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Faith is … Trusting Our Savior

In the Word

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me” (John 14:1).

Of the Word

“Just trust me! I know what I am doing!” Dave’s wife was afraid his decision to change careers would only result in financial hardship for the family. But Dave insisted he knew what he was doing. If his family would just trust him!

“Just trust Me” is what Jesus said to His disciples on the night before His crucifixion. Their hearts were deeply troubled that night and the future looked bleak. We can understand how they felt. We, too, sometimes wonder where God is leading us. Does He know what He is doing? Why is life in such turmoil? Where is God? Can He be trusted?

In contrast to the troubled disciples, Jesus was remarkably calm that evening just before going to the cross. Jesus was fully aware of the anguish and turmoil of His beloved disciples. He knew what He was doing. He was in complete control. “Just trust,” He said, “you can depend on My leading.” This is still true. Don’t be afraid — just trust Him! He loves you, too!

Walking with my Lord

Lord Jesus, help me to trust You more fully in my life and for my salvation. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 2/30 ©2007 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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Faith is … Resting in the Comfort of God’s Power

In the Word

“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all” (1 Chronicles 29:11).

Of the Word

Close to Lake Michigan, a “weather rock” hangs by a rope. A sign near it tells how to use the rock to determine the weather. “If the rock is wet, it’s raining. If the rock is white, it’s snowing. The wonderful thing about this ‘weather rock’ is that it is not affected by the weather.” We, on the other hand, are affected and influenced by many things around us, including the weather.

The words of 1 Chronicles 29:11b bring great comfort: … everything in heaven and earth is yours. God the Creator loves us and cares for us. He knows that we are not “weather rocks” unaffected by the storms and troubles of life. God reminds us that He governs all things by His power. We can rest in that promise.

We praise our God for the comfort of His power which He lovingly uses for our eternal good. 

Walking with my Lord

O Lord, You assure me everything in heaven and on earth is Yours. I know I can trust in You for my refuge in this sinful world. By Your great love and mercy, show me Your power and protection so I may learn to walk with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 1/30 ©2007 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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Phone a Friend

In the Word

I call on you, O God, for you will answer me … (Psalm 17:6a).

Of the Word

A popular TV show allowed contestants to “phone a friend” for help with difficult questions. The friend at the end of the line could give advice which the contestant could follow or ignore.

We, too, can “phone a Friend” — our loving heavenly Father. The lines are never down; the lines are never busy. “This office is closed today. Please call back,” is never heard.

With the psalmist we can say with certainty, … you will answer me … (Psalm 17:6a). The answer will not be a guess about our needs nor a piece of politically-correct advice. It will be an answer from the Friend who knows our needs, our hopes, our hurts, our fears.

God’s answer may be a resounding “Yes,” a loving “No,” or a patience-building “Wait.” But His answer is always the right one, given at the right time for the right reasons.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, thank You for hearing my call. Help me to listen for Your answers and to know that they are perfect for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Comfort from the Psalms. Authors: Marcia Gomulka & Myrna Lou Meyer. 3/30 ©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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Leaning on the Lord

In the Word

I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing” (Psalm 16:2).

Of the Word

An atheist says, “Religion? A waste of time! A crutch for the weak! A cop-out!”

But think of why a crutch is useful. Without it, how would the patient with a broken ankle be able to walk? For that matter, consider walkers, braces, wheelchairs. Are they only a copout, a waste of time? Of course not, a fact even an atheist knows.

Is leaning on Jesus then a useless waste of time? God’s people trust Him. They know they need the support He provides. They trust His wisdom and power no matter what circumstances confront them.

With St. Paul they confidently say, I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). Will confidence waver and weaken? Yes, because God’s people are sinful humans. But Jesus remains strong, the firm crutch that will never fail.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, thank You for being my Help, my Support, my Strength. When I am weak, hold me and draw me closer to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Comfort from the Psalms. Authors: Marcia Gomulka & Myrna Lou Meyer. 2/30 ©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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A Spot of Green

In the Word

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures … (Psalm 23:1–2a).

Of the Word

The radio was on as she drove to the hospital. She would spend another long day at her son’s bedside.

Suddenly her ear caught familiar words, He makes me lie down in green pastures … (Psalm 23:2a).

The speaker urged, “Look for a spot of green today. Let it remind you of your Shepherd’s loving care.”

As she sped down the road, she caught a glimpse of a small green field from her car window. She smiled and thanked God for His care and for the lush green reminder of it.

Do you need a tangible reminder of God’s care today? Look for a spot of green — a field, a park, a flower bed — and be assured that your Shepherd knows your need and is caring for you.

Walking with my Lord

Lord God, You are my loving Shepherd, and You provide for me each day. Forgive me when I grow weary, and help me to look for those “green pastures” where I can find rest in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Comfort from the Psalms. Authors: Marcia Gomulka & Myrna Lou Meyer. 1/30 ©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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Worldly dreams may not come true, but to know Jesus is enough.

In the Word

… I reckon everything as complete loss for the sake of what is so much more valuable, the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord (Philippians 3:8b GNT).

Of the Word

Sara dreamed of owning a little cottage in the country. There she saw herself curled up before a cozy fire with her favorite books, her ginger cat asleep at her feet. A modest dream, to be sure. Other people have more ambitious dreams — achieving wealth, influence, power, fame.

King David had his heart set on building a temple for the Lord, but God had other plans. The mother of James and John, Jesus’ disciples, had her heart set on positions of honor for her sons. Jesus had other plans.

Jesus warned about worldly dreams and ambitions that lead people off the path of true discipleship. Jesus asked, “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36).

St. Paul wrote to young pastor Timothy: Some people who have set their hearts on getting rich have wandered away from the Christian faith and have caused themselves a lot of grief (1 Timothy 6:10b GW). Instead: Pursue what God approves of: a godly life, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness (1 Timothy 6:11b GW).

Walking with my Lord

Lord Jesus, help me to set my mind and heart on You instead of worldly dreams. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Walking with My Lord. Author: Donna Streufert. 16/30  ©2007 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.

Scripture quotations marked GW are taken from GOD’S WORD, God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society, Grand Rapids, MI. Copyright © 1995.

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With the Lord, we face a bright tomorrow!

In the Word

Don’t be envious of sinful people; let reverence for the Lord be the concern of your life. If it is, you have a bright future (Proverbs 23:17–18 GNT).

Of the Word

Carol was prepared for her class reunion. Her designer outfits had been carefully selected. Photos of her beautiful children and grandchildren were tucked in her Armani bag. Brochures depicting her family’s prosperous resort business were packed in her suitcase with enough copies to distribute to old classmates. She planned to point out the family yacht pictured on the front. Surely, she would be the envy of all her friends.

With confidence in all she had acquired, Carol expected a bright future. But God’s Word warns: Your money can be gone in a flash, as if it had grown wings and flown away like an eagle (Proverbs 23:5 GNT). What did we bring into the world? Nothing! What can we take out of the world? Nothing! (1 Timothy 6:7 GNT).

Christians need not envy people like Carol. They trust God’s promises: Trust in the Lord and do good; … Seek your happiness in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desire. Give yourself to the Lord; trust in him, and he will help you … (Psalm 37: 3a, 4–5 GNT).

Walking with my Lord

Lord, with You I face a bright future. You provide all I need. You walk with me every day. I surrender myself to You, Lord. My joy is in You. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Walking with My Lord. Author: Donna Streufert. 15/30  ©2007 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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