But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. 1 Timothy 6:6-10

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 Sunday 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

Money is good, and it brings us a lot of comfort in life.

It is a medium we use to pay for the cost of our education, hospital bills, feeding our families and, through charitable activities, be a blessing to poor people around us. Of course, Christians ought to spend more time with the Giver of money than they do pursuing money itself.

The Bible says, "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof" (see Psalm 24:1a). Elsewhere we are reminded that all good and perfect gifts come from the Lord (see James 1:17), and one of those gifts is money. Tragically, far too many people prefer the gift and not the Giver. Their desire for riches almost always points them in a direction that will lead them away from the Savior and God's intentions for their lives.

As an example, let me tell you of two brothers who live in Liberia.

Today these brothers are bitter enemies because of the love of money. These brothers once were good friends living happily with their father: the proud owner of a great deal of land and many buildings in our community. Then the father passed away without having written a will. His dying showed to all the community how the love of money has the power to destroy a happy family.

The two male children in the family could not trust each other in administering the family's property. Here in Liberia, women have less say in property issues, so their three sisters were forced to watch helplessly as their brothers fought each other for control of the family fortune.

How different things might have been if they had known God, the Giver. It is more than likely He would have given them peace with each other concerning these financial matters. It is entirely possible since our dear Lord, through the sacrifice of His Son, gives us peace in so many other matters.

As Christians, we should be careful how we live our lives. We should always acknowledge God and, in gratitude for the Savior's sacrifice, faithfully follow His instructions. Paul urges Timothy to train his faith with self discipline as a sportsman. He points out that contentment does not come from possessions -- but from the forgiveness won by the Savior.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me remember that Your Son has given me the really important gifts of life. In appreciation to Him and Your great grace, may I take the money entrusted to me and use it for purposes that glorify You and benefit my neighbor. This I ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Biography of Author: Today's international devotion was written by Philip K. George. He came to us after having listened to our Lutheran Hour Ministries' office broadcast in Liberia. He called to get more information about the Savior and was invited to our headquarters to meet with the radio speaker so his questions might be answered. He became much more interested in our work and eventually ended up joining our volunteer team. Today George helps record attendance during our outreach programs and serves as a counselor during our community evangelism activities.

Based in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, Lutheran Hour Ministries-Liberia was established in 2013. Emerging from years of civil war, this country of 4.5 million people is served by a ministry center that airs a weekly radio program that invites listeners to sign up for Bible Correspondence Courses BCC training. This instruction is offered in two languages: Krahn and Bassa. Working with area congregations, LHM-Liberia presents films, outdoor concerts, and dramatic performances as a way to connect with local communities and invite people to know more about Jesus. Ministry partnerships with area congregations help recruit and cultivate volunteers and open doors for scheduling Equipping the Saints (ETS) workshops to train individuals to witness to their faith.

See in words and pictures how Liberia's Project Isaac team celebrated Easter this year, sharing the Gospel with some 450 kids during festivities there. You can check it out by clicking here and visiting its blog.


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: 1 Samuel 4-6    Luke 18:1-23

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