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Puah and Shiphrah — Who Will We Obey?

(Puah and Shiphrah’s Story: Exodus 1:15–21)

In the Word

But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live (Exodus 1:17).

Of the Word

If you were asked to name two favorite women of the Bible, Puah and Shiphrah might not make the list. Yet God inspired the writer of Exodus to name those Hebrew midwives who courageously disobeyed the Egyptian ruler’s demand to kill all Hebrew baby boys. (By the way, the ruler’s name was not recorded!)

The writer states … the midwives feared God … (Exodus 1:17, 21). They trusted in Him. The powerful king did not rule their hearts; the all powerful Lord God did!

Are we ever tempted or even required to lie, cheat, or steal? Our circumstances may involve making many choices, but one thing is certain: “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). God promises, “When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him” (Psalm 91:15). Knowing that our loving, all-powerful God is with us, we can face our challenges with faith and courage.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil. Keep me strong to will and to do what is right in Your sight no matter what the world may ask or think. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 5/34 ©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 Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Leah — Loved by God

(Leah’s Story: Genesis 29 and 30)

In the Word

And he [Jacob] loved Rachel more than Leah … (Genesis 29:30b).

Of the Word

Jacob’s family gives dysfunctional a new meaning! Jacob loved Rachel, but was tricked into marrying her older sister Leah first. Leah knew she was never the love of Jacob’s life yet her love for him was genuine, and she remained loyal to him until she died. Though not Jacob’s favorite, God remembered Leah, blessing her with six sons and a daughter. King David and God’s Son Jesus were born of the descendants of her son Judah.

We, too, may have times of feeling unloved. Perhaps we have been overlooked for a promotion or we weren’t recognized for a great idea. Angry or estranged children and divorce take love away from us. Love we thought we had in friends may not be lasting. Others may fail us in love, but God’s love is forever.

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are (1 John 3:1a).

Walking with my Lord

Lord, when I am feeling unloved, remind me that You love me so much You gave Your life for me. Thank You, for no other love matches Yours. In Your loving name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 4/34 ©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 Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Building Blocks

In the Word

Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” … he was speaking about the temple of his body. When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken (John 2:19, 21–22).

Of the Word

Don’t try to make a tall block tower in my house. According to my daughter, blocks are meant to be scattered all over the living room floor. She takes great delight in making sure not one block is left on another.

As the disciples admired the architecture of the temple in Jerusalem, Jesus reminded them that earthly things do not last. (Matthew 24:1–2) Unfortunately, forty years later the Romans did destroy that same temple and it was never reconstructed.

There is one destroyed temple that was raised up again: Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose three days later. God’s Word, manifested in the incarnation of Jesus, promises us that through faith in Jesus Christ, we, too, will last into eternity with Him.

Put your hope and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you, too, will stand firm to the end.

Walking with my Lord

Redeemer God, I have great joy knowing nothing can destroy Your words of salvation. Thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit to keep me close to You. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 6/30 ©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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Persistence

In the Word

Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Of the Word

I think it’s safe to say that babies are born with little patience. They want to eat … NOW. They need a diaper change … NOW. They want to be picked up … NOW. And when they don’t get what they want NOW, they are very persistent in letting you know about it.

Jesus approves of persistence. In his Gospel, Luke recorded a parable Jesus told His disciples about always praying and not giving up. In the parable, a widow kept approaching an unrighteous judge to demand justice against her adversary. Because of her persistence, the judge granted her the justice she was seeking. (Luke 18:1–8)

The lesson of Jesus’ parable is this: if an unrighteous judge will listen to the persistent cries of a widow and give to her what she asks, how much more will our loving, righteous God listen to the persistent prayers of His people?

The apostle Paul encourages us to be persistent as we learn to pray without ceasing. We have God’s assurance that He will hear us and He will answer us.

Walking with my Lord

Gracious God, I am thankful I can, with confidence, approach You in prayer, knowing You will always hear and answer me. In Your holy name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 5/30 ©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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Friends: Who? When? Where? How often?

In the Word

"Let us choose what is right; let us know among ourselves what is good" (Job 34:4).

Of the Word

Bowling night, Bible study, ladies night out, a hunting trip, a quick get-together after work — and suddenly time with friends is crowding out time together. It is easy for one spouse to feel jealousy or resentment toward the other spouse's friends. The perception might be that there is more fun to be had with friends than with each other. It is good and healthy to spend time with friends outside of the marriage; but when that time begins to infringe upon "couple-time," an adjustment is in order.

Setting boundaries that are comfortable for both of you can ease much tension. Giving permission for your spouse to spend time away from you sends the message of trust. Being open with your feelings keeps your mate informed of your concerns. Every now and then cancel plans with friends and tell your spouse that you would rather spend time together. Sacrifices like that can do a lot of good for a marriage.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, You give us friends for support and enjoyment. Help us to balance our time so that our love and support for everyone grows. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 7/28 ©2008, revised 2024 Lutheran Women's Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Begin with God … He Gives His Word

In the Word

Why did God give us His Word?

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105).

Of the Word

When driving to a new place we can easily become lost and confused because we are in unfamiliar territory. God knew we would need a road map for our life and He gave it to us in His inspired Word, the Bible.

But these [words] are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name (John 20:31).

The Bible is truly the greatest “self-help” book ever written. God’s Word tells us the Good News of Jesus and it teaches us how to love and forgive. It gives directions for living confidently, for relating to those around us, and for solving life’s problems. Best of all, God’s Word is constant and true.

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever (Isaiah 40:8).

Walking with my Lord

Lord, I am grateful for the Bible. Through it You assure me of Your faithfulness, guidance, and forgiveness. Help me to study Your Word daily for direction in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Deaconess Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 9/28 ©2007, revised 2024 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Begin with God … He Gives Eternal Life

In the Word

Who will receive eternal life?

Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life (Revelation 2:10b).

Of the Word

Jesus says: Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment … (John 5:24a). For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day (John 6:40).

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. (John 10:27–28).

Jesus came to earth to bring life and salvation to all people. Salvation is God's free gift to all who believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose again. No believer will be turned away.

Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life (Revelation 2:10b).

Walking with my Lord

Dear heavenly Father, You are the God of love! Every day I am reminded of the blessed assurance of eternal life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. May the Holy Spirit continue to teach me to listen to and follow Your Word. In Jesus' name, who died for all and gives all believers in Him eternal life. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Deaconess Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 8/28 ©2007, revised 2024 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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