Saturday, October 19, 2013
Friday, October 18, 2013
"Discovering the Purpose for My Life"
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour
By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour
Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
"Discovering the Purpose for My Life"
October 18, 2013
October 18, 2013
If I ascend to heaven, You are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, You are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me and Your right hand shall hold me. Psalms 139:8-10
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 Fridaydevotions. 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
The search for a college internship was frustrating. Even so, as I looked around, my continuous prayer to the Lord was, "Your will be done."
All my colleagues had already found placements, and here I was "on the streets," searching from place to place. It seemed to be a waste of time. At one point I even started to panic. Time was not on my side. If I was to continue my education, I needed a supervisor and to have a supervisor I needed a place of internship: that is, a place of study which had a definite beginning and end. It was a deadline I wasn't meeting.
Still, God who always knows the end of things before we start had something special in store.
One morning, as I carried on with my seemingly fruitless and unending search, I made a stop at the LHM-Uganda offices. What happened there took some time to sink in.
First, they offered me an internship. Second, I was offered a free Bible course.
In a very short period of time, I found myself learning a great deal about the facts of Christianity. Even today I still find time to read the Bible passages quoted in the various lessons. It is a habit I would wish to see adopted by everyone, so they might also find the treasures which are included in this fact-filled course. Indeed, this is more than a wish; for I find it easy to promote this class to everyone I meet, so they may not miss out on this golden opportunity to have their faith and spiritual lives nurtured.
My stay at Lutheran Hour Ministries has completely changed my life.
More accurately, the Holy Spirit has used this ministry to change my life. Like so many others who have encountered Lutheran Hour Ministries, my day now starts with a morning devotion and my weekends with wonderful Bible study lessons.
Amazingly, I now have more time ... time which is used in group Bible studies and reaching out to others with the Gospel message of grace through Jesus' blood.
You should know I came to Lutheran Hour Ministries looking for an internship that would increase my chances of getting a better job in the future. Today those things are almost inconsequential. Far more importantly, I have been led to believe that my life's purpose is to serve my God and Savior.
By God's grace I shall do this by reaching out, in Jesus' Name, to the people I meet in my work. Regardless of whether I am still with Lutheran Hour Ministries or not, I will carry on with this purpose because that is why the Lord has put me here on earth.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, You reveal Yourself more and more to us as we seek to do Your will in our lives. May we be granted the vision to see the purpose for which You have placed us on this earth. To that end keep us away from selfish desires and help us tirelessly serve You in the attempt to expand Your kingdom. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Biography of Author: Today's international devotion was written by Andrew Acidri. A student of Makerere University, Acidri has been volunteering with the Uganda Lutheran Hour Ministries center for the past three months. He has been participating in the promotion of our Bible courses, film shows, and hospital ministry. He began his ministry with us when the Lord used an intern program to bring him to our offices. In this African nation of more than 35 million people, Lutheran Hour Ministries-Uganda, known locally as Lutheran Media Ministry, has connected with more than 250,000 individuals through print, broadcast, electronic and traditional media, including radio and television programming. This outreach has led to the formation of more than 100 Lutheran churches countrywide, working in partnership with the Lutheran Church. Additional efforts include enrolling students in Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC), distributing Bibles and topical booklets, and launching a biblical values-based peer education program designed for secondary school students.
To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhmint.org.
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 Fridaydevotions. 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
The search for a college internship was frustrating. Even so, as I looked around, my continuous prayer to the Lord was, "Your will be done."
All my colleagues had already found placements, and here I was "on the streets," searching from place to place. It seemed to be a waste of time. At one point I even started to panic. Time was not on my side. If I was to continue my education, I needed a supervisor and to have a supervisor I needed a place of internship: that is, a place of study which had a definite beginning and end. It was a deadline I wasn't meeting.
Still, God who always knows the end of things before we start had something special in store.
One morning, as I carried on with my seemingly fruitless and unending search, I made a stop at the LHM-Uganda offices. What happened there took some time to sink in.
First, they offered me an internship. Second, I was offered a free Bible course.
In a very short period of time, I found myself learning a great deal about the facts of Christianity. Even today I still find time to read the Bible passages quoted in the various lessons. It is a habit I would wish to see adopted by everyone, so they might also find the treasures which are included in this fact-filled course. Indeed, this is more than a wish; for I find it easy to promote this class to everyone I meet, so they may not miss out on this golden opportunity to have their faith and spiritual lives nurtured.
My stay at Lutheran Hour Ministries has completely changed my life.
More accurately, the Holy Spirit has used this ministry to change my life. Like so many others who have encountered Lutheran Hour Ministries, my day now starts with a morning devotion and my weekends with wonderful Bible study lessons.
Amazingly, I now have more time ... time which is used in group Bible studies and reaching out to others with the Gospel message of grace through Jesus' blood.
You should know I came to Lutheran Hour Ministries looking for an internship that would increase my chances of getting a better job in the future. Today those things are almost inconsequential. Far more importantly, I have been led to believe that my life's purpose is to serve my God and Savior.
By God's grace I shall do this by reaching out, in Jesus' Name, to the people I meet in my work. Regardless of whether I am still with Lutheran Hour Ministries or not, I will carry on with this purpose because that is why the Lord has put me here on earth.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, You reveal Yourself more and more to us as we seek to do Your will in our lives. May we be granted the vision to see the purpose for which You have placed us on this earth. To that end keep us away from selfish desires and help us tirelessly serve You in the attempt to expand Your kingdom. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Biography of Author: Today's international devotion was written by Andrew Acidri. A student of Makerere University, Acidri has been volunteering with the Uganda Lutheran Hour Ministries center for the past three months. He has been participating in the promotion of our Bible courses, film shows, and hospital ministry. He began his ministry with us when the Lord used an intern program to bring him to our offices. In this African nation of more than 35 million people, Lutheran Hour Ministries-Uganda, known locally as Lutheran Media Ministry, has connected with more than 250,000 individuals through print, broadcast, electronic and traditional media, including radio and television programming. This outreach has led to the formation of more than 100 Lutheran churches countrywide, working in partnership with the Lutheran Church. Additional efforts include enrolling students in Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC), distributing Bibles and topical booklets, and launching a biblical values-based peer education program designed for secondary school students.
To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhmint.org.
In Christ I remain His servant and yours,
Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Clearing Up Some Confusion...
It has come to my attention that I have been sending out erroneous information regarding our next two upcoming events at Lamb of God.
First and foremost, the 50th Anniversary Celebration is being held on NOVEMBER 24th, with a potluck following.
Second, that doesn't mean we are not having a Reformation Day picnic - we are! It is on OCTOBER 27th, so bring some picnic food, some friends, some games, and let's have some good fellowship!
Also, this still gives everyone time to send me names and addresses of former members, people we maybe haven't seen in years, even since they were children. Those who already received invitations have been sent a follow-up "OOPS" card, inviting them to both the October and November celebrations!
I hope this clears things up - sorry for the confusion.
Kitty
First and foremost, the 50th Anniversary Celebration is being held on NOVEMBER 24th, with a potluck following.
Second, that doesn't mean we are not having a Reformation Day picnic - we are! It is on OCTOBER 27th, so bring some picnic food, some friends, some games, and let's have some good fellowship!
Also, this still gives everyone time to send me names and addresses of former members, people we maybe haven't seen in years, even since they were children. Those who already received invitations have been sent a follow-up "OOPS" card, inviting them to both the October and November celebrations!
I hope this clears things up - sorry for the confusion.
Kitty
"Welcome Back"
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Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM). "Welcome Back" October 17, 2013  Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness .... Titus 2:13-14aPeople sometimes ask, "What is it going to be like on the last day?" Recently, I heard a story which can give us some insight into that unknown day and moment. The story begins with Navy Reserve First Class Petty Officer Scott McComas. All told, McComas has been called away from home four different times. Each of those periods of service took him away from home for an entire year. This time, the fifth time, he was asked to serve for six months on Diego Garcia in the central Indian Ocean. McComas said that while this tour of duty was only half the length of the others, this time the days passed very slowly. I can understand why. McComas' daughter, Bella, is ten years old. That means his little girl is growing up and has reached that level of maturity where she understands her dad has been gone almost half of her life. Not only that, Bella also has a pretty good idea that the absence of this big guy who keeps disappearing is not an especially good thing. To make a long story short, McComas came home unexpectedly. As he and his wife, Annette, made plans for his return, it occurred that they might want to make his arrival even more specialer. This is what happened: Annette took Bella to the Bluffton, Fort Wayne, Corn Maze. Together mom and daughter wandered through the turns. Eventually, they reached the end of the maze, and there was Scott, aka, Daddy. "Daddy!" That's what Bella yelled as she ran forward, jumped up, and was caught in her father's arms. You could see in her face she knew everything was right; the family was together, and all was as it should be. That, I think is the way Jesus' people will feel when He returns. With a smile on our faces, a shout of gladness on our lips, and a jump into His arms, we will also express our knowledge that everything is great and couldn't be more grand. How else could it be? After all, Jesus has been gone -- what has been, at least to us -- a very long time, and we have been on our own for too long. During Jesus' time away we sinners have hardly been perfect, and the world hasn't been very nice. But on that day when our Savior comes back, the devil's temptations will be at an end. On that day our sinning, our sickness, our hurts, and this world's horrors will be completed. On that day, by the power of Jesus' all-atoning sacrifice, we will be given peace and an eternity with Him in heaven. Yes, there's little doubt 10-year-old Bella has shown us how we should act when we see Somebody we've missed very much. THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, may I be ready and eager for the day in which my life on this earth is at an end. Take away any doubt or fear of what that day might bring. Instead, please replace those human feelings with a faith that looks forward with gladness to the Savior's return. In His Name I ask it. Amen. In Christ I remain His servant and yours,Pastor Ken Klaus Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour® Lutheran Hour Ministries | |
Saturday, October 12, 2013
"Too Cautious"
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour
By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour
Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
"Too Cautious"
October 12, 2013
October 12, 2013
Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, "We will hear you again about this." So Paul went out from their midst. But some men joined him and believed .... Acts17:32-34a
Some time ago, prominent members of society crowded into the Saints Peter and Paul Church for a no-expense-spared wedding. At the stipulated moment in the ceremony, the dazzling bride was asked, "Do you take this man for your lawfully wedded husband?"
She paused for a very long time and whispered, "I don't know." The officiating priest was a patient man so he waited. After an even longer pause, the bride leaned in toward him and said, "I just can't make up my mind."
The priest thought for a second and then announced, "The wedding is off." And it was. The reception was cancelled. Tens of thousands of dollars worth of food was given away. A week later the bride explained, "I was just nervous, but now my mind is made up. I will take the groom to be my husband."
Well, maybe the bride has made up her mind, but if I were that groom, I would be very cautious.
Now it is possible you are, by nature, a cautious individual. Before I began writing this devotion I thought I was cautious too. Then Pam reminded me that every second or third year we have a garage sale at the Klaus Haus. The vast majority of the things we sell is made up of stuff which we needed, things we just had to have.
Then, after we had those things, we didn't use them. Some of the items slowly, and without any conscious effort on our parts, worked their way to the back of the drawer or the top shelf in the closet. Others gathered dust after a decision had been made to move them to the attic.
No matter their location, each of these items was tangible evidence we hadn't been as cautious as we might have been.
Yes, generally speaking, caution is a good thing ... generally speaking.
Still, the Bible records one instance where caution was incredibly foolish. The location was Athens and the listeners were the learned men of Greece. After they had heard Paul speak of the Savior's sacrifice and His resurrection from the dead, Scripture records they had three distinct responses.
There were those who laughed at what they had heard; there were those who postponed their decision. And then there were those who forgot about being cautious, and were brought to faith in the Savior. If you were to visit with those folks in heaven, they would tell you it was the best thing they ever did.
And the other two groups -- what happened to them? Obviously, the first group which rejected Jesus was lost. The second group, without a change in attitude and heart, was no better off. In all probability their caution that day put them in the same sunk boat as the first group. Today, groups one and two are lost.
This is why when it comes to faith we are bold in saying that angels rush in where fools fear to tread.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, may I always reject any voice which cautions me to be cautious in following You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
She paused for a very long time and whispered, "I don't know." The officiating priest was a patient man so he waited. After an even longer pause, the bride leaned in toward him and said, "I just can't make up my mind."
The priest thought for a second and then announced, "The wedding is off." And it was. The reception was cancelled. Tens of thousands of dollars worth of food was given away. A week later the bride explained, "I was just nervous, but now my mind is made up. I will take the groom to be my husband."
Well, maybe the bride has made up her mind, but if I were that groom, I would be very cautious.
Now it is possible you are, by nature, a cautious individual. Before I began writing this devotion I thought I was cautious too. Then Pam reminded me that every second or third year we have a garage sale at the Klaus Haus. The vast majority of the things we sell is made up of stuff which we needed, things we just had to have.
Then, after we had those things, we didn't use them. Some of the items slowly, and without any conscious effort on our parts, worked their way to the back of the drawer or the top shelf in the closet. Others gathered dust after a decision had been made to move them to the attic.
No matter their location, each of these items was tangible evidence we hadn't been as cautious as we might have been.
Yes, generally speaking, caution is a good thing ... generally speaking.
Still, the Bible records one instance where caution was incredibly foolish. The location was Athens and the listeners were the learned men of Greece. After they had heard Paul speak of the Savior's sacrifice and His resurrection from the dead, Scripture records they had three distinct responses.
There were those who laughed at what they had heard; there were those who postponed their decision. And then there were those who forgot about being cautious, and were brought to faith in the Savior. If you were to visit with those folks in heaven, they would tell you it was the best thing they ever did.
And the other two groups -- what happened to them? Obviously, the first group which rejected Jesus was lost. The second group, without a change in attitude and heart, was no better off. In all probability their caution that day put them in the same sunk boat as the first group. Today, groups one and two are lost.
This is why when it comes to faith we are bold in saying that angels rush in where fools fear to tread.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, may I always reject any voice which cautions me to be cautious in following You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
In Christ I remain His servant and yours,Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Friday, October 11, 2013
"Searching for Purpose"
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Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM). "Searching for Purpose" October 11, 2013  Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58Dear 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 Our daily work in Uruguay takes place at the Lutheran mission and the office of Christ for All Nations. This is a small and cozy location situated in the heart of the capital city, Montevideo. Our unique site allows us to look out upon the many folks who pass by. You should know many of those folks seem to be hopeless, tired, depressed and lonely. There is little doubt they are looking for meaning to their lives, which will take them above a pointless routine. Past experience tells us our contact with these people will be short term. In the brief time we are allowed to minister to them we will be fighting against illegal drugs, a system set against them, and appalling living conditions. Common sense tells us we should not be able to make a lasting, a tangible difference in their lives. Such a skeptical attitude must be put aside in favor of God's promise and past experience, which has taught us that a smile, a handshake, a friendly word, a reassuring gesture, and the wonderful story of the Savior and the grace of God can touch souls in a profound way, a way beyond our imagining. The best way I can explain our work is by saying this: when you are laboring for the Lord, it is possible, even easy to get bogged down with difficulties and problems. Sometimes we can lose perspective on that which the Lord would have us do. At times we can become frustrated. Since the clock and calendar dictate we must move on quickly, we seldom know if our specific prayers for specific individuals have been answered. Most certainly we don't get to see the miracles that have been accomplished by our great God, as He works in the hearts and lives of people. All of this explains why we must rely on the Word of God. We build all we do on passages like that which serve as the basis for this devotion: "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." Knowing the Lord Jesus is beside us, we hold fast to the power of God. The Lord is guiding us, supporting us, and giving us the confidence to keep on going. May I tell you it is a wonderful blessing to know we are not alone in this work, which shares the love of God with those who have not yet experienced the joy of Jesus, the gladness which comes from His forgiveness, and the hope of heaven which He offers. And now, as this devotion closes, I invite you to once again read our Bible passage and pray for us. Do so knowing we are praying for your witness also. May all our work be done gratefully and with a wonderful dedication to our crucified and ever-living Redeemer. THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, send Your Holy Spirit to refocus, readjust and rejuvenate me. Make me steadfast, immovable, always doing that which pleases You and points the lost to the Christ. And, if it is Your will, may I be given a glimpse of the changes which says our labor has not been in vain. In Jesus' Name. Amen. Biography of Author: Today's international devotion was written by Maria Gabriela Silveira. She is a Lutheran as well as a student of communication sciences in UDELAR University (Uruguay). Since 2011 she has served with the Lutheran Hour Ministries office in Uruguay and the downtown mission in the capital city of Montevideo. Since 2001 our office has supported the Lutheran Church of Uruguay, with evangelistic projects focusing on the production of reading materials, workshops and activities in order to bring Christ to people. Established in 2001 in Montevideo, LHM-Uruguay (known in-country as Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones, "Christ for All Nations") utilizes Bible Correspondence Courses(BCC) and Equipping the Saints (ETS) to train people in the basics of the Christian faith while giving them tools for personal evangelism. Another outreach method is the center's celebration of special days like Children's Day, Mother's Day, and Christmas, allowing staff and volunteers the chance to share the Gospel as they build relationships. To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhmint.org. In Christ I remain His servant and yours,Pastor Ken Klaus Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour® Lutheran Hour Ministries | |
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