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Belly Laughs

In the Word

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them” (Psalm 126:2).

Of the Word

There are few things more contagious than the laughter of a young child. That unselfconscious, from-the-toes giggle that expands into a full-blown belly laugh. The cause does not matter because the action takes on a life of its own. Soon, everyone in the room has gotten caught up in the laughter.

Perhaps adults should experience one good belly laugh a month, especially with another person. It could become the next fitness rage! Think of the worries and stress that might be eliminated without a prescription.

Christians have the best reason to express such total joy. Helplessly lost in our sin, we face only sorrow and death. Our merciful God sent Jesus to redeem us from the debt we owed by His death on the cross and glorious resurrection. We experience Easter joy every day, a joy so contagious that those whose lives we touch will say, “The LORD has done great things … ” (Psalm 126:2b).

Walking with my Lord

Jesus, thank You for the laughter You have put into my life. Let my joy in You as my Savior overflow so others may know You, too! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 16/28 ©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 Race — First Place

In the Word

And He sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35).

Of the Word

Imagine what would happen if the last runner to cross the finish line was declared the winner of the race. There would be some laughter, questions of sanity, and a reality check at the awards ceremony. The truth is, the last runner in is never the winner.

So imagine the disciples’ confusion when Jesus declared that for anyone to be first in His kingdom, he must, in fact, be last. How is this possible? Jesus placed a “winning” status on those who serve others with humility. Need an example? Jesus humbly served His creation by being born into our midst, feeding us through His Word, healing us, and saving us. By humbly serving our neighbors we follow Jesus’ example.

Walking with my Lord

Christ Jesus, in humility You served all of creation and made the supreme sacrifice by giving Your own life on Calvary’s cross. Help me to follow Your example and humbly serve my neighbor. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Race of Faith. Author: Amanda Stacy, DCE. 18/28 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40196

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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Continuing to Train — A God-Pleasing Aroma

In the Word

For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing (2 Corinthians 2:15).

Of the Word

Let’s face it. When you’re done with a run you’re not only sweaty, but you also stink. The deodorant you put on three miles ago can only do so much to cover the full body odor that emanates from every pore.

You know what else stinks? Sin. And it also emanates from every pore of your body. Deodorant can’t cover it up, and it remains even after a shower. So how do you become the pleasing aroma Paul wrote about in Second Corinthians? Through the sweet smell of the Gospel.

Only the Good News of Christ’s death and resurrection can cover the decaying smell of sin. So be cleansed by the Gospel, and let it seep into every pore of your soul. And to your neighbors and friends you will be the aroma of Christ.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, thank You for the sweet message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let it not only cleanse my soul, but emanate to the world around me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Race of Faith. Author: Amanda Stacy, DCE. 16/28 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40196

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 Community Weeps

In the Word

Then David and the people who were with him raised their voices and wept until they had no more strength to weep (1 Samuel 30:4).

Of the Word

When a community tragedy strikes, the community weeps. In 1 Samuel 30, David and the people with him had returned to their town of Ziklag to find it burned. Their wives, sons, and daughters had been taken captive. The loss was overwhelming. David was distressed. The people were devastated. They wept until they had no more strength to weep. The people were bitter, and they blamed David. They wanted answers.

The exhaustive emotions, grief, and weeping described in 1 Samuel 30 are common in a community when tragedy strikes. Distress, devastation, and bitterness sweep through hearts and souls. Answers are demanded but seldom given to satisfaction. Who is to blame? How does one endure? What does one do now? In tragic times, the response of David serves well. … David strengthened himself in the LORD his God (1 Samuel 30:6b). Strength is found in God’s Word and Sacraments. In God is strength when we ourselves have no more.

Walking with my Lord

O Lord, my strength is failing. This tragedy is overwhelming. Give me consolation and healing through Your Word and Spirit. In Your holy name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 16/30 ©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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Date Night: It isn’t just for singles anymore!

In the Word

And he [Jesus] said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat (Mark 6:31).

Of the Word

“You can’t go on a date! You’re married!” This observation all too often describes the reality of married life. Dating is something you do to get to know each other. Now that you’re married you don't need to do that anymore, right?

Married dating is different from courtship dating, but it is certainly as important — perhaps more so. Taking time to get away from the normal, every-day stresses of life to spend time with each other helps restore the wonderment and joy that made premarital dating so much fun. It provides the opportunity to be together and enjoy each other’s company.

It is not necessary to spend a lot of money or even a lot of time on a date. Do something you both take pleasure in or take turns doing what the other likes. Just enjoy your time together. You’ll find it rekindles some of what drew you to each other, and it strengthens your relationship and your love. 

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, thank You for providing times when we can get away from the stress of life and spend time together. Refresh our relationship with each other and with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 3/28 ©2008, revised 2024 Lutheran Women's Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

All quoted Scripture is from the ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) Copyright© 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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What Color Are You?

In the Word

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you (Jeremiah 1:5a).

Of the Word

If you were a leaf, what color would you be, and from what kind of tree would you come? Each person would answer differently because God made each of us unique, just like all the unique leaves on the trees.

When God looks at His people, He sees our unique “colors” and how we fit into His beautiful world. Our “colors” will vary year-to-year and season-to-season, but we are always special in God’s sight. He knows when there is even the slightest change in our lives. When He looks out at His creation, He sees the big picture and how each of our unique “colors” work perfectly to make a magnificent landscape.

Are there days when you wish you were bright orange instead of sunny yellow, or vice versa? Are there days when you feel you have fallen to the ground and been stepped on by everyone in life? We all do at some time, but praise be to God, for He is in control. He knows what is best for us. We cannot always be a brilliant “color.” However, we can trust God with our whole heart, mind, soul, and body, for He will never fail us. When we give Him our willing hearts and hands through the power of the Holy Spirit, He will use us and our gifts to His glory.

Celebrate where you are, your uniqueness, and the “color” God made you. God loves to hold you in His hand. He made an exact place for you to fit into His wonderful world, and He said, “… it was very good” (Genesis 1:31a).

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Lord, for making me just the way You wanted me with all the changing colors of my life. Give me peace about my shortcomings and joy for my strengths. Show me how to use the colorful gifts You have given me to reach someone today for You. Amen.

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The Race — Focus Ahead

In the Word

... let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith …  (Hebrews 12:1b–2a).

Of the Word

A lot gets missed when you run with your head down and eyes focused on your feet. Encounters with potholes, low tree branches, and the unchained dog will teach you to keep your head up and eyes focused in front of you. You will not only avoid the obstacles but also reach your goal, the finish line.

The author of Hebrews tells us where our focus must be in this race of life: Jesus. With eyes focused on Him, He will help us through life’s obstacles. And with eyes focused on Jesus, the Holy Spirit will enable us to see that the race has already been won. His victory has become our victory.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, help me to take my eyes off myself. Instead, help me to focus on You, for I know that through Your saving work on the cross, You have finished the race and given me the final victory. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Race of Faith. Author: Amanda Stacy, DCE. 20/28 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40196

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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