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Does God smile at me? Yes! Grace is God’s smile upon us!

In the Word

“… the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you …” (Numbers 6:25).

Of the Word

An unexpected smile from a stranger can brighten our day! It’s especially sweet since we’ve probably done nothing to deserve such graciousness. A stranger doesn’t even know us.

Our Lord, the One who knows us best, flashes His gracious smile on us daily! Because of our weakness, failure, and disobedience, we may fear that God is scowling. God assures us, however, that His smile does not depend on us. It’s His free gift. For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s gift, so that no one can boast about it (Ephesians 2:8–9 GNT). Grace is God’s smile upon us.

What’s next? Let us have confidence, then, and approach God’s throne, where there is grace. There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us just when we need it (Hebrews 4:16 GNT).

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, Your loving smile lifts me when I’m depressed, comforts me when I’m hurt, and encourages me when I blunder. Help me share Jesus my Savior with those who need Him, too. By Your Spirit’s power create and sustain saving faith in all Your children. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Walking with My Lord. Author: Donna Streufert. 3/30  ©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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Obedience

In the Word

Be careful to obey all these regulations I am giving you, so that it may always go well with you and your children after you, because you will be doing what is good and right in the eyes of the LORD your God (Deuteronomy 12:28).

Of the Word

Jesus summarized God’s commandments when He said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:30–31). God the Father knew that these commands would be impossible for us to keep, so He sent His Son Jesus to live perfectly and then to die, not for His own sins but for the sins of all people. His obedience to the Law not only fulfills the Law, but also gives us the freedom to love our Lord and love our neighbor.

In the family, parents are given authority to love and discipline their children. That authority carries with it a great responsibility for parents to discipline with love. Discipline done with love and respect can encourage obedience.

Stretch your faith-filled parenting: Share with your child some of the rules you had when you were a child. Discuss if those rules still apply today. Share how obedience to God brings joy to you.

Walking with my Lord

Obedient Redeemer, give me joy when I do what You want which is also good for those around me. Let all things be done to Your glory. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Faith-Filled Parenting. Authors: Rev. Larry and Shari Miller. 21/32 ©2009 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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Discipline

In the Word

My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in (Proverbs 3:11–12).

Of the Word

Our heavenly Father loved His children so much that He sent His Son Jesus to suffer and die for their sins. Because of Jesus, sins are forgiven. However, this forgiveness does not guarantee that trying situations will not happen. The Father disciplines His children for their good. The Lord lovingly uses adversity to instruct His children and guide them back to Him.

It is the responsibility of the parent to set boundaries for children. Children will often stretch these boundaries to the limit. Discipline is a tool to be used as a loving way to instruct and guide the child back in the right direction — back to the love of Jesus. Faith-filled parenting practices forgiving the sin while still loving the sinner.

Stretch your faith-filled parenting: Resolve to discipline your child with firmness, love, and respect, confident that the Holy Spirit will work through you to do what is best for your child.

Walking with my Lord

Loving Father, forgive me when I am short-tempered and impatient. Help me to show love and respect when it is necessary to be the disciplinarian in my home. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Faith-Filled Parenting. Authors: Rev. Larry and Shari Miller. 20/32 ©2009 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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My God knows what He’s doing! He doesn’t make mistakes!

In the Word

What a God he is! How perfect in every way! All his promises prove true (Psalm 18:30a LB).

Of the Word

It’s Tuesday. The week has barely started and the piles on the desk just keep growing. The phone rings constantly. It’s 2:30 pm and you’ve been “walking backwards” all day. The feeling of “What am I doing here?” replays itself over and over in your head. “I’m not capable of doing this job. It’s too demanding. It’s just too hard!”

My grace is sufficient for you … (2 Corinthians 12:9a). The phrase keeps running through your head. “Yeah, God, but …” The thought returns my grace is sufficient for you. The Apostle Paul needed to hear those words as much as we do. He experienced a daily “thorn” in the flesh that brought him back to reality knowing it was God working through him that accomplished everything. For when I am weak, then I am strong — the less I have, the more I depend on him (2 Corinthians 12:10b LB).

Whether it is work demands, child-rearing issues, marital concerns, or health-related problems, God’s message remains the same: my grace is sufficient for you.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, help me recognize Your hand leading me each day as I live my life as a witness to Your love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Prayer. Written by 2003–2005 LWML Christian Life Committee. 25/31 ©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.

Scripture quotations marked LB are taken from The Living Bible, Copyright © 1971, Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187. All rights reserved.

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Contentment

In the Word

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:12b–13).

Of the Word

The world defines contentment as being satisfied with one’s status, location, or possessions. For Christians contentment comes from knowing Jesus is our Savior from sin, death, and the devil. Our contentment comes not from what we have, but rather from what God has given us — new life through faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Our status has been changed from sinful to forgiven, from dead in our sins to alive in Christ! God promises to care for us and give us all that we need. That is contentment!

Faith-filled parents want to model contentment to their children. That can be achieved by rejoicing in all that they do possess rather than complaining about what they don’t have. That kind of attitude will be admired and imitated by their children.

Stretch your faith-filled parenting: Have a family prayer and ask each family member to thank God for one blessing — physical or spiritual.

Walking with my Lord

Bounty-providing Father, give to me a contented, thankful heart, knowing that what I have is given according to Your good and gracious will for me. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Faith-Filled Parenting. Authors: Rev. Larry and Shari Miller. 19/32 ©2009 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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God, are You listening?

In the Word

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective (James 5:16b).

Of the Word

Have you ever thought, “Why isn’t God listening to me? I prayed that my life would be changed. Nothing happened.” As weak, sinful humans, we are tempted to blame and accuse. Sometimes we are even tempted to blame God for everything that goes wrong. Could our own human frailties be hampering us, keeping us from hearing God’s good and timely answers to our prayers? Maybe we need to pray with the psalmist: Create in me a pure heart, O God (Psalm 51:10a).

Our loving and merciful God promises to listen and answer even when we are weak and fearful. … call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me (Psalm 50:15).

God’s answers don’t depend upon fancy words or even upon the strong faith of the one who prays. God answers in the right way and at the right time because He loves us.

Walking with my Lord

Dear God, forgive me for doubts and weakness. Strengthen my faith and help me to come to you with petitions that are pleasing in Your sight. Then help me to listen for Your timely answers. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Prayer. Written by 2003–2005 LWML Christian Life Committee. 30/31 ©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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Praise Him! Praise Him!

In the Word

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (Psalm 8:1).

Of the Word

Where in nature have you seen the majesty of God? Niagara Falls? Carlsbad Caverns? Yellowstone? The ocean shore? A starry sky? A glowing sunset?

Or is His majesty shown in smaller ways? The curl of a tiny hand around your finger? The first crocus of spring? The red and gold leaves of autumn?

When we stop to think of the Almighty Creator whose plan and power surround us, we stand in awe and amazement. Who but the Almighty God could design a child, build a mountain, carve a canyon, or plan the changing seasons?

Our God does all that and more. He cares for us moment by moment. He cares so much that He gave His Son to be our Savior.

With the psalmist we can pray: Let me live that I may praise You (Psalm 119:175a).

Walking with my Lord

Lord, help me to see Your majesty in both great and small things. Help me to live a life of praise to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Prayer. Written by 2003–2005 LWML Christian Life Committee. 29/31 ©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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