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Faith is … Resting in the Hands of Our Heavenly Father

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. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand” (John 10:27–29).

Of the Word

The old sailor knew his Bible well. When asked if he was not afraid when the winds blew stiff and strong and his ship seemed at the mercy of the surging waves, he gave an answer each of us might well remember. “No, I’m never completely afraid,” he said. “The Good Book tells me that the Lord holds the waters in the hollow of His hands. So, even if my ship was wrecked and I’d fall into the sea, I’d only drop into my Father’s hands.”

What a wonderful way of expressing one’s faith in the loving and powerful nature of God. No matter what the adversity or difficulty, when the adversity is over, we will still be in our dear Father’s hands.

So let tragedy or misfortune come. Yes, let death come and snatch us out of the land of the living. It can only drop us into the hands of our Father. 

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Jesus, for the gift of eternal life that no one can take from me. Help me always to rest in the hands of Your Father and mine. In Your name. Amen. 

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 28/30 ©2007 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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Contagious Faith

In the Word

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes … (Romans 1:16a).

Of the Word

Grandma Ruffin coordinated after-school activities for Kid’s House at our inner-city church. She walked the children from their schools to the church, fed them, taught them good manners and behavior, and helped them with homework. This silver-haired African-American woman did not have college preparation to be a teacher, but teaching was her vocation.

Grandma Ruffin was also a model for the children’s parents. Using God’s Word she gave advice and instruction in parenting and in coping with other challenges. She was a woman of faith who prayed with parents and encouraged them to bring their children to church and Sunday school.

St. Paul says, I remember the sincere faith you have, the kind of faith that your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice also had. I am sure that you have it also (2 Timothy 1:5 GNT). By God’s wonderful grace and the power of His Holy Spirit, I pray that I model Grandma Ruffin’s sincere faith to my students and others. Grandma Ruffin was my mother.

Walking with my Lord

Dear God, I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Help me proclaim the gift of His salvation in everything that I do and say. In His name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Dr. LuJuana R. Butts. 28/32 ©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.
Scripture quotations marked “GNT” are taken from the GOOD NEWS TRANSLATION – Second Edition, American Bible Society, New York, NY. Copyright © 1992. All rights reserved.

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God’s Loving Protection

In the Word

“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go …” (Genesis 28:15a).

Of the Word

Years ago I was returning home after taking my husband to the airport. I had been delayed once by a flat tire which I had replaced with the spare. Suddenly, a second tire hit a deep rut and blew out. I was stranded. I managed to get a ride to a service station, but I had to find a way to get the repaired tire back to my van.

The service station attendant found some men to give me a ride, but I soon realized they had been drinking. Fear came into my heart. Why hadn’t I been more careful? As I silently prayed for God’s protection, one of the men laughingly asked, “So what is a young woman like you doing alone on the road at night?” Remembering God’s promise, I replied, “Oh, I’m never alone. My Lord is always with me and watches over me wherever I am.” The men fell silent. I was dropped off unharmed at my van and left to change the tire by myself.

How thankful I am that God’s words to Joshua were also true for me. “… the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9b). God watched over me on that lonely road, and He surrounds me daily with His loving care and protection.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, when I am afraid, give me the reassurance of Your loving protection. Keep me safe always in Your loving arms. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Marilyn McClure. 26/32 ©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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Christian Parenting

In the Word

Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them angry. Instead, raise them with Christian discipline and instruction (Ephesians 6:4 GNT).

Of the Word

Parents — even well-meaning Christian parents — can get caught up in the fast-paced lives we live today. Not only do we deal with work and school, but also sports, dance class, piano lessons, meals, and homework. At the end of the day we’re just thankful for bath time and bedtime.

We’re proud when our children make the A honor roll, the varsity team, or the cheerleading squad. But are those the most important things? What about family devotions, mealtime prayers, Sunday worship? Those godly practices have significance for life and for eternity.

God commands that parents instruct their children in His ways. Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life (Proverbs 22:6 GNT). God’s Word clearly shows His will, and His rewards are everlasting. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand (Psalm 16:11).

Walking with my Lord

Lord, help me to teach my children about You, their loving Savior. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, may I set an example of Christian living that my children will follow throughout their lives. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Robin Oblander. 25/32 ©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.
Scripture quotations marked “GNT” are taken from the GOOD NEWS TRANSLATION – Second Edition, American Bible Society, New York, NY. Copyright © 1992. All rights reserved.

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Joy in Weakness

In the Word

I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).

Of the Word

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do? Starting over after the death of a loved one? Facing cancer? Divorce? Unemployment? Moving from familiar surroundings? Sending a son or daughter off to war? When Paul wrote the words of this text, he had experienced hatred, imprisonment, beating, lies, misunderstandings, and impending death. In all things, God gave him strength to face the future. He knew with certainty that his ultimate future was in heaven with Jesus, the One who had spoken directly to him on the Damascus road.

Paul’s words encourage us in our darkest moments. In the midst of unrest, grief, and uncertainty, God’s comforting arms reach out to surround us with love and hope. By His grace, we can echo Paul’s inspired words, I can do everything through him … (Philippians 4:13a).

Walking with my Lord

Lord, You know my hurts and weaknesses, for You know all things. Help me to remember You in my darkest moments. Help me to rely on You without any doubts or fears. In Jesus’ powerful name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 27/30 ©2005 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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Joy in stillness

In the Word

Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10a).

Of the Word

Quiet. Ah, peace and quiet! Is your quiet time early in the morning when the sun is rising? Is it late at night after everyone else has gone to bed? Do you have your quiet time during solitary walks or drives?

American lives are often so cluttered by commitments that no time is reserved for quiet. Worse yet, quiet time — sitting, reading, meditating — seems to bring on a guilty feeling. “Oh, I should get up and do something!”

God reminds us, Be still, and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10a). He invites us, Come to me … and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). Accepting God’s offer is sometimes hard. But God gave us the example; at the very beginning of time, He completed His work of creating and rested on the seventh day. He wanted His people to know that resting times, quiet times, are important, too.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, in my busy schedule I often find too little time for You. Calm me and give me Your peace so that during quiet times I can grow closer to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 26/30 ©2005 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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Joy — an attitude of the heart

In the Word

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior (Habakkuk 3:17–18).

Of the Word

Where do we find joy? Commercials would have us believe it is found in the latest anti-aging cream, the newest diet, the finest automobile. If that were true, what happens when the wrinkles appear, the pounds don’t drop off, or the car breaks down?

Young Mary knew the source of true joy when she sang … my spirit rejoices in God my Savior (Luke 1:47).

Joy is not dependent on having or not having things. It is an attitude of the heart. When we rejoice in the Lord, environment and possessions take their proper places in our lives.

Today’s woman might reword Habakkuk’s words in this way: “Though gasoline prices are higher than I like, though my hours at work are long and stressful, though my responsibilities weigh heavily upon me, though my house is too small and my bills are too big, yet I will rejoice in the Lord.”

Walking with my Lord

Lord, when earthly things block my heavenly view, remind me that You are God. Help me to find my greatest joy in You. Thank You for Your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 25/30 ©2005 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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