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Authority 

In the Word

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2).

Of the Word

Jesus Christ has all authority over heaven and earth. He has saved all people from the consequences of their sin by suffering, dying, and rising again. He rules in heaven to all eternity.

In the parent/child relationship, Jesus has given authority to the parent. When decisions are made, the parent has final approval. If a rule has to be created, the children can be involved; but it is the parent who sets it. If punishment has to be administered, it is the parent’s responsibility to do so, followed quickly by forgiveness.

God commands children to “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12). Faith-filled parenting considers the best interests of both child and family in all decisions.

Stretch your faith-filled parenting: Memorize and discuss the Ten Commandments.

Walking with my Lord

Father in heaven, when I am called upon to make decisions which affect the well-being of my family, grant me the wisdom to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in all matters. May the authority bestowed upon me as parent be dispensed with love and compassion. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Faith-Filled Parenting. Authors: Rev. Larry and Shari Miller. 22/32 ©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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Peaceful Rest

In the Word

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8).

Of the Word

As we close our eyes to rest our minds continue to race with thoughts of the day’s worries:

“If only I would hear the key in the door. I’d know my teenager is safely home. Until then, I can’t sleep.”

“If only I could take back those angry words! How will I face her tomorrow? Will she accept my apology? I can’t sleep.”

“If only I was certain I will be hired. The interview went well, but … I just can’t sleep.”

Troubles of the day often lead to sleepless nights. Could those long hours be used to pray, to reflect on God’s past mercies and future care? A beginning might be to pray with the psalmist, Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long (Psalm 25:4–5).

Peaceful sleep can come, knowing that our Father in heaven is lovingly watching over His children. … the Lord blesses his people with peace (Psalm 29:11b).

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, when I am overcome by trouble and worry, help me to turn to You. Forgive my weakness. Calm my heart, ease my mind, and give me peaceful rest. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Comfort from the Psalms. Authors: Marcia Gomulka & Myrna Lou Meyer. 9/30 ©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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Help for Everyday Living

In the Word

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me" (Psalm 50:15 NASB).

Of the Word

Within the 43 verses of Psalm 107 these words are repeated four times: Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble; He delivered them out of their distress (Psalm 107:6a, 13a, 19a, 28a NASB). I have never been in the dire straits that are described in this psalm, but the pressures of everyday life can sometimes weigh me down to the breaking point.

I have called for help in those times and help arrived. No visible storms were calmed. The children did not suddenly become sweet and cooperative. Not one duty was lifted from my shoulders. The changes that came about were inside me.

I have learned to believe that God, who loved me so much that He sent His Son to die for my salvation, will not leave me alone to face the troubles of life. Many times God reminds me that I am not alone. He is with me. Jesus promises, “… I am with you always …” (Matthew 28:20b NASB).

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, thank You for the assurance that You are always with me. Help me to remember that no problem is too big or too small to bring to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Barbara Carlson. 14/32 ©2009 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations marked “NASB” are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE, The Lockman Foundation. Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 973, 1975, 1977, 1995. All rights reserved.

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Joy in Knowing God’s Care

In the Word

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

Of the Word

The morning had begun early with a tiny baby to feed, a toddler to cuddle, a husband to send off to work. Then she readied herself for a day in the classroom. Finally the car was loaded with children, diaper bags and homework. A red light on the way to the caregiver’s house gave her a moment to gather her thoughts. “Thank You, God, for the red light,” she prayed.

Is a red light important enough for prayer? Does God really care whether traffic lights are red or green?

If God cares for little brown sparrows and if He knows the exact number of hairs upon our heads (Matthew 10:29–31), He must care about traffic lights, too!

Unexpected moments of quiet — waiting for the light to change, waiting for the train to pass, waiting for the line to move — can be used to remember God’s loving care. With the psalmist we can pray, May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you (Psalm 33:22).

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, help me to find joy in unexpected moments of peace and quiet. Forgive me when I become annoyed and unable to see Your love and care in them. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 15/30 ©2005 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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Joy in Witnessing of God’s Love

In the Word

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom… (Colossians 3:16a).

Of the Word

Can you remember when you first learned about Jesus? It may have been your parents who taught you to sing “Jesus Loves Me, This I Know.” Maybe it was a grandparent whose quiet witness and loving encouragement set a positive example of the Christian faith. For some it might have been a loving Sunday school teacher or dedicated youth leader. Many of us have been blessed by the Christian witness of someone who spoke of the Savior Jesus and pointed us to God’s Word.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians at Colossae giving them the encouragement to … set your hearts on things above … (Colossians 3:1b). He continued by admonishing them with directions for living a holy life. But his instructions did not end with just learning to live as Christians; they went on to encourage all believers to share that wonderful message with others. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom … (Colossians 3:16a).

Walking with my Lord

Dear Father, I have much to learn about You, and many others have still to learn of Your everlasting love. Help me to lead my life as both student and teacher. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 14/30 ©2005 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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Joy in God’s Precious Gift of Heaven

In the Word

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

Of the Word

What is the best gift you have ever received? A beautiful doll, a diamond ring, a handmade quilt? What is the most precious gift you have received? Your loving spouse, a child, a special friend? Christians would undoubtedly say that the greatest gift of all is the promise of eternal life given by God Himself. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

The Apostle Paul recognized the promise of eternal life with Jesus to be a gift of God, indeed the best gift we could receive. He wrote, By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you (1 Corinthians 15:2a). We cannot keep silent about this wonderful news!

Walking with my Lord

Dear Father, I know that because of sin I deserve death. But I also know that You sent Jesus to take away my sin and to give me life and salvation. Help me to share the faith in my heart by telling of Jesus, Your most precious gift to me. In His name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 13/30 ©2005 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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Problem or Purpose?

In the Word

Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again … (Psalm 71:20a).

Of the Word

“Rain, rain go away,” the nursery rhyme begins. Rain can spoil a summer picnic, a baseball game, or a leisurely walk. But rain also has a purpose. It waters crops, keeps lawns beautiful, and fills lakes and rivers.

Do troubles have a purpose? They can weigh us down and wear us out. They can make us lose focus on the One who created us. That is certainly not God’s plan. The Apostle Paul, like the psalmist, had troubles, many and bitter, but he was inspired to write: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

When surrounded by trouble and frustrations mount, the Adversary uses our doubt to make us ask, “Do I still love God? Do I have any faith at all?” The Holy Spirit hears our cries and assures us that the faith He planted in our hearts is still there. God has not left us alone in our frustrations. He continually works in us, working for the good of those who love him. That is His promise and He will do it.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, when my life seems to be filled with the stormy clouds of trouble remind me that You are working all things for my good. Forgive my weakness and show me the sunshine of Your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Comfort from the Psalms. Authors: Marcia Gomulka & Myrna Lou Meyer. 15/30 ©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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