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Did You Wash Your Hands?

In the Word

So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves” (Matthew 27:24).

Of the Word

In William Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth, Macbeth killed the king of Scotland. In an attempt to relieve his guilty conscience, Macbeth tried to wash the king’s blood off his hands but realized not even all the water in the ocean could wash away the blood. Instead, he was convinced the whole ocean would be turned red by his hands.

Pontius Pilate attempted the same thing by washing his hands at Jesus’ trial. He told the crowd that he was innocent of Jesus’ death. Like Pilate, we try to evade responsibility and justify sin. Hand washing cannot do that!

The crowd shouted, “His blood be on us and on our children!” (Matthew 27:25b). And it was — but not in the way they were intending. The blood of Jesus is indeed upon us and our children; not in a condemning way, but in a saving, restoring, sanctifying way. Jesus paid the price for our sins; we have been washed clean; we have been declared innocent.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, Jesus’ blood has washed away my sins. Give me the assurance that through faith and Baptism, I am declared innocent. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 8/28 ©2013 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, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Drinking the Discipline

In the Word

He took the calf that they had made and burned it with fire and ground it to powder and scattered it on the water and made the people of Israel drink it (Exodus 32:20).

Of the Word

Children — even adults — are often disciplined for bad behavior. The greater the sin, the more severe the discipline. At the foot of Mount Sinai, the sinful behavior of the Israelites brought about a severe discipline. When Moses returned from talking with God, he saw the golden calf they had made and was furious. He burned the idol, ground it up, scattered it on their water, and made them drink it.

The sins of the Israelites had polluted their whole being. The same is true for us: sin has polluted us. The psalmist says, there is none who does good (Psalm 14:1b).

But thanks be to God, His only Son, Jesus Christ, is good! By His death and resurrection, He has cleansed our sin-polluted bodies. In Baptism our sins are washed away and we are made pure and clean. By faith, we are righteous in His sight.

Walking with my Lord

Righteous One, You have given Your blessings to me through Baptism. Even though I still sin, remind me that I am forgiven and righteous because of the saving work of Jesus, my Savior. In His name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 7/28 ©2013 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, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Clear Direction

In the Word

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths (Psalm 25:4).

Of the Word

Driving some streets and roads can be confusing. At some intersections, turning left is illegal. The driver is required to turn right, go a short distance, and then make a u-turn to head in the desired direction. Or, there might be a round-about — a marvel of traffic flow that sends all vehicles in a left-handed circle until the sought after exit is reached. “Who designed this?” is a common reaction.

Sometimes our life feels as frustrating. We think we know exactly where we should or need to be. However, circumstances seem to be forcing us in the wrong direction or trapping us in endless circles. We stubbornly focus on the destination we are certain is best for us.

Thankfully, our gracious Father has the path already planned for our journey. We can trust Him to lead us even when the route is difficult to understand. Our frustrations can turn to peace and joy when we daily ask God to direct our way. He loves us and wants to bring us safely home to Him.

Walking with the Lord

Lord, You are my Loving Father. Help me follow Your path for my life in each deciding moment. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 9/30 ©2013 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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Choosing Contentment

In the Word

… for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content (Philippians 4:11).

Of the Word

“Time for bed,” his mom called. Rushing into his room, he piled four pillows on the bed along with five books, twelve stuffed animals, seven toy cars, and two blankets. Just as his parents entered the bedroom for prayers, he gathered three action figures into his arms. “Now I have enough!” he sighed.

Do we struggle to obtain enough in life to be satisfied? If only I had this job … house … brand-name clothing … amount of money, then I would be able to rest. The apostle Paul experienced both abundance and need in life, yet proclaimed … for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content (Philippians 4:11). He trusted God to supply his every need, and accepted each circumstance with gratitude.

We will face situations and circumstances that are not as we had hoped. We can fret and fuss, or we can choose to accept the present for what it truly is — a gift. The gift of God’s grace through Jesus Christ’s death on the cross is more than sufficient. It is what we need. It is enough! We can be content.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, may I always find contentment at the foot of the cross, trusting that You will provide all I truly need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 8/30 ©2013 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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Choose Me!

In the Word

For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you … (1 Thessalonians 1:4).

Of the Word

“Choose me! Choose me!” the teacher hears as she decides who will be first in line. “Choose me! Choose me!” yell the audience members at the game show. “Choose me! Choose me!” is the thought behind every dream house entry placed in the mail.

“It never happens to me,” you may think, when in fact, it already has. From the beginning of time, God chose you to be His own. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you … (1 Thessalonians 1:4). The Father created you specifically. The Son, Jesus Christ, willingly died for you on the cross. The Holy Spirit keeps you in the true faith every day. No random acts of fate. You have been chosen.

If you feel lost in the crowd, remember that you are first in His heart. If life’s prizes pass you by, remember that you have the crown of righteousness in Christ. If your abode on earth is humble, remember the mansion in heaven that awaits you. You are God’s precious child. You have been chosen.

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — for the undeserved grace and favor I receive as Your chosen child. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 7/30 ©2013 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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Naomi — If and If Only

(Naomi’s Story: The Book of Ruth)

In the Word

“Do not call me Naomi; … for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me” (Ruth 1:20b).

Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse (Ruth 4:16).

Of the Word

“If I could … ” “If only I had … ” “If God would … ” Do those words echo in your mind? Let’s be honest! They do — for everyone — from time to time!

In the book of Ruth, imagine her mother-in-law Naomi’s thoughts, “If I could stay here in Bethlehem …” “If I only had my husband and sons beside me again …” “If God would just comfort my aching heart …” God had not forgotten her, though He may have seemed very far away. Moab was not Bethlehem, but Naomi survived there. The men of the family were dead, but two loving daughters-in-law remained. And finally, the “happily ever after” that erased the “if only” once and for all: the marriage of beloved Ruth to Boaz and the birth of little Obed.

In our lives, God is never far away. Even when His plans seem clouded by fears and troubles, we can trust Him. With the psalmist we can say, … I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God,” My times are in your hand; … (Psalm 31:14–15a).

Walking with my Lord

Lord God, forgive my “if” and “if only” thoughts when they are doubtful and fearful. Strengthen and help me trust Your plans for my ultimate good. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 9/34 ©2013 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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Deborah — Encourager

(Deborah’s Story: Judges 4, 5)

In the Word

Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. She used to sit under the palm of Deborah … and the people of Israel came up to her for judgment (Judges 4:4–5).

Of the Word

“You want me to do what?” could have been Deborah’s response when Barak, commander of the army, stated, “If you will go with me [into battle], I will go, but if you will not go with me, I will not go” (Judges 4:8b). After all, it was Barak, not Deborah, God told to go into battle! Deborah had many reasons not to go with Barak. She was a judge; she was needed by the people. She wasn’t a warrior; women didn’t go to war. She was a wife; her household came first. But she used none of these as excuses. She went with the troops, encouraging them, and God gave them victory over the enemy.

God chose Deborah to support Barak and his troops. God also gives us opportunities to support and encourage others. It may be in a card, a letter, or a phone call. It may be at a food bank or at a health center. It may be praying with someone. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works … encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Hebrews 10:24, 25b).

Walking with my Lord

Lord, help me answer Your call to encourage others, knowing my support is in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 8/34 ©2013 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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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View the printable PDF of this devotion, Deborah — Encourager