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How, Lord … can I find strength?

In the Word

“…Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20b).

Of the Word

Test results came back — the Big C. Sorrow, anger, fear, and frustration followed. Cancer happened to other people, to older people, to anyone but her. What now? She had work to do, children to care for.

Tears followed as family and friends offered love and support. As shock wore off and reality set in, she was able to say, “I have the Big C. I have Christ!”

Treatment was long and difficult, but she carried this thought with her on each trip, “My true Big C is Christ, my Savior. No matter what this treatment gives, He has already treated me to eternity with Him.”

Those words are eternally true for every Christian. No matter what other Cs life may hold — cold, cough, controversy, confusion, or even cancer — the cross of Christ is stronger. He has conquered sin and death, and He promises to keep us, His faithful people, with Him forever.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Jesus, forgive me when I forget You and Your cross. No matter what befalls me today, keep me close to You. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: How, Lord? Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 20/32 ©2011 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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How, Lord … can I find peace?

In the Word

“Be still, and know that I am God …” (Psalm 46:10).

Of the Word

The volunteer at the zoo’s butterfly garden identified the beautiful insects as they fluttered through the blossoms. She showed visitors the monarch that had burst from its chrysalis only moments before. She smiled and her eyes sparkled.

When a visitor complimented her work and thanked her, she said, “I love my job! The butterfly garden is peaceful and serene. Some volunteers are bored here, but this is my favorite spot.”

God wants His children to have a quiet, peaceful, serene spot within the busyness of life. Why? So we can know that God is God.

Where is your place to be still and know Him? Your porch swing? A mountain cabin? Your favorite rocker or recliner? Be still there and know God’s presence. He is waiting for you!

Walking with my Lord

Lord, when I get too busy, slow me down and make me still enough to know that You are my God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: How, Lord? Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 19/32 ©2011 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’s Protection Assured

In the Word

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26).

Of the Word

What thought-provoking message was once found in a bird’s nest?
“We trust in the Lord our God.”

In a tree marked for limb trimming, city workers in Hamilton, Ontario, found a nest of baby robins. They agreed to not touch the limb until the young birds flew away. When the nest was abandoned, the workers found a little scrap of paper in the bottom. The parent robins had used the paper in the building of the nest. The tattered paper read, “We trust in the Lord our God.”

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life … Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:25a, 26).

Those birds were out on a limb. We may one day find ourselves in the same place. It is then we can be certain that, just like the birds, we can be at rest knowing our Lord God can be trusted for protection.

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Father, for constantly caring for me. Knowing I am valuable to You, may I never doubt the assurance of Your guidance and protection. In Your loving name I pray. Amen. 

Mustard Seed: Simple Trust. Elaine Bickel, author. 21/29 ©2011 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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The Real Meaning of Life

In the Word

… the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23b).

Of the Word

Would anyone pay to know the answer to the question, “What is the meaning of life?”
Yes!

Eight bids were placed in an online auction and ultimately the meaning of life was sold for $3.26! While we do not know what the bidder was told for the price he paid, we can know the meaning of life for free if we read God’s Word.

Life is created by God. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). … the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being (Genesis 2:7).

Life is a gift from God! For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).

It would be difficult to trust in words auctioned for $3.26, but we can trust the One who gives life here and in eternity. God’s certain promise is, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10b).

Walking with my Lord

Life-giving God, You made me, redeemed me, and promised heaven to me. Make my life a song of praise to You! In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Mustard Seed: Simple Trust. Elaine Bickel, author. 20/29 ©2011 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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Wise Words

In the Word

A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction (Proverbs 16:23).

Of the Word

What can happen at 90 degrees below zero on the Fahrenheit scale?
Your breath freezes in midair and falls to the ground.

Cold, icy words become the building blocks for icy walls that separate people from each other. The best way to avoid those walls is to be quiet when your heart turns cold. Pause. Ask God to warm your heart and your words. A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction (Proverbs 16:23).

If the icy wall has already been constructed, chisel away at it with God’s Word. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:4–5). When God enables us to live out these words, icy walls melt.

Spend time in prayer today. Ask God’s forgiveness for your cold, icy words. Ask Him to help you forgive a person who has hurt you. Then stand back. Watch God change that icy wall into a refreshing mountain stream.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, forgive me for the cold, icy words that come out of my mouth. Help me forgive those whose words have hurt me. In Your forgiving name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Simple Trust. Elaine Bickel, author. 19/29 ©2011 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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Take My Life and Let it Be

In the Word

And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again (2 Corinthians 5:15).

Of the Word

Take my life and let it be Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days, Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

God has given us the gift of life. He has given us our hands, feet, voice, lips, silver, gold, intellect, will, heart, and even our love for Him. Most importantly, He has given us new life through the waters of baptism and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

These verses encourage us to use all facets of our lives to worship, praise, and serve our God. This is called stewardship. We use the gifts and talents God has given us to tell others the Good News of salvation in Christ.

In the final stanza we pray, “Take my love, my Lord, I pour At Thy feet its treasure store; Take myself, and I will be Ever, only, all for Thee.”

Walking with my Lord

Giver of all that is good, make me a faithful steward of all that You have given me. Give me joy as I use Your many gifts, not selfishly, but in service to You and to the people around me. In Your gracious name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Joyful, Joyful. Rev. Larry and Shari Miller, authors. 17/31. Hymn Text: LSB 783. ©2011  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.
All hymns are public domain with the text reprinted from Lutheran Service Book, ©2006, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO.

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How, Lord … can I cope with stress?

In the Word

I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).

Of the Word

A young college graduate was called to teach in a rather remote area. Her first task was to order supplies for her brand-new classroom. She depended upon her pastor to give guidance, but in a matter of weeks he accepted a call to a new congregation. However, before he moved, he preached on the text, I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).

Weeks rolled by, and she was reminded again and again of those precious words. Caring Christians in the church and community encouraged and prayed for her. Her parents and old friends stayed in touch. Loving children in her class hugged, smiled, and learned. Through him, she did what was required, and she was blessed.

What is your story? What challenges do you face? What promises of God do you cling to?

God is faithful. He promises, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5b). God’s loving power surrounds His people. We can depend upon Him for all things.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, without You I am weak and helpless. Guide me through the troubles and challenges in my life, and help me to trust in You for every need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: How, Lord? Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 18/32 ©2011 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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