maracay, and as a missionary Pastor in Aragua State. He is also professor of philosophy at Pedagogico de Caracas.

Known in Venezuela as Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones ("Christ for All Nations"), LHM-Venezuela uses Equipping the Saints (ETS) and Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC) to reach out to South Americans with the Gospel, in this country of more than 33 million people. This ministry center also produces radio messages like "A Moment with God" and "Perspectives" to help people deal with life's everyday issues. On its website visitors can opt to receive Christian devotional messages, as well as inspirational e-mails or text messages.

You can learn more about what goes on at LHM-Venezuela by clicking here and reading its fact sheet.


To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhm.org/international.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Hosea 9-11    Romans 15:14-33

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