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Phoebe – A Servant of the Church

Phoebe’s Story: Acts 16:1–2

In the Word

I [Paul] commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church (Romans 16:1a).

Of the Word

All we know about Phoebe is that she was a servant at the church in Cenchreae who was willing to carry Paul’s letter to the Christians in Rome. Paul also tells the people to help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well (Romans 16:2b). Phoebe was a woman who was eager to deliver the gospel message to others at her own expense. She most likely helped finance the work of the church in her home town and welcomed others into her home. Phoebe was enthusiastic to do her part in growing the church.

How willing are we to deliver the Good News of Jesus’ love? We don’t have to go too far to do it. Someone in our family, circle of friends, coworkers, or neighborhood may need to hear the encouragement and assurance of God’s Word. Quite possibly God has chosen us, as He chose Phoebe, to be the ones who bring that message.

Walking with my Lord

Savior God, when someone in my life needs to be encouraged by Your Word, help me remember I am not alone. You will give me the words to say and the strength to say them. In Your Son’s name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 32/34 ©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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Eunice and Lois — Faithful Teachers

Eunice & Lois’ Story: Acts 16:1; 2 Timothy 1:5

In the Word

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well (2 Timothy 1:5).

Of the Word

When did you first hear about Jesus? Did Christian parents share their faith? Did a high school or college friend tell you of God’s love? Some Christians smile as they call themselves “diaper Christians” while others may recall the exact moment when God put faith into their hearts.

St. Paul recognized the faithful teaching of Eunice and Lois, mother and grandmother of Timothy. Did they have a regular family devotion time? Did Timothy’s Greek father support or reject their teaching? Of two things we are certain: Eunice and Lois taught the boy, and the Holy Spirit made his faith grow strong.

Whether you were brought to the baptismal waters as a tiny baby or whether your faith began later in life, faithful teachers were God’s instruments who shared His Word with you.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Father in heaven, thank You for the people You have placed in my life, particularly the Christians who have taught me about You. By word and example, help me be a faithful teacher, too. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 31/34 ©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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One and Only One

In the Word

From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water (James 3:10–12).

Of the Word

Dandelions will never produce roses. A lion will never give birth to a zebra. A salt water fish cannot survive in fresh water, and a fresh water fish will die in salt water. A fig tree will never bear olives, and an olive branch will never produce figs. Jesus asked, “Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?” (Matthew 7:16b).

Christians were not created for opposing purposes. We were not created to praise God and curse others with the same mouth. This isn’t to say that Christians won’t sin. But when we do sin, we confess our sins and we receive forgiveness. … if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (1 John 2:1b). Jesus speaks for us before the Father. By His all-atoning sacrifice on the cross, He made payment for our sins.

With hearts and minds focused on Christ, our mouths will speak Christ-like words.

Walking with my Lord

God of Creation, You created me to be Your child. Forgive me for all the times I have sinned, and help me to live a life of praise to You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 28/28 ©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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All Dried Up

In the Word

“[Judah’s] nobles send their servants for water; they come to the cisterns; they find no water; they return with their vessels empty; they are ashamed and confounded and cover their heads” (Jeremiah 14:3).

Of the Word

“Give it all you’ve got!” We’ve heard this saying at a sporting event, during a work project, or when we were about to take a test. It encourages us to put forth our best effort.

Jeremiah wrote about servants who went to look for water, did their best, and found nothing. Their jars were empty, and they were ashamed. What happens when our best isn’t good enough? What happens when we have nothing left to give or when we give it all and get nothing in return? It is in these times that it is extremely easy to get down and discouraged and eventually just give up all hope of succeeding.

When we are discouraged, worn down, and weary, Jesus comes to us with the promise that we don’t have to give anything. By His death and resurrection, He gives us forgiveness and the assurance of eternal life. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope (Romans 15:13).

Walking with my Lord

Giver of every good gift, grant that I grow in wisdom and grace. Strengthen my trust in Your goodness all the days of my life. In Your Son’s holy name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 27/28 ©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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Worshipful Moments

In the Word

And they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy (Luke 24:52).

Of the Word

Unfortunately, it’s a typical Sunday morning: spilt cereal, toothpaste-spitting contests, arguments in the car. Attempting to concentrate on the service surrounded by squirmy children causes you to wonder, “Is this really worth it?” Even for those without young children, worries and distractions interfere with our intent to worship.

God understands us and forgives us when we are inattentive. He truly accepts us just as we are. Before worship begins, we can ask our Father for help in opening our hearts and minds to His presence. The Holy Spirit will enable us to hear and absorb the Word, as well as renew us to serve Him.

Our Lord loves it when we come to His house, and He loves when we bring our children. The visit may not always be perfect, but He welcomes us in love and is delighted to fill our hearts with His forgiveness and encouragement. We can return home refreshed and with great joy!

Walking with my Lord

Lord, never let circumstances keep me from the privilege of worshipping You, my Savior and Redeemer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 30/30 ©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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Varieties of Praise

In the Word

… be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart (Ephesians 5:18b–19).

Of the Word

Scripture shows us a favorite form of praise is music. Psalms were sung in acknowledgment and thankfulness for God’s unending love. As King David readied the materials and workmen needed for Solomon to build the Temple, he also organized musicians who would exalt God with lyres, harps, and cymbals. Almost 300 skilled singers were assembled. Now that is a church choir!

The Word of Christ dwells in us with songs, hymns, and spiritual songs. In worship we may gain spiritual strength by singing familiar hymns or popular contemporary Christian songs. Martin Luther truly understood the power of praise when he wrote, “The devil does not stay where music is.”

Not every hymn or praise song may be your style of music. Whether traditional hymns on a pipe organ or contemporary songs played by guitars and drums, God accepts all praise that declares His majesty, unconditional love, and salvation through Christ. And to that, we can all respond … “Amen and Amen.”

Walking with my Lord

Lord, remind me that musical praise comes in many forms and that I am blessed to adore You in a variety of ways. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 29/30 ©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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Truly in God’s Hands

In the Word

“… yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands …” (Isaiah 49:15b–16a).

Of the Word

The ancient art form of tattoos has become quite popular. To some, it is a way to honor a person or to commemorate an event. Others simply want to conform to the crowd. A teenage girl might not realize that the rose tattooed on her back could look more like a cabbage when she is older!

It may come as a surprise to you to hear about God’s tattoo — “yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:15b–16a). The Israelites understood how extremely difficult it was to remove such an engraving. God wanted them to know He would never forget His people; their presence was burned into His hands and His mind. That is how much He loved them! Jesus bears the same remembrance of us on His hands, as well. The marks of the crucifixion on His palms express the depth of His love for each of us. Those scars assure us of His sacrifice on our behalf and His promise that we are always in His hands. That is how much He loves us!

Walking with my Lord

Lord, may my daily witness of Your atonement place the mark of Your hands on the hearts of those around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 28/30 ©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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