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Same but Different

In the Word

… when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you … (1 Peter 3: 20b–21a).

Of the Word

Both Holy Baptism and the great flood of Noah’s day involve water. St. Peter compares them in his epistle. They are alike in that both provide a cleansing.

But they are very different in purpose. The great flood was a flood of wrath. The waters from the sky and from the fountains of the deep killed every living thing outside the ark that housed Noah’s family.

Holy Baptism is a flood of God’s grace that saves us from sin, death, and the devil. It does much more than giving us clean skin. It washes away the grime of sin, giving us a clean spirit. Jesus proclaims, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved …” (Mark 16:16a).

Walking with my Lord

Almighty God, in the waters of the great flood, You saved Noah and his family from destruction. Through Baptism You have saved me from sin. Hold me as Your child and keep me safe until the end. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 18/28 ©2013 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, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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New is Always Better

In the Word

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19).

Of the Word

Some people hold the belief that new is always better. The newest phones are the best; the newest cars are the safest; and the newest version of computer software is the most secure. On the other hand, many people contend, “They just don’t make things like they used to.”

God promised the Israelites that something new was coming. Not just a new version of something, but something so miraculous, great, and marvelous that it would completely eclipse the old. Saint Paul says that Old Testament events and practices are a shadow of the things to come (Colossians 2:17b). They find their full meaning and completion in something greater — in Someone greater. And that “Someone” is Jesus!

The miracle of Jesus’ resurrection is so great, so marvelous, so miraculous, that nothing can compare to it. Nothing but Christ’s death and resurrection can save us from our sins. Nothing else can give us forgiveness of sins and the assurance of eternal life.

Walking with my Lord

True God of all Ages, in the covenant of Your Son’s blood the new is better than the old. Keep me in this new covenant as I live in this old world and look forward to heaven. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 17/28 ©2013 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, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Life of a Sheep

In the Word

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters (Psalm 23:2).

Of the Word

Sheep are peculiar animals. They are by nature flocking creatures and will instinctively follow a leader, even to their demise. The psalmist pictures the Lord as the Good Shepherd who leads His flock to pastures where they can eat and rest and to quiet waters where they can drink and be refreshed.

Jesus Himself says, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11a). He abundantly provides for our daily needs. He does not lead us to dried-up pastures with dangerous waters, but lovingly leads us to green pastures with still waters.

In Jesus we will never be lacking. In Jesus we will never be in want. God promises … those who seek the Lord lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10b).

Walking with my Lord

Jesus, my Shepherd, lead me to the green pastures and still waters of this life. Give me the confidence to know that in You I lack nothing. In Your holy name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 16/28 ©2013 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, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Lost and Found

In the Word

“And when she had found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15: 9–10).

Of the Word

Can’t find your car keys? Glasses? Checkbook? How irritating! You look everywhere, checking every nook and cranny, even searching the same places over and over. Finally, the lost is found. Your level of joy is directly proportionate to the time spent searching.

When Jesus told the parable about the lost coin, He knew His listeners could relate. They understood as Jesus explained that the joy in heaven when a sinner repents is greater than finding a lost coin. “A sinner … like me?” we think. “The angels of God rejoice over ordinary me?”

It is hard to grasp the immensity of this truth. We can do nothing to earn the value He places on us. God, in His grace, loved us while we were still lost sinners. Jesus’ death and resurrection changed us into precious treasures.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, help me live each moment of today as a precious, restored treasure and share this message of joy with those around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 18/30 ©2013 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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Judgmental Moments

In the Word

Why do you pass judgment on your brother? (Romans 14:10a).

Of the Word

She noticed him the minute he entered her checkout line. He had multiple tattoos, body piercings, and a T-shirt extolling an oddly-named music group. “Another one of them,” she thought. “How are you?” she asked. “Blessed!” he answered, “I’m blessed by God!”

How often our first impressions become final judgments! We look at style of dress, skin color, nationality — even facial expressions — and decide a person’s worth. We gravitate toward those who are most like us. Yet we forget the world’s most common denominator — our sinfulness. We have all fallen short of God’s demand for perfection; everyone has sinned. How foolish to pass judgment on those who are exactly like us!

Because Jesus died and rose again, God the Father now sees us in the perfection of Christ. We are new creatures. How blessed we are when we see others through Jesus’ eyes, loved and saved by Him. They, too, belong to the family of God.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, when I am tempted to pass judgment on someone, please enable me to see instead through my Father’s eyes. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 17/30 ©2013 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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Joy vs. Happiness

In the Word

“But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves” (John 17:13).

Of the Word

Years ago, a popular T-shirt read, “If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” Many people, including Christians, believe that God wants us to be happy. But happiness is often confused with the joy we read of in Scripture. Being happy is a feeling of bliss or a mood that is dependent on other people and circumstances. Joy is a gift from the Holy Spirit — not a moment or a mood.

Joy is God’s intentional gift of His presence. Jesus came to live among us, speak the truth of God’s unconditional love for us, and take away our sin through His death and resurrection. No matter what circumstances surround us, we can live in the joy that we are His precious children. We are made whole in the promise of Jesus, “that they may have my joy fulfilled in them” (John 17:13b).

Moments of happiness are a delight, but we can rejoice in the always-present joy that is the foundation of our life in Christ!

Walking with my Lord

Lord, I thank You for moments of happiness and, more importantly, for the never-ending joy of being Your redeemed child. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 16/30 ©2013 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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Esther — Woman of Courage

Esther’s Story: The Book of Esther

In the Word

Then Esther told them … “I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:15a, 16b).

Of the Word

Like a TV drama, Esther’s story had a beauty contest, sinister plots, betrayal, and courage. Esther, a Judean, was taken captive by an edict of the king because he was looking for a replacement wife. From all the women in the king’s harem, beautiful Esther was the one chosen. God had a plan for her!

An evil plot had been laid to destroy all the Jews of the kingdom. Esther, being a Jew, would not have escaped. After three days of praying and fasting she summoned the courage to go before the king unannounced, which could have resulted in her death. Esther was not turned away. The king learned of the evil plot, and the Jews were saved.

Confronting problems isn’t easy but ignoring them can cause serious consequences. Where can we find courage to say what has to be said or do what has to be done? … fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). Our God is bigger than any problem we will ever face. We can rely on God’s promise to always be with us.

Walking with my Lord

Holy Spirit, embolden me with courage to do what I must. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 18/34 ©2013 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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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