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Well-Placed Praise

In the Word

Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them (Proverbs 28:4).

Of the Word

Our culture invites us to admire people who pay no attention to God’s will. If the person is rich enough or famous enough, we’re supposed to stand back and soak up the glamour of it all. In doing so, however, we’re taking our eyes off God and the truly admirable people who, led by His Spirit, follow Him.

Reflect for a moment on someone you truly admire. For what reasons do you admire this person? If the reasons smack of worldly values, now is the time to refocus in light of what God says about beauty: Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised (Proverbs 31:30). About power: “… My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9a). About wealth: “… seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

Do you know someone who lives by His Word? Now there’s someone worthy of your admiration!

Walking with my Lord

Lord, let me honor those whose godly lives proclaim
A humble, faithful heart that knows and loves Your name.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 31/32 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Grace

In the Word

… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus (Romans 3:23–24).

Of the Word

Grace is getting what is not deserved. Sinners cannot expect anything from a just God except punishment and ultimately death. The future looks bleak. However, God sent His Son Jesus to save all people from punishment for sin by His death on the cross. All believers in Jesus receive gifts of grace — gifts that are not deserved. These gifts include forgiveness, salvation, love, joy, peace, faith, and eternal life.

God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense — GRACE!

Parents can, in turn, give gifts of grace to their children. They can forgive, even if it is difficult. They can love, even when the child is not acting very loveable. They can model grace-filled living to their children. How can this be done? It can only be done as a response to the grace given them in Christ Jesus.

Stretch your faith-filled parenting: Give unexpected hugs. Share specific “grace gifts” God has given to you.

Walking with my Lord

God of Grace, You shower me with free grace each day. Help me to share Your grace with my family. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Faith-Filled Parenting. Authors: Rev. Larry and Shari Miller. 6/32 ©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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Daily Praise

In the Word

Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever (Psalm 145:2).

Of the Word

Practice, practice, practice! There’s no substitute for daily practice if we want to master a musical instrument. Or qualify for the team. Or excel in art. But do we have to “practice” being Christian? Yes. Every day? Yes. Not for the purpose of achieving perfection, but to become more deeply and mindfully aware of Christ’s work in us and His will for us.

Busy schedules, however, have a way of crowding out time for prayer, meditation, and reflection. Responsibilities and obligations compel us to attend to others, often at the expense of even a few minutes’ quiet time to ourselves. Yet without a daily pause to “practice” our Christianity — time to focus on Him, recognize His voice, and put ourselves at His command — we lose out on a great deal of Spirit-given insight, wisdom, joy, and maturity.

Daily practice — daily time with God in and with His Word — is a perfect way to grow closer to Him and see for yourself even more reason to praise His name forever.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, let nothing take the place
Of resting in Your love and grace.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 29/32 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Mercy

In the Word

“This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another’” (Zechariah 7:9).

Of the Word

Mercy is not getting what is deserved. All people are born sinful and sin daily by what they do and by what they leave undone. The punishment from God for sin is death. But, God had a plan! He sent His Son Jesus to live a perfect life among mankind and then to suffer and die for the sins of all people. He rose again on the third day and reigns in heaven.

Because of this saving work, all believers in Jesus receive mercy from God. We deserve death, but instead we receive life in Jesus.

God’s people have received mercy and can therefore share that mercy with others. They can love and support their children, even when the children don’t deserve that love and support. A Christian home can be a sanctuary of mercy.

Stretch your faith-filled parenting: Make a concentrated effort to identify situations when you have been shown mercy. Share that same mercy with your child.

Walking with my Lord

Merciful Savior, thank You for not giving me what I deserve because of my sins. Help me to be merciful toward others. Make my home a sanctuary of mercy. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Faith-Filled Parenting. Authors: Rev. Larry and Shari Miller. 5/32 ©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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Healing Praise

In the Word

Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise (Jeremiah 17:14).

Of the Word

Dutch author Corrie ten Boom noted, “Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden.” But how often God’s children carry around burdens rather than take them to their heavenly Father in prayer!

Your physical, emotional, and spiritual health matter to God, your Creator. You can trust Him with your concerns, even those you avoid telling anyone else about. When you turn to Him in prayer and give Him your burden — even the smallest burden of your heart — He hears you. And He heals you. How? Sometimes by assuring you of His presence. Sometimes by giving you the courage to face your challenges. Sometimes by healing your body. Always by healing your soul.

Compared to the weight of the world’s problems, maybe you think your problem is pretty light. But if it weighs on your heart, it’s heavy enough for prayer. Heavy enough to let your heavenly Father lift it from you and replace it with the lightness of His grace and mercy.

Walking with my Lord

“Take it to the Lord in prayer.” No sweeter words I hear,
My heart lifts up in praise to know my Savior-Lord is near.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 27/32 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” – Public Domain (Seed #27)

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Faith 

In the Word

Jesus … said, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you” (Mark 5:19).

Of the Word

Faith is defined as firm belief in something for which there is no proof. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith: Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

The Holy Spirit gives saving faith. Faith in Christ continues to grow and mature through the study of God’s Word and participation in the Lord’s Supper.

The challenge for Christian parents is to express their faith in words and actions that children can understand. We are thankful that the Holy Spirit directs us as we guide our families to a greater knowledge and love of Jesus our Savior.

All Christians have a faith story to tell of how Christ has worked in their lives. It is the privilege of parents to share their faith story with their family so that Christ’s work in their lives can be seen by all.

Stretch your faith-filled parenting: Write your personal faith story and share it with your child.

Walking with my Lord

Jesus, You are the center of my child’s faith story and mine. Impact my life with Your Holy Word so that my faith will increase daily. In Your name, I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Faith-Filled Parenting. Authors: Rev. Larry and Shari Miller. 4/32 ©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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Total Praise

In the Word

I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us … (Isaiah 63:7a).

Of the Word

Someone once observed, “The wise count their blessings; fools, their problems.” How true! We all know a person who constantly rattles off an infinite number of problems, and another who consistently speaks of life’s many pleasures and blessings. The difference? A heart of ingratitude versus a heart of thanksgiving.

A heart of thanksgiving for all the Lord has done for us is not only a Biblically prescribed principle, but it is also essential to finding joy in life. First, gratitude instills in us contentment with what we have and invites us to take pleasure in those things available to us each day. Second, gratitude brings about peace of mind, and peace of mind opens us to see the best in ourselves and in others. Third, grateful people attract deep friendships and choice opportunities, which often elude complainers and problem-mongers.

Many of God’s wise people begin every prayer with words of thanksgiving, while others keep a journal in which they list several “gratitude points” each day. No matter how you count your blessings, add them up — and give Him total praise!

Walking with my Lord

I will tell of Your kindness by counting my blessings
In gratitude total and true.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 25/32 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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View the printable PDF of this devotion, Total Praise