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Patience and Forgiveness

In the Word

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13).

Of the Word

Providing physical care for a loved one who is sick, disabled, or injured is a very difficult task. Many patients are not easy to care for. They can be cranky, demanding, or abusive and may not even be aware of the pain and discontent they are causing for the caregiver.

Sometimes I act the same way with God, even using prayer to make demands of Him. Then I must confess my sinfulness and selfishness to God. I can be sure of His forgiveness each and every day. He is patient with my shortcomings, my crankiness, and my impatience.

How can I respond to my sick and hurting loved one? St. Paul writes, Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13b). Only by God’s grace can I forgive and patiently continue the role of caregiver. Will that be easy? Maybe not. But God will be my strength. I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, forgive me when my patience wears thin and I want to lash out in anger and dismay. Calm me and strengthen me so that I can serve You with a loving heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Dianna Jenkins. 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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Joy in Sharing the Gospel

In the Word

“Come and see,” said Philip (John 1:46b).

Of the Word

“Mommy, Mommy, come and see!” All mommies — and daddies, too — have dropped whatever they were doing to share the excitement of that moment. Whether it was a fuzzy caterpillar, the first fish caught, or a sunny yellow dandelion, the event had to be shared.

When Jesus found Philip, He said, “Follow Me.” Philip was so impressed by Jesus that he told Nathanael, “He’s the One we’ve been waiting for!” When Nathanael was unimpressed, Philip simply said, “Come and see.” (John 1:43–46) He could have debated, might have argued, but he simply extended the invitation. Today we may apply Philip’s words in two ways. First of all, what people have invited us to “Come and see”? Did Jesus use them to bring us closer to Him? Secondly, to whom can we lovingly say, “Come and see”? We are the tools the Master uses, just as He used Philip.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, thank You for the people who have touched my life in positive ways. Thank You especially for those whose invitations and examples have helped me in my walk with You. Please help me to lovingly, boldly say, “Come and see.” Use me, Lord, to show Your love and spread Your joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 24/30 ©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 God’s Many Spiritual Blessings

In the Word

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose … If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:28, 31b).

Of the Word

Have you had days when everything went wrong, when it seemed that the weight of the world was on your shoulders? Occasionally, everyone has those days. Then it’s time to hear God’s comforting words.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight (Ephesians 1:3–4).

We were chosen! God chose us before creation. He redeemed us on Calvary. And today the Holy Spirit calls us to faith and gives us daily strength.

Bad days come and go, but If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31b). Even the weight of the world is nothing compared to the power of our loving God.

Walking with my Lord

Dear God, forgive me when I am weak and full of doubts. Help me to remember that You chose me, redeemed me, and sanctified me. Give me the joy of living for You today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 23/30 ©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 God’s unbroken promises

In the Word

The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made (Psalm 145:13b).

Of the Word

“I will. Yes, sir. Tomorrow I will get it done.” “Yes, Johnny, I will read to you just as soon as I finish this.” “Yes, Doctor, I’ll start exercising tomorrow.” Everyone has made promises such as these only to break them. God makes promises too, but He always keeps them. When Noah and his family left the ark, God spread His rainbow across the sky, a reminder of His everlasting covenant. (Genesis 9:12–16) He promised to be with Moses and the Israelites as they fled from Egypt. The pillars of cloud and fire were constant reminders of His presence. (Exodus 13 and 14)

Knowing that He has kept His promises in the past assures us that His promises are just as certain today. With the psalmist we can say, For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe … (Psalm 27:5a). And God’s best promise of all is this: Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life (Revelation 2:10b). As we see God’s promises unfold before us, we can look forward and say with faith-filled hearts, “The best is yet to come.”

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, forgive me for doubting Your promises. Help me to remember that You are faithful and always keep Your promises. I look forward to being with You in heaven. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 22/30 ©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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Candlemas: The Middle of Winter

Most of us mark February 2 as the day we jokingly put our trust in a little ground hog (Ground Hog Day). In jest, we call upon this furry little fellow to predict our winter fate, and like many other things that we might falsely rely on, the ground hog certainly cannot be trusted. While we know Ground Hog Day will come and go without any real hope concerning the arrival of spring, we do have a Savior whose light and promise of new life in Him is always certain.  

This second day of February, situated right in the middle of winter, is also celebrated by many Christians as “Candlemas.” Candlemas is 40 days after Christmas and marks the Feast of the Purification of Mary and the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. It is in the second chapter of Luke that we hear how Mary presented herself and the Christ child in the Temple according to the Law of Moses. Luke also presents to us these certain words of salvation in Christ Jesus proclaimed by faithful Simeon:

Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation
that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel (Luke 2:29–32).

Historically, Candlemas is also the day that the candles of the church are blessed. Candles give us light and remind us of Christ our Savior. Through the Word of God, we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit who creates faith in our hearts to believe in Christ and proclaim Him as our true source of light and salvation. This same Holy Spirit was upon Simeon as he proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah there in the Temple. 

We never really know what that groundhog will do as February 2nd rolls around. However, when Candlemas comes, we hear and can be certain of Simeon's proclamation. This day, positioned right in middle of winter and spring, shines the light of hope, a hope that truly breaks the cold darkness of our sin and false winter hopes. Candlemas brings us a true and trustworthy proclamation of what is and what is to come. Only Christ Jesus breaks the darkness of sin and uncertainty and shines His everlasting light of salvation for all people! 

Prayer: Dear Father in Heaven, you reveal to us Your light found in Mary’s Child. Thank you for sending this Light of salvation for all people. May Simeon’s proclamation also be ours as we fully put our trust and hope only in Jesus. Amen. 

The Middle of Winter by Patti Miller, St. Louis, Missouri
Copyright © 2022 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. All rights reserved.
lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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One True God

In the Word

I will praise you, O Lord, with all of my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise (Psalm 138:1).

Of the Word

King David, the author of Psalm 138, lived when people worshiped many false gods. They worshiped inanimate objects, elements of nature, and even other rulers who claimed to be gods. David did not claim to be a god. Rather, in this psalm he states boldly that he will praise and worship the one true God.

But what about the “gods” that creep into our own lives — the things we become involved with that push God out of the way? Anything that regularly takes the place of spending daily time with God in prayer and Bible reading or keeps us from worshipping and receiving the Lord’s Supper becomes our “god.” False gods can come disguised as our career, gambling, sports, shopping, drugs, appearances. The list is endless, but the sacrifice is the same. By focusing on them we give up the close relationship the triune God wants with us.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that confess his name (Hebrews 13:15).

Walking with my Lord

Jesus, help me to put all other “gods” out of my life so my praise is for You alone. I know that nothing can give me the peace and joy that come from You alone. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Comfort from the Psalms. Authors: Marcia Gomulka & Myrna Lou Meyer. 24/30 ©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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Grief Hurts

In the Word

Let your constant love comfort me, as you have promised … (Psalm 119:76a GNT).

Of the Word

Life and death go hand in hand. Our heads know that, yet when death comes to someone dear to us we are brokenhearted. In one way or another, we know that life will be different. A place in the heart is filled with emptiness. The voice that once brought happiness is silent. Our tears just don’t stop and loneliness becomes a new companion. Grief hurts.

The world tells us time heals all wounds. In reality, time heals nothing because it is not a healer. It is how the Spirit leads us through that time that will make a difference in how we heal. Find someone to talk with who will listen. Allow the tears to flow. After all, God gave us the ability to cry. True healing will come from God. He will lead us from the darkest hours into hope and peace. He is … the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles … (2 Corinthians 1:3b–4a).

Be assured God is listening for He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3).

Walking with my Lord

Holy Spirit, help me to find the way out of my grief. Help me to feel the love and comfort You have to offer. Fill me with hope. Thank You, Lord, that I can cling to the promise that Your Son, Jesus Christ, came to give us eternal life. In His precious name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Comfort from the Psalms. Authors: Marcia Gomulka & Myrna Lou Meyer. 23/30 ©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.

Scripture quotations marked GNT are taken from the GOOD NEWS TRANSLATION – Second Edition, American Bible Society, New York, NY. Copyright © 1992.

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