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The joy of being loved by God!

In the Word

For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies (Psalm 108:4).

Of the Word

The mother’s eyes never strayed from her child. A soft smile played across her lips as she watched him play. She was attentive to every move he made. Although the child was unaware of the attention she focused on him, yet her tender love was obvious to any observer.

As wonderful as the love of a parent can be, it cannot compare with God’s loving care for His children. His love is boundless, timeless, unfailing, unending. What earthly father or mother could presume to claim even one of our awesome God’s attributes?

As God’s people, we can pray Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love (Psalm 31:16). Knowing that God’s answer to us is a resounding “Yes!” we can say with utmost confidence, Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:6).

Walking with my Lord

Dear loving Father, thank You for all of the people You have provided to give me love and care. Thank You most of all for the love You have given to me in Jesus Christ my Savior. In His name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 1/30 ©2005 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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What’s Your Name?

In the Word

He calls his own sheep by name …  (John 10:3b).

Of the Word

Walking into social situations where I don’t know many people isn’t easy for me. Shy by nature, I am especially concerned when I think no one will know me. On one occasion, I went to an event intending to stay only as long as obligation required. Soon after I arrived someone called my name. Suddenly I no longer felt like an outsider. I was known. Likewise, I am known by God. “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1b). I’m not an outsider; I am an insider!

Because of our human nature we sometimes feel distant from God. In our sin we fall short of His expectations. What then? God forgives. Through Jesus Christ He calls us to Himself, to a life in His kingdom. By the power of the Holy Spirit we hear His voice calling to us and we follow.

He calls his own sheep by name … and his sheep follow him because they know his voice (John 10:3b, 4b).

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Lord, for calling me by name, for knowing and loving me. Thank You for placing me into the family of faith where I am one with You for eternity. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Nancy Nemoyer. 1/32 ©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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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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