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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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The Race — Water Stations

In the Word

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters (Psalm 23:2).

Of the Word

For first-time race participants, making use of the water stations along the route can be a nerve-racking experience. Proper water station etiquette teaches the runner how to approach the water tables, what to say to volunteers, how to hold the cup so as not to spill the water while running, and how to dispose of the cup. Learning these things before a race is useful so that runners’ times aren’t compromised due to crowded water stations. Furthermore, these instructions help because people don’t normally drink water on the run.

Psalm 23 describes God, the Good Shepherd, giving His people, the sheep, what they need. He knows water is a necessity for keeping them healthy. But instead of water-on-the-go, He offers still waters, which make it easier for the sheep to drink. In the same way, God knows what we need and He knows how to provide for us.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, my Good Shepherd, thank You for providing me everything I need at the right time and in the right way. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Race of Faith. Author: Amanda Stacy, DCE. 23/28 ©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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The Race — Playlist

In the Word

And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” (Mark 10:21).

Of the Word

What’s on your running playlist? Chances are it’s something upbeat that gets your blood pumping and feet moving to the rhythm. Music keeps a runner occupied and interested, but it can be distracting. For this reason, the rules of many races will not let you listen to music because you may not be able to hear traffic or the instructions of race volunteers.

Many things distract believers as they run the race of faith. Money, lust, and status are just a few of the things that keep minds busy and off the race. Take, for example, the rich young man in Mark 10. This young man asked Jesus what he needed to do in order to gain eternal life. Jesus told him to sell all of his possessions and then follow Him. The man went away sad because he had great wealth.

Unfortunately, earthly possessions kept the rich young man from following Jesus. Even today, distractions can rob people of heavenly treasures. Leave your distractions behind and instead follow Jesus. He will lead you to life everlasting!

Walking with my Lord

Father, help me not be distracted by worldly things. Lead me on Your path of righteousness that I may receive eternal life through Jesus Christ, Your Son. In His name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Race of Faith. Author: Amanda Stacy, DCE. 22/28 ©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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My Worries or God’s Peace?

In the Word

… do not be anxious about anything … (Philippians 4:6a).

Of the Word

Worry is such an easy thing to do when it comes to family. It can swoop in from so many directions. “Am I giving the kids every advantage they’ll need to make it in life?” “Am I spending enough time with my parents, especially now that they’re getting older?” “Does the love I have for my spouse show? We seem to fight so often. Are we drifting apart?”

But worry does not solve anything. It simply directs us away from the certainty of God’s love.

With all the uncertainties that surround us, how can such a statement not to worry be real? Isn’t worry just part of family life? Paul finishes his statement to the Philippians with … but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6b).

When challenges within the family arise, God, Who has given us salvation in Christ, invites us to bring everything to Him in prayer. He offers us peace.

Walking with my Lord

Lord Jesus, what peace I have when I remember I can bring everything to You. When I am tempted to worry, remind me of Your peace. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 24/30 ©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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God’s Authority

In the Word

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God (Romans 13:1).

Of the Word

It’s easy to complain about politicians. It’s easy to complain about taxes. It’s easy to complain about the ineptness of government. Often times, it may seem like such complaints are well-earned. Yet, our Lord never calls on us to complain about those He has set in authority. In Romans, God reminds us that He has established governing authorities. Giving respect and honor to those in authority over us glorifies the Lord Who set them in these positions.

Even when the burglar pops the screen on the bedroom window, when the drug dealer persuades another child to give drugs a try, or when the terrorists hatch their evil plot, we know that our Lord has placed governing authorities over us.

We can take comfort in the fact that He has a plan to keep us safe and to provide justice when evil occurs.

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the people who serve as leaders among us. Guide them to work in ways that please You and benefit Your people. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 23/30 ©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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God’s Forgiving Grace

In the Word

And he [Adam] said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself” (Genesis 3:10).

Of the Word

“Wait ‘til your father gets home!” When a child hears that, fearful clock-watching often begins. When dad’s footsteps are heard, the child, anticipating the wrath to come, may hide from the father. Ever since Adam tried to hide from God in the Garden of Eden, it has been our nature to hide from Him when we sin.

People will often try to stay far from their Lord, thinking that He only draws near to lay them bare in their guilt and punish them for their sins. Yet, in love, Jesus came into this world and allowed Himself to be laid bare on the cross and die for us all.

Because of Christ’s sacrifice there is no more wrath for those who trust in Him. Instead, the Lord draws near to us to grant us forgiving grace in the waters of Holy Baptism and in the body and blood of Holy Communion. These gifts are given in the Father’s house.

Walking with my Lord

Father, always remind me that in Your house, there is forgiving grace because of Jesus. In His name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 22/30 ©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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BFF — Best Friends Forever!

In the Word

… there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24b).

Of the Word

A century ago, families often lived within a few miles of each other. For Sunday dinners, holidays, and birthdays, and even workdays, parents and siblings were together.

Today, families may communicate by phone, email, and Skype while separated by miles or even continents. A different kind of “family,” a family of friends, may be close in heart as well as in geography.

Consider the friendship of David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:1–4). When King Saul, Jonathan’s father, was determined to harm David, Jonathan defended and protected him. After Jonathan’s death, David remembered their friendship and lovingly cared for Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s crippled son (2 Samuel 9).

How is friendship demonstrated today? A cup of coffee, a ride, a note (handwritten or typed), a smile, a hug: all show the care and concern of a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

A Point to Ponder: To whom can I be a friend today?

Walking with my Lord

Loving Lord, thank You for faithful friends who have shared Your love with me. Help me to be a loving, caring friend to someone today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 24/32 ©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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