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Weary from Pain

In the Word

Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing; heal me, O LORD, for my bones are troubled (Psalm 6:2).

Of the Word

When dealing with a chronic illness, we pray for God’s grace just as the psalmist did. An illness that lingers can be all-consuming and before we know it, it may take over our life.

I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping (Psalm 6:6).

Not a fun situation! While an illness must be addressed and dealt with, remember that it does not define us. That is not who we are. By virtue of our Baptism, we are dearly loved children of God. Our faith in Jesus as our Savior has put us in a relationship with Him that assures us of forgiveness of sins and life everlasting where there will be no more sickness or pain.

It’s our relationship with Jesus that defines who we are, not our illness. As we deal with our illnesses, we take it to the Lord in prayer with this confidence: The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD accepts my prayer (Psalm 6:9).

Walking with my Lord

Father, I praise You for making me Your child. Remind me of that status as I face each new day, especially when illness tries to overwhelm me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 4/30 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40197

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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Be Happy!

In the Word

“Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my door. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD …” (Proverbs 8:34–35).

Of the Word

Happy! Happy! Happy! This seems to be the mantra of today’s society. Advertising tells us we deserve happiness, so go buy the new car or the latest electronic gadget. In reality, the happiness that comes from material things is fleeting and, sadly, the car gets a dent, and the gadget gets replaced in the stores by an even better one. The happiness we felt when they were new is long gone.

Scripture’s meaning of “blessed” is happy — God’s kind of happy. It is a true happiness that isn’t tied to a thing that only gives us pleasure for a little while. This happiness is found in the Word of God that assures us we are loved and protected by the almighty Father. Proverbs tells us to listen to God’s wisdom and daily search God’s Word for instruction — and then pay heed to it.

Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death” (John 8:51).

A Point to Ponder: Do I need to re-evaluate what I think brings happiness into my life? 

Walking with my Lord

Father, because of the death and resurrection of Jesus my Savior, I have eternal life! No earthly possession can ever bring me more happiness than that promise. In His saving name I give thanks and pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 6/32 ©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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Seeing Red

In the Word

Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly (Proverbs 14:29).

Of the Word

It has many names — annoyed, outraged, irritated, or just plain mad. But whatever we choose to call it, its name is anger, and it can be destructive. Will things that could cause us to be angry come our way? Yes. But we are instructed to be slow to anger as is our loving God. The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love (Psalm 145:8).

The acts of a hasty temper may lead to screaming, door slamming, throwing whatever is handy, or hurling insults — all things that not only hurt others but can hurt us. Unchecked anger can poison our very being and lead us to sin.

God doesn’t want anger to overpower us. Nor does He want us to harbor resentment or hold a grudge. He does give us these words to follow; “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry… (Ephesians 4:26 NIV). God is telling us to let it go!

A Point to Ponder: What anger or resentment in my life do I need to turn over to God?

Walking with my Lord

Lord, I confess I allow anger and resentment to creep into my life. Through Your Holy Spirit help me control my words and actions. I pray in Jesus’ forgiving name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 5/32 ©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.

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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“Listen to Me.”

In the Word

“Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways” (Proverbs 8:32 NIV).

Of the Word

Countless times we have said or heard the words, “Listen to me.” With these words the speakers are indicating they want to say something that, in their opinion, we need to hear. We also know that sometimes the information is heeded, and other times it falls on deaf ears.

In Proverbs 8:22, it is God’s wisdom admonishing us to listen and walk in God’s ways and to be prepared to receive God’s blessings. We can enjoy the happiness of knowing we live in the loving, forgiving hands of the almighty God.

Jesus also tells us to listen … “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28b) Because Jesus gave His life for us, paid for our sins on the cross, and rose again from the dead, we will one day be with Him in heaven. In Christ we have the words of eternal life. Now that’s a message worth listening to!

A Point to Ponder: Which of God’s wise words do I need to pay closer attention to today?

Walking with my Lord

Forgiving Lord, through the power of Your Holy Spirit help me rejoice in hearing Your Word and strengthen me to walk boldly in Your ways. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 4/32 ©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.

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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A Time to Glow

In the Word

“You are the light of the world. … let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14a, 16b).

Of the Word

Almost every birthday celebration includes a cake with candles. Some believe this custom comes from the Greeks who made round cakes to resemble the moon. Candles were added so the cake would appear to glow.

Birthdays are an opportunity to glow for God. They remind us that God has given us more time to know Him better. With each passing year God gives us the energy and strength and the opportunities to share His light with others!

The devil, trying to rob us of God’s glow, daily tries to get us to blow out our candles — to just get on with the party, eat our cake, and enjoy life. But Jesus, the source of light, ignites us to shine brightly as we love and care for others as He loves and cares for us.

As the years see more candles lit, may you glow brighter! Let your light shine out to others, giving the glory to God. 

Walking with my Lord

Lord, help me to glow for You as I grow in You. Give me the courage to let Your light shine through me! In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 3/28 ©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.

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The Perfect Gift

In the Word

… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, … (Romans 3:23–24).

Of the Word

No matter how well we know someone, finding the perfect gift can be a real challenge. Will we give something needed or look for a one-of-kind gift guaranteed to bring delight? Sometimes the perfect gift is just too expensive. Maybe a gift card is the best choice.

Out of love, God sent Jesus, His one and only Son, to give us the gift of forgiveness. He is the perfect size. He easily fits into any heart and can be taken everywhere. He is the perfect gift for any age — from conception through the day we are called home. In fact, He is the only gift that comes with a heavenly guarantee. His lifetime guarantee promises a life with Him for all eternity, and it costs absolutely nothing. However, there was a price, and it was high. It was paid by Christ Himself when He died to take away all of our sins. Lovingly, He sends to us His Holy Spirit to provide the faith to believe in Him. Jesus! Truly the Perfect Gift!

Walking with my Lord

Gracious God, I thank You for the gift of salvation given to me through Your Son Jesus. What comfort it is to know how much I am loved! In His perfect name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 2/28 ©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.

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A New Kind of Math

In the Word

“‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh” (Mark 10:7–8).

Of the Word

When two separate lives are united by one loving God, the miracle of becoming one flesh occurs. This change can be challenging, but it is all-important.

Perhaps you remember cheering your team with the phrase, “We’re number one!” When you spoke those words, they may have been true or they may have been wishful thinking. In a God-centered marriage the phrase changes to, “We’re one!” These words are not merely wishful thinking. They are God’s truth found in His Word. When a man and a woman marry, they become a life-long team.

When the couple’s new team is coached by God, they will discover day by day how two lives become one flesh. Becoming one flesh means “we” is more important than “me.” God powerfully showed His love for us by sending His Son. It is this love of our Father that makes it possible for us to set aside our own wants and comforts to truly become one in Him.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, draw us closer to You, Your Word, and each other. Make us truly one! Coach us through Your Word so we may be a joy to each other. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 1/28 ©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.

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