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Faith is … Committing Our Spirit to Our Heavenly Father

In the Word

“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46b).

Of the Word

The last words spoken by Jesus before He died on the cross were “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46b). Faith, trust, assurance, and victory were in these words.

Jesus’ words very well could be our morning prayer before we begin the day, and they could be our evening prayer before we turn out the light. We also hope that these words would be the last prayer we whisper before our eyes close in death.

This is certainly a costly prayer. When we say the words of this prayer we are giving up on ourselves and putting ourselves in the hands of our heavenly Father. Blessed are the people who by the grace of God dare to commit themselves into the Father’s hands.

To rest in His hands is to be in God’s care. He is concerned about each of us. After all, He is our Father. Jesus has written our names in the palms of His hands.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Father, Your Son committed His Spirit into Your hands from the cross on Calvary. Into Your hands I commit my spirit today. In His holy name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 4/30 ©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.

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My Home — My Mission Field

In the Word

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations …” (Matthew 28:19a).

Of the Word

Have you ever thought that your home might be the place you can fulfill the command of Jesus to go into all the world and make disciples? As you go about your daily life, you are touching the world!

A young lady from India married a Christian man. She believed it would be hard for her husband’s family to accept her. After all, she was a Hindu and did not plan to become a Christian.

She expected to be treated coldly with hints that a heathen woman was not a fit wife for a Christian man. Imagine her surprise when her mother-in-law lovingly accepted her.

Through her husband’s example and her mother-in-law’s witness, she saw what it meant to be a Christian. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit she, too, professed Christ as her Lord and Savior. In her own words, her mother-in-law “loved her to Jesus.”

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Lord, for the faith You have given me. May I see opportunities in my own home and community to share Your love. Keep me strong in Your Word so that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, I can witness to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Kathy Ludwig. 3/32 ©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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Loving Praise

In the Word

Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you (Psalm 63:3).

Of the Word

“Life is good!” he sighs as he climbs in bed beside his wife. Though it’s snowing outside, the house keeps cozy and snug. The couple’s two daughters sleep safely in their beds. The cat arranges herself at the foot of the bed and the puppy settles on his chair. Life is good! But God’s love brings everlasting peace and contentment. God’s love is better than life.

“Life is awful,” she weeps to her pastor. “I’m out of a job, in debt, and now this — the police arrested my son on drug charges!” Countless set-backs have driven her to the edge of despair. Life is difficult. But God’s love brings unfailing comfort and strength. God’s love is better than life.

God assures us of His love and has proven it by sacrificing His own Son, Jesus Christ, on our behalf. Jesus earned our relationship with God, whose love is infinitely better than life at its best — and overwhelmingly stronger than life at its most difficult. Praise Him for the power of His love in your life.

Walking with my Lord

The heights and depths of life to me have little worth
Because Your love means more than anything on earth.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 10/32 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Philip, Pep in His Step

In the Word

So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him (Acts 8:30–31).

Of the Word

Either the chariot was stopped, moving slowly, or God gave Philip a little pep in his step as he ran and caught up to the chariot to hear the Ethiopian reading the scrolls of Isaiah. In any case, as Philip approached the chariot, he had the opportunity to explain Scripture to a searching soul.

How about you? Do you run toward witnessing opportunities or away from them? Or maybe just run a little slower so someone else gets there first?

It’s not always easy to share your faith. However, God didn’t just guide Philip to the chariot and leave. He provided Philip with the knowledge and the resources to tell the Ethiopian man about Christ. Trust that God will do the same for you. And do not be afraid to go where God will lead you.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, give me a little pep in my step as I notice and take advantage of witnessing opportunities all around me. Give me the knowledge and the resources to share Your Word with searching souls. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Race of Faith. Author: Amanda Stacy, DCE. 27/28 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40196

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Words for the Wise

In the Word

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice (Proverbs 12:15).

Of the Word

Although it seemed right at the time, driving the wrong way caused loss of precious time. “Oh, if only I’d stopped to ask directions!” the driver moaned. Life can be much the same when we are spiritually lost because we have either not asked for, or have ignored, the good advice of others.

… a wise man listens to advice (Proverbs 12:15b), says the writer of Proverbs.

A lost driver can ask for directions or check a map or GPS. A lost soul can find direction in God’s Word. Jesus tells us, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6b).The psalmist reminds us, Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you (Psalm 55:22a). And we have the comforting promise that nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:39b).

How thankful we can be that God’s words have impact on our daily lives. They are the words of love and grace that take us into eternity with Him!

A Point to Ponder: What wise advice from God will guide my way today?

Walking with my Lord

Lord God, thank You for Your Word, which gives direction for my life. Help me to listen, understand, and follow the guidance that You have given to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 32/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Bring on the Smiles!

In the Word

A glad heart makes a cheerful face … (Proverbs 15:13a).

Of the Word

Remember elephant jokes? Knock-knock jokes? Ole and Lena jokes? How about silly movies, crazy sit-coms, or goofy commercials? Some brought smiles and chuckles. Others brought genuine belly laughs! But a glad heart is more than smiles and chuckles, more lasting than any quickly-passing joke or drama. A glad heart is evidence of God’s presence in us and the sure knowledge of His love for us. The joy of His presence is reflected in a cheerful face.

Does that mean no sorrows, no troubles; no setbacks for His people? No, for we live in a world beset by them, a world filled with sin. But it does mean that, because of God’s presence, we can have joy in, around, and in spite of unhappiness. With the psalmist we can pray, Restore to me the joy of your salvation (Psalm 51:12a). We have Jesus’ promise, “I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you” (John 16:22b). His promise is no joke. It’s the reason for an eternal smile!

A Point to Ponder: How will my face reflect the joy of the Lord today?

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Lord, for being in me and with me. Help me to reflect Your presence as I go about my daily routine. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 31/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Photo Memories

In the Word

“See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; …” (Isaiah 49:16a NIV).

Of the Word

Almost every home has them. They are scattered throughout the house on tables or bookshelves. Or they are displayed in a circular frame showing a progression of hair styles and smiles. The beloved, or bemoaned, school pictures. And there is always “the one” that makes you cringe and your children laugh hysterically. It is usually Mom’s favorite. School pictures are treasured by parents. They remember that child in that frozen moment of time. The memories enhance the love that has never diminished.

God cherishes us in the same way. God, who deliberately created every particle of us, carries us in His heart constantly. A popular poster reads, “If God had a wallet, your picture would be in it.” Even more amazing than a photo, our Father has a tattoo of us! He never forgets us. His unconditional love for us never changes. Jesus gave His life on the cross because He held your face in His outstretched hands.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, may my gratitude never cease for being Your precious and beloved child. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 28/28 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40195

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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