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Known by the Creator

In the Word

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27–28).

Of the Word

What creature has a tongue as long and as heavy as a full grown elephant?
A blue whale

Imagine how frightening it would be to end up in the mouth of a blue whale. Most likely that will never happen, but we sometimes do end up in frightening situations. In those times we must remember that we are in the hands of the One who created that enormous blue whale as well as each of us. Those hands bring comfort because we know we are safe. Though He is so large even the universe cannot contain Him, in His hands we are at peace because we are secure and protected in His love.

Take a deep breath. Relax. You are in the hands of One who will never let go of you. His hold on you is His great love for you. He does not want to overpower you; He wants to empower you. “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27–28).

Walking with my Lord

Dear God, Your loving hands hold me at the same time they hold all You have created. Thank You for Your strength and power! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Simple Trust. Elaine Bickel, author. 4/29 ©2011 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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Away in a Manger

In the Word

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:11–12).

Of the Word

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, 
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

Jesus our Lord came down from His heavenly throne to be born in a humble manger, to live here on earth as a man, and to experience the same temptations we have. He was sinless, yet died on the cross for the sins of the world. He rose again and lives and reigns in heaven. He is with us and blesses us with His guidance and protection each day of our lives.

Though most often sung at Christmas, this hymn can be used throughout the year in praise to the Savior. This favorite children’s hymn closes with the beautiful prayer: “Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, And take us to heaven to live with Thee there.”

Walking with my Lord

Jesus, Emmanuel, thank You for coming in the flesh, as a humble baby, to be my exalted Savior! Move me, in response to Your love, to live joyfully for You and for others. In Your name, I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Joyful, Joyful. Rev. Larry and Shari Miller, authors. 3/31. Hymn Text: LSB 364. ©2011  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.
All hymns are public domain with the text reprinted from Lutheran Service Book, ©2006, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO.

Away in a Manger devotion — printable version

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Amazing Grace

In the Word

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8–9).

Of the Word

Amazing grace — how sweet the sound —
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind but now I see!

When have you felt lost or even blind? When have you lost your way or not gone in the right direction? The inspiring words of this hymn remind us that we once were “lost,” but now are “found”; we were “blind,” but now we “see.”

The Bible tells us that all people have been blinded and lost in the darkness of sin. Jesus came to earth to suffer and die on the cross to save us from sin and its results. We have been rescued from our helpless state only through the amazing grace of our God. We look forward to eternity praising our Lord and Savior. “Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail And mortal life shall cease, Amazing grace shall then prevail In heaven’s joy and peace.”

God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense (GRACE) … Amazing!

Walking with my Lord

Gracious God, I praise You that when I was lost in sin, by Your grace because of the cross of Christ, You found me and forgave me and saved me! In Jesus’ loving name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Joyful, Joyful. Rev. Larry and Shari Miller, authors. 2/31. Hymn Text: LSB 744. ©2011  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.
All hymns are public domain with the text reprinted from Lutheran Service Book, ©2006, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO.

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Abide with Me

In the Word

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Of the Word

Abide with me, fast falls the eventide.
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

The prayer that begins this beloved hymn asks God to abide with us, to be with us always. Within its verses we are reminded that God is our Friend. He is our Redeemer. He is the God who “changest not.” In Him we have nothing to fear.

What comfort and joy the words, “abide with me,” can give each of us as we direct this plea to the God of all comfort and joy! God the Father gave His one and only Son to die on the cross to save us from our sin. The Son has given us His Spirit, the Comforter, who through the Gospel, calls us, sanctifies us, and keeps us in a saving faith. It is no wonder that the hymn ends with this supplication: “In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.”

Walking with my Lord

Ever-abiding, never-changing God, remind us again through Your Word, spoken and sung, that You abide with us always. Grant us confidence as we live here until we abide in heaven with You. In the name of Jesus, our Friend. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Joyful, Joyful. Rev. Larry and Shari Miller, authors. 1/31. Hymn Text: LSB 878. ©2011  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.
All hymns are public domain with the text reprinted from Lutheran Service Book, ©2006, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO.

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How, Lord … Can I Find Renewed Energy?

In the Word

“Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 GNT).

Of the Word

When the gas gauge in the car is nearing empty, we know that unless we soon get a fill-up the car will stop running. The same holds true for the battery. Until it is recharged, a dead one keeps the car from going anywhere. Like cars, even we faithful Christians can reach the burn-out point that may keep us at a standstill. It is then we need to be recharged with a spiritual fill-up.

Where do we go for that energizing when we are emotionally drained and just plain worn out? Some choose exercise or a change of diet. Others seek quiet places to read or listen to music. Those things help, but for a real recharging we must turn to God, our solid source of renewal.

Make time to study Scripture with other Christians. Regularly participate in worship and receive the Lord’s Supper. Meet with God daily in prayer for … the Spirit also comes to help us, weak as we are. For we do not know how we ought to pray; the Spirit himself pleads with God for us in groans that words cannot express (Romans 8:26 GNT).

Walking with my Lord

Forgive me, Lord, for all too often I do not take time to be renewed by You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so my life gives glory and honor to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: How, Lord? Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 3/32 ©2011 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.
Scripture quotations marked (GNT) are taken from the Good News Translation ® (Today’s English Version, Second Edition) © 1992 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.

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How, Lord … Can I Cope With Aging?

In the Word

I am your God and will take care of you until you are old and your hair is gray (Isaiah 46:4a GNT).

Of the Word

It’s a well known fact that each time we celebrate a birthday we are a year older! After time we one day admit, “I’m not as young as I used to be.” Some things take a little longer to do, interests change, our children have children, and it becomes more and more difficult to disguise the gray hairs as well as remember where we put the car keys.

For some aging can also bring concerns about retirement, uncertainness about where to live, health issues, and financial adjustments to life style. This can also be an ideal time for Satan to throw doubts and worries our way, concerns about what will happen tomorrow.

God gives us more assurance in His Word. I have cared for you from the time you were born. … I made you and will care for you; I will give you help and rescue you (Isaiah 46:3b, 4b GNT). God’s love and care last for all of our days — even the gray-haired ones — and into eternity.

Walking with my Lord

Father, forgive me for having doubts about the future when I know You cared for me even before I was born. Thank You for the gift of salvation through Your Son Jesus that assures me I will spend my final tomorrows in heaven with You. In His blessed name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: How, Lord? Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 2/32 ©2011 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.
Scripture quotations marked (GNT) are taken from the Good News Translation ® (Today’s English Version, Second Edition) © 1992 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.

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How, Lord … Can I Accept What I Can’t Change?

In the Word

… I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation … (Philippians 4:12b).

Of the Word

As we read the Apostle Paul’s words to the Philippians, we may think it’s quite difficult to be content with the problems that continually creep into our lives — problems we can’t change. How are we to accept unemployment or loss of property or death of a loved one or illness or straying children or dwindling retirement accounts, just to name a few of the continuing trials of life?

Accepting our circumstances doesn’t mean we have to like them! Paul certainly couldn’t have enjoyed being shipwrecked, beaten, ridiculed, or jailed but he did unlock the secret of acceptance: I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).

We, like Paul, can learn to be content because Jesus is with us and will never forsake us. With patience, He will help us accept what we cannot change. We, like Paul, are given the strength to endure from the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, assuring us our trials are temporary.

Walking with my Lord

O Lord, help me to feel Your presence and listen for Your loving voice. Please strengthen my faith so I will not allow worry to dominate me. In times of trouble help me give You glory by being an encourager to others. In my Savior’s name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: How, Lord? Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 1/32 ©2011 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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