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Soft and Sweet

In the Word

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1).

Of the Word

Two classrooms, two sets of children, two teachers. One stood at her door, loudly reminding her children, “Don’t run! Don’t push! And don’t talk!” The other smiled and quietly said, “Remember your manners.” It’s not hard to guess which class demonstrated better behavior.

What harsh words do we hear today? How do our hearts and minds react? The writer of Proverbs uses the words “wrath” and “anger,” both probable reactions to harsh demands. It can be hard to give a soft answer when we are hurt, put down, and disgusted.

But Jesus’ words remind us, “… let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). He promises, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).

Only He can give the desire and strength to turn from anger and instead be an instrument of peace.

A Point to Ponder: Where and when can I give a soft answer rather than an angry one?

Walking with my Lord

Lord God, when I am confronted with harsh and angry words help me to take a deep breath and respond with kindness and love. Help me glorify You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 27/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198

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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Glory be … to Whom?

In the Word

It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory (Proverbs 25:27).

Of the Word

Everybody loves a feast, whether it is a church dinner, a family smorgasbord, or a restaurant buffet. Imagine all that delicious food — and then imagine eating only the desserts. Lots of them, nothing but the desserts!

Dessert is fine, but too much does not provide a balanced diet and can even make one physically ill.

Solomon compares eating too much honey with self-glorification. A honey overload can lead to stomach ache; self-glorification can lead to something worse: spiritual illness.

Jesus, God’s own Son, had all glory. Yet He stooped low, grabbed a towel, and washed the dusty feet of His disciples (John 13:4–5). He demonstrated no pride, no arrogance, only loving service. That is the example He set for His disciples, and it is the example He sets for His people today.

A Point to Ponder: How can I demonstrate a servant attitude like Jesus did?

Walking with my Lord

Lord Jesus, when I am tempted to “toot my own horn,” remind me that I am Your servant, redeemed by You, chosen by You, commissioned to serve You. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 26/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198

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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Cheerleaders

In the Word

… a word in season, how good it is! (Proverbs 15:23b).

Of the Word

Bright smiles, cute outfits, rousing chants, rhythmic dances, dazzling cartwheels! Who are they? The cheerleaders, of course! No matter what the score, they shout out their encouragement to both players and spectators.

Scripture has a few cheerleaders, too. Take Barnabas, for example. Former persecutor, newly converted Paul needed a cheerleader, and Barnabas rose to the occasion. He encouraged fearful, reluctant people to listen to Paul’s story. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus (Acts 9:27).

Is there a Paul among us today, someone for whom we can be an advocate; someone for whom we can speak a good word? No cartwheels, no pompoms, no high kicks are needed, just willingness to speak encouraging words to those who need them.

A Point to Ponder: Who needs my encouraging words today?

Walking with my Lord

Loving Lord, send me to someone who needs a word of encouragement today. Help me to share Your light. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 25/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198

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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Finding Peace

In the Word

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

Of the Word

Life can get so busy that keeping up with all I must do sometimes leaves me discouraged, short-tempered, and impatient with everyone, including myself. I try to take control. I become a bulldozer, charging through my days, rolling right over people without listening or showing any concern for them. In my frustration I ask, “Where, O Lord, is Your peace?”

As I spend time in the Word and in prayer, the Spirit reminds me that God put me here to be a listening ear or a helping hand. He reminds me, “Be still, and know that I am God …” (Psalm 46:10a). Then I can concentrate on whose I am and what it is He would have me do.

Peace is a gift from our loving, merciful God. We are blessed with this gift when we slow down and spend time in prayer, in reading the Bible, and in worshipping with others. We are reminded how much God loves us and of all He has done for us. His grace becomes the real focus of our lives.

Walking with my Lord

Loving Father, in the midst of my busy days, help me to be still and know the gift of Your peace. Help me to dedicate my hours to You, seeing all people as Your dear children. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Barbara Carlson. 13/32 ©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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New Life in Christ

In the Word

… and went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:39b).

Of the Word

When an adult is baptized in church, it draws the attention of the entire congregation. A mature person is receiving the Sacrament that many individuals received as babies and remember only through photos or videos.

Luke records for us an inspiring account of an adult baptism in Acts chapter eight. The disciple Philip encounters an Ethiopian official returning from worship in Jerusalem. Philip overhears the man reading from Isaiah and offers to discuss it with him. That discussion leads to the Good News of Jesus, which in turn leads to the Ethiopian’s Baptism. Filled with the Holy Spirit, the man … went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:39b).

To anyone caught in the pain and hopelessness of sin, the Good News of salvation through the death and resurrection of our Savior is life changing. The gift of Baptism, washing away of the “old self” and receiving the new life in Christ, is a true transformation by water and the Word. The adult recipient as well as those who witness it can go on their way rejoicing!

Walking with my Lord

Jesus, I rejoice daily in my Baptism and the new life it gives to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 23/28 ©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 Heart of the Home

In the Word

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15b).

Of the Word

Think about the first home in which you remember living. If asked, most people could draw a “blueprint” of its design. Simple floor-plan or elaborate structure, it was home.

It is exciting to move into a new home. Maybe it is your first apartment or the dream house you have been saving for years to purchase. Whatever the size or style, it is your home. Your sanctuary. How fun it will be to make it your own by decorating the walls and arranging the furniture. It is even fun to clean … for a while!

More important than the appearance of the home, is the “heart” of the home. Joshua had a beloved homeland, but he also lived as a nomad. It did not matter where he lived as much as how he lived. He declared, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).

Any home with Christ as its center is a blessed place. We can celebrate the earthly residence we call home, and by faith we are assured of our heavenly home, too.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, thank You for being my Dwelling Place and the Cornerstone of my family. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 22/28 ©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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Witnesses — Jonah, You Can Run, But You Can’t Hide

In the Word

Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish, saying, “I called out to the Lord, out of my distress, and he answered me …” (Jonah 2:1–2a).

Of the Word

It’s never a good thing when your run ends in the belly of a big fish. How, you may be wondering, would that ever happen? Just ask Jonah (see Jonah 1:15–17). Unfortunately, unlike other runners you read about in Scripture, Jonah decided to run away from God. Jonah did not want to preach repentance and extend God’s mercy to Nineveh. So, he ran away — and ended up in the big fish.

Fortunately, there is no place to run that is out of God’s reach. God dealt with Jonah in the big fish’s belly, and God will meet you wherever you are as well. Let Jonah remind you there is no place you can run to be away from God. And also be reminded that there is no end to God’s loving patience, mercy, and forgiveness as He deals with His precious people.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your patience, mercy, and forgiveness. Help me to seek You and Your will instead of running away from You to do my own will. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Race of Faith. Author: Amanda Stacy, DCE. 24/28 ©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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