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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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Keeping Cool

In the Word

Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him (Psalm 32:10).

Of the Word

Who used a cabbage leaf to keep cool?
Babe Ruth

Babe Ruth wore a cabbage leaf under his baseball cap to keep cool. He even changed it several times during a game.

So what do you do to keep a cool head? How do you face the heat of the day? You probably will never use a cabbage leaf, but God does want us to keep a cool head in the midst of all we face. That is why He asks us to trust Him. After all, He took the real heat for us when He went to the cross to conquer sin, death, and Satan. Nothing could be worse than that!

Because we know He has won that victory for us, we can face our earthly woes in complete confidence as we remember God’s cooling, soothing words, Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him (Psalm 32:10).

Walking with my Lord

Lord God, when I am about to lose my temper, cool my emotions. Help me, Lord, keep a cool head, especially when stress and aggravation run high. Help me look to You to keep me calm. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Simple Trust. Elaine Bickel, author. 2/29 ©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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I Trust in You

In the Word

But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God” (Psalm 31:14).

Of the Word

What do the United States, Nicaragua, and Florida have in common?
The Motto, “In God We Trust.”

Sometimes it is hard to know who to trust. Everyone seems to want something from us and sometimes even those closest to us are willing to lie or cheat to get what they want.

A three-year-old girl watched her mother busily wait on customers in their family store. Suddenly she announced, “I have to go potty.” The busy mom appreciated the offer of one of the clerks to take the little girl to the bathroom. Once in the restroom, the little girl went into the booth and then announced, “I’m done.” When questioned about why she did not use the bathroom, she replied, “I didn’t have to go. I just wanted chocolate. Tell my mother I went to the bathroom so I can have some chocolate.”

Lying and cheating are not God-pleasing actions. Neither are they necessary for us to receive God’s favor. He freely gives us all we need. When we wonder who we can trust, we can turn to His Word, But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God” (Psalm 31:14).

Walking with my Lord

Lord, help me trust in You. Guide my words and actions. Make me a trustworthy example to Your people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Simple Trust. Elaine Bickel, author. 1/29 ©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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Authority 

In the Word

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2).

Of the Word

Jesus Christ has all authority over heaven and earth. He has saved all people from the consequences of their sin by suffering, dying, and rising again. He rules in heaven to all eternity.

In the parent/child relationship, Jesus has given authority to the parent. When decisions are made, the parent has final approval. If a rule has to be created, the children can be involved; but it is the parent who sets it. If punishment has to be administered, it is the parent’s responsibility to do so, followed quickly by forgiveness.

God commands children to “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12). Faith-filled parenting considers the best interests of both child and family in all decisions.

Stretch your faith-filled parenting: Memorize and discuss the Ten Commandments.

Walking with my Lord

Father in heaven, when I am called upon to make decisions which affect the well-being of my family, grant me the wisdom to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in all matters. May the authority bestowed upon me as parent be dispensed with love and compassion. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Faith-Filled Parenting. Authors: Rev. Larry and Shari Miller. 22/32 ©2009 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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Peaceful Rest

In the Word

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8).

Of the Word

As we close our eyes to rest our minds continue to race with thoughts of the day’s worries:

“If only I would hear the key in the door. I’d know my teenager is safely home. Until then, I can’t sleep.”

“If only I could take back those angry words! How will I face her tomorrow? Will she accept my apology? I can’t sleep.”

“If only I was certain I will be hired. The interview went well, but … I just can’t sleep.”

Troubles of the day often lead to sleepless nights. Could those long hours be used to pray, to reflect on God’s past mercies and future care? A beginning might be to pray with the psalmist, Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long (Psalm 25:4–5).

Peaceful sleep can come, knowing that our Father in heaven is lovingly watching over His children. … the Lord blesses his people with peace (Psalm 29:11b).

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, when I am overcome by trouble and worry, help me to turn to You. Forgive my weakness. Calm my heart, ease my mind, and give me peaceful rest. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Comfort from the Psalms. Authors: Marcia Gomulka & Myrna Lou Meyer. 9/30 ©2009 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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View the printable PDF of this devotion, Peaceful Rest