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Glad Praise
In the Word
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent (Psalm 30:11–12a).
Of the Word
Before-and-after photos present the benefits (at least to the models!) of using a certain brand of wrinkle cream or of swallowing a particular diet pill. Advertisers want to convince us to buy the product capable of making such a difference in our lives.
The Bible says we — all of us — were born into sin. Before Baptism, before Spirit-given faith in Jesus Christ, we were dead in our sins with no hope of change. After Baptism, after Spirit-given faith in Jesus Christ, we became alive in Him. After Him and in Him, we’ve changed. We know God loves us. We know Jesus won our salvation. We know He continues to nurture faith in us through the gift of the Holy Spirit. What a difference!
But is it a visible difference? Would anyone looking at God’s “after” people be able to differentiate them from “before” people? Do your words and actions praise and proclaim the difference He has made in your life? Would your “after” photo convince others to find out more about Jesus Christ?
Walking with my Lord
Thanks be to You for the price You have paid — Let my actions exhibit the difference You've made!
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 15/32 ©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.
