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Deborah — Encourager

(Deborah’s Story: Judges 4, 5)

In the Word

Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. She used to sit under the palm of Deborah … and the people of Israel came up to her for judgment (Judges 4:4–5).

Of the Word

“You want me to do what?” could have been Deborah’s response when Barak, commander of the army, stated, “If you will go with me [into battle], I will go, but if you will not go with me, I will not go” (Judges 4:8b). After all, it was Barak, not Deborah, God told to go into battle! Deborah had many reasons not to go with Barak. She was a judge; she was needed by the people. She wasn’t a warrior; women didn’t go to war. She was a wife; her household came first. But she used none of these as excuses. She went with the troops, encouraging them, and God gave them victory over the enemy.

God chose Deborah to support Barak and his troops. God also gives us opportunities to support and encourage others. It may be in a card, a letter, or a phone call. It may be at a food bank or at a health center. It may be praying with someone. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works … encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Hebrews 10:24, 25b).

Walking with my Lord

Lord, help me answer Your call to encourage others, knowing my support is in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 8/34 ©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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Rahab — Forgiven

(Rahab’s Story: Joshua 2; 6:22–25)

In the Word

And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? (James 2:25).

Of the Word

It has been said one shouldn’t shake the family tree too hard as you never know what may fall out. We might expect our Lord Jesus’ family tree to be impeccable, but listed in the genealogy is Rahab, the prostitute who aided spies sent to survey the land God promised to His people. She is named again in Hebrews: By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient … (Hebrews 11:31a).

With faith and repentance Rahab confesses to the spies “… for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath” (Joshua 2:11b). Rahab had heard of the mighty acts God had done in leading the Jews out of Egypt and she believed Him to be the only true God. Rahab’s story is good news for all of us. We are all sinners in need of forgiveness. God does not overlook our sin. But God does love us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross to bear the sins of the world. We have been redeemed through His blood. Like Rahab, we have been justified through our faith.

Walking with my Lord

Father, forgive me for my sins. Through Your Holy Spirit may I be led to confess them, remembering the price Jesus paid for my eternal life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 7/34 ©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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Sippy Cups

In the Word

“This Jesus God raised up, and of that we are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing” (Acts 2:32–33).

Of the Word

My daughter frequently begged to drink from my water glass. When I gave it to her, a little of the water found its way into her mouth, but most of it landed on her shirt. I learned quickly why moms give their babies sippy cups: they help regulate the flow of liquid a baby receives when drinking.

When God gave His apostles His Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, He did not use a sippy cup. Nor did He sprinkle, trickle, drip, or dribble parts of the Spirit on them. There was no regulating the flow. God poured the Spirit out on the apostles!

As believers, we also have been drenched with this out-pouring of the Spirit. We are dripping with salvation and regeneration along with many other gifts listed in Scripture. Like the apostles on Pentecost, we have received the Holy Spirit in order to deliver the Good News to all who will listen. The Good News is that God wants all people everywhere to receive the outpouring of His good and gracious gifts through believing in His saving Son Jesus Christ.

Walking with my Lord

God, I am ever thankful for the gifts of the Holy Spirit, life, and salvation You have poured out on me. May I be bold in sharing the Gospel with others. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 9/30 ©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 Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Ultrasound

In the Word

And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. … you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus” (Luke 1:30–31).

Of the Word

In spite of all the water I had to drink before the big fetal anatomy ultrasound, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of looking at my baby. I thought I would leave the doctor’s office knowing whether the baby was a boy or girl. As it turned out, my daughter was too much of a lady to definitively reveal her gender at that time.

Who needs an ultrasound when the angel Gabriel is delivering the message? Mary was a young virgin when she received some shocking news in an unexpected visit from Gabriel. He not only told her she would conceive a child by the power of the Holy Spirit, he also revealed to her that she would bear a son who she would name Jesus. He would be the Son of God.

Thank God for the Good News Gabriel announced to Mary. Thank God for the willing heart displayed in the young virgin. And thank God for the promise fulfilled in an infant, who did grow to be a mighty King indeed, saving His people and bringing them into His eternal kingdom.

Walking with my Lord

My Lord and Savior, I praise You for entering into this world to save me. May I never be afraid to share this Good News with others. In Your holy name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 8/30 ©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 Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Mama

In the Word

“Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name’” (Matthew 6:9).

Of the Word

One little word. You wouldn’t think it would make such an impact, but I can tell you how my heart swelled when I first heard it from my daughter’s little lips. “Mama.” Of course “Mama” may be heard in between sobs, when my daughter doesn’t feel well, or in the middle of the night. But I still feel good when my daughter calls out to me.

Our God wants us to call out to Him, too. Jesus encourages us to call God by a most intimate name: Father.

We are given the right to use this intimate term for a holy, just, and righteous God because it was made possible by Christ, our brother, who brought us into His loving family through His death and resurrection. As heirs with Christ, we have the privilege to call on His name.

Now when we speak His name in hurt, He wipes away our tears. When we speak it in sickness, He heals. When we speak it in fear, He calms our hearts. And for all of this, it is only fitting that we should also speak His name in praise and adoration.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, how humbled I am to be able to come before You and call You Father. Thank You for the redeeming love of Your Son Jesus whom I can also call Brother. In His beautiful name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 7/30 ©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 Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Christ-Like Service

In the Word

Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him (John 13:5).

Of the Word

Each year, millions of dollars are spent on feet: classy shoes, fuzzy socks, pedicures. But most people don’t want to touch someone else’s feet. However, foot washing was a common practice in Bible times. It was a sign of hospitality when guests’ dusty feet were washed, and usually a lowly slave or servant stooped to do the task.

Jesus — the Almighty God, King of kings, Lord of lords — took the servant’s job. He bent down, took towel and basin, and then washed His disciples’ feet. He gave the example of true humility and demonstrated one facet of the love and self-sacrifice He would show on the cross the very next day.

His willing service cost Him His life but washes away our sins and brings life to us. Jesus “came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28b).

Walking with my Lord

Lord, Your willingness to serve me led You to the cross to save me from my sins. Lead me to follow Your example and serve my neighbors in loving ways. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 6/28 ©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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Good and Gracious Land

In the Word

“For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing out in the valleys and hills …” (Deuteronomy 8:7).

Of the Word

As they wandered in the wilderness, God graciously provided for the Israelites but, at the time, all they could see were the hardships of life in the desert. They complained because it was hot, they had no food or water, and they were tired of walking. It went so far that some wished they were back in Egypt living as slaves. They knew they would die there, but at least they would be taken care of. But God had provided for them through their desert wanderings, and He promised them abundance in their new home. They just couldn’t see it.

It is often hard for us, too, to see God’s love and care. God’s promises are for us, just as they were for the Israelites. Jesus says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Through faith, we can be sure of God’s guidance through our lives, and we can be just as sure of being brought to heaven. In that good land, we will experience no pain or death, only rest and peace.

Walking with my Lord

Great Provider, thank You for giving me what I need according to Your will. Bring me to the good land You have promised me — my heavenly home. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 5/28 ©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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