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Watch your words!

In the Word

Kind words are like honey — sweet to the taste and good for your health (Proverbs 16:24 GNT).

Of the Word

Most people don’t like the sound of their own voice. Caught on tape, they shudder at what they hear. That’s how it was for Marge. After listening to a tape of a speech she made before a large audience, she was dismayed at how irritable she sounded. Marge resolved to work at making her voice more appealing.

What we say and how we say it have a powerful impact on others. Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit (Proverbs 15:4 GNT). St. Paul urges us: Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you (Ephesians 4:29 GNT).

Kind, helpful affirming words strengthen our relationships with others and are good for our mental health, too. More importantly, kind words reflect our Lord and His love for all of us.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, forgive me when my speech is irritable and graceless. Fill my mouth with sincere and honeyed words that convey love and patience. Alert me to ways my words can help and heal. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Walking with My Lord. Author: Donna Streufert. 28/30  ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked GNT are taken from the GOOD NEWS TRANSLATION – Second Edition, American Bible Society, New York, NY. Copyright © 1992.

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My anxious heart fears, sometimes panics, but God has my welfare at heart.

In the Word

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Of the Word

Sue couldn’t sleep. Hours passed. Her heart pounded. Her thoughts raced. Faced with starting a new job, her family’s cross-country move and an unexpected pregnancy, Sue felt overwhelmed. No wonder she felt fearful and anxious. Deep in her heart, Sue also felt guilty. She had failed to turn to God’s Word, trust His promises, and rely fully on His unconditional love.

The good news is: The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love … as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us (Psalm 103:8, 12). God showed His great love when Jesus died and rose again to rescue us from sin and death.

Jesus comforted His disciples and He comforts us with the same reassurance: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me” (John 14:1). Sue can trust God’s love, God’s forgiveness, and God’s plans. We can, too.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, when I feel overwhelmed and troubled about an uncertain and challenging future, remind me again of how much You love me. By the Holy Spirit’s power strengthen my faith and trust in You, my Savior. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Walking with My Lord. Author: Donna Streufert. 27/30  ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Obedient Praise

In the Word

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise (Psalm 111:10).

Of the Word

O-B-E-D-I-E-N-C-E! A certain group of fourth graders loved to sing the praise song. They requested it often and sang with zeal. Their teacher, however, noticed they had considerably less zeal for actually being obedient.

True obedience isn’t easy for anyone. We know the Ten Commandments and have every intention of following them. In practice, however, we find ourselves going by our own rules. We find ourselves being disobedient, just like the fourth graders. And just like St. Paul, who wrote, I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do (Romans 7:15).

The Holy Spirit — the Sanctifier — works within us to change our disobedience into obedience. As a fruit of faith, obedience pleases God. It acknowledges His wisdom and accepts His authority. In addition, obedience praises God. It closes the gap between what we sing about and what we actually do. And obedience paves the way to wisdom — God’s wisdom. O-B-E-D-I-E-N-C-E. Let Him hear it — and see it — in your life today!

Walking with my Lord

Holy Spirit, grant me willing heart and able hands
To act in unity with God’s commands. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 8/32 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Reverent Praise

In the Word

… God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise (Psalm 47:7).

Of the Word

God is the King of all the earth! He has granted us, His stewards, the unique privilege and awesome responsibility of taking care of His creation. How we exercise our stewardship differs widely according to our skills, talents, interests, and opportunities. But a crucial element of stewardship remains the same for everyone: a God-given and Spirit-nourished reverence for life.

While reverence for life certainly includes things we will not do — favor abortion, commit murder, harm, or threaten our neighbor — the term is packed with things we will do. Practical, everyday things, like dismissing petty annoyances with patience and humor. Meeting provocation with peace. Maintaining respect for those who oppose us. Forgiving those who offend us. Letting go of personal preferences for the sake of delighting the heart of a loved one.

As the King’s faithful steward, sing to Him a psalm of praise in your response to the life He has given you and in your reverence for the lives of those around you.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, let reverence start within my heart,
Then be a part of all I say and do. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 7/32 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Mighty Praise

In the Word

Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might (Psalm 21:13).

Of the Word

Our God’s got muscle. He shows His muscle in the grandeur of creation, and He confirms His power in Christ’s victory over death. The same might that drew the Israelites out of Egypt also pulls us out of the grasp of guilt and sin. Jesus said, “…with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26b).

Unlike a champion muscleman, however, God does more than stand in front of us flexing His biceps. He shares His might, His power, His strength — His muscles — with us. And as with our physical muscles, our God-given spiritual muscles get stronger with use and exercise. With His power at work in us, we can live freely, unburdened by the weight of guilt before God. Relying on the strength of His Word, we can resist temptation for “…with God all things are possible.”

Whether you’re a regular at the gym or you’ve never set foot inside of one, your real strength comes from your mighty God. Praise Him by flexing your God-given spiritual muscles today!

Walking with my Lord

Lord, grant me grace to use Your might
To bring You glory and delight. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 5/32 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Thank You, God!

In the Word

O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever (Psalm 30:12b).

Of the Word

A young couple came home every day tired and ready to unwind. They shared their tales of woe about jobs and co-workers. After a while, they realized their continual complaining was not healthy for their relationship. They decided on a new plan: they would still share their heartaches, but each would be required to share one joy from the day, too. What a difference it made for them!

Similarly, conversations with friends and co-workers can turn into gripe sessions which leave everyone feeling disgruntled. How easy it is to do nearly the same thing in prayer. It is not difficult to bring troubles, heartaches, illnesses and death to the Lord’s attention. He does want us to do that, and He promises to hear and help. Beyond that, He also wants our thanks and praise. He says, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me (Psalm 50:15).

Walking with my Lord

Lord, forgive my complaining and unthankfulness. Help me to cultivate an “attitude of gratitude” both to You and to those whose lives touch mine. Make my life a life of service and thankfulness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Prayer. Written by 2003-2005 LWML Christian Life Committee. 2/31 ©2005 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Walk me through my day, Lord!

In the Word

But I cry to you for help, O Lord; in the morning my prayer comes before you (Psalm 88:13).

Of the Word

Where do you go to seek the face of God, to call on Him in times of need? Do you find Him in the beauty of a garden or the grandeur of the mountains? Is His presence more real to you in the serenity of a house of worship or the quietness of an evening walk? In the midst of daily challenges we can turn to God, who is our strength. The psalmist had experienced it personally when God directed him to write: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging (Psalm 46:1–3). God promises to be there and to be our strength to handle everything this world tries to throw at us. Alone, it’s overwhelming; but we are not alone! He is always there guiding, encouraging and sometimes even carrying us through our daily trials.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, throughout the ages You have been a refuge and strength for Your people. Be my refuge and strength as well when I walk through today’s challenges. Grant me the grace to live my faith through all I do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Prayer. Written by 2003-2005 LWML Christian Life Committee. 1/31 ©2005 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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