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Wrong Conclusions

In the Word

“The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7b).

Of the Word

Who entered his own look-alike contest and lost?
Charlie Chaplin

Charlie Chaplin once entered a Charlie Chaplin look-alike contest and lost! He was not even a finalist. The judges’ standards made them reach the wrong conclusion.

Have you ever been misjudged? Has someone taken a look at you and drawn a wrong or hurtful conclusion? That has probably happened to all of us. Chances are we have probably misjudged others, too.

God judges fairly every time. People look at actions and appearances to draw conclusions. But God, in total love, looks at the heart. “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7b).

By God’s grace, our hearts are changed and He sees the faith that the Holy Spirit has given us.

Walking with my Lord

O Lord, thank You for looking deep into my heart and still loving me. Forgive me for the times I have judged others by their outward appearances. Through Your Holy Spirit help me look at others with loving eyes. In Your forgiving name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Simple Trust. Elaine Bickel, author. 17/29 ©2011 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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Extravagant Forgiveness

In the Word

“Your sins are forgiven” (Luke 7:48b).

Of the Word

The German language has many different words to describe these. What are they?
Kisses

One kiss cannot possibly be described in any language. It is the kiss of Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus. Scripture says, Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him (Matthew 26:49).

A kiss usually shows love, but Judas’ kiss was a betrayal. When we put others before God, spending time with them instead of Him, we are betraying Him, too.

How different the sinful woman was! … and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them (Luke 7:38). Her kisses showed what was in her heart. Jesus told this woman the very same thing He wants to tell you today, “Your sins are forgiven” (Luke 7:48b).

Walking with my Lord

O God, forgive the many times I have betrayed You by failure to speak and act or by words and actions that were wrong. Help me to be a bold and faithful witness. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Simple Trust. Elaine Bickel, author. 16/29 ©2011 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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Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me

In the Word

… [LORD]… be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me (Psalm 31:2b–3).

Of the Word

Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood, From Thy riven side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure: Cleanse me from its guilt and power.

A rock is stable and firm, generally unmoving and solid. God is called the “Rock of Ages” in this classic hymn. The writer prays, “Let me hide myself in Thee.” God’s firm promises of love and mercy sustain His people when temptations and hard times befall them.

We have done nothing to earn His love or forgiveness; they are ours only through the saving work of Jesus. His work brings eternal life to all who trust in Him.

Our loving God promises to be with us, even in death. The last stanza states, “While I draw this fleeting breath, When mine eyelids close in death, When I soar to worlds unknown, See Thee on Thy judgment throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee.”

Walking with my Lord

O God, my strong Rock, You provide safe refuge when life overwhelms me. Help me to look to You, because You are my strength and my hiding place. In Jesus' protecting name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Joyful, Joyful. Rev. Larry and Shari Miller, authors. 15/31. Hymn Text: LSB 761. ©2011  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.
All hymns are public domain with the text reprinted from Lutheran Service Book, ©2006, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO.

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Praise to the Lord, The Almighty

In the Word

Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the LORD (Psalm 106:48).

Of the Word

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is your health and salvation!
Let all who hear Now to His temple draw near,
Joining in glad adoration!

Not only do we praise God for the awesome world He created, but we praise Him for the “Wings of His mercy did shade” us. His mercy took on the form of His Son Jesus who took the punishment that we deserved for our sins. Because this same Jesus rose again from the dead, we look forward to praising Him eternally in heaven.

In fact, the words of the final stanza can be heard ringing in Christian churches and homes throughout the land and in heaven above: “Let the Amen Sound from His people again; Gladly forever adore Him!”

Walking with my Lord

Praise be to You, O Lord, for Your almighty power displayed in Your creating, redeeming, and sanctifying work in my life and in the universe. When I am faced with overwhelming situations, remind me that no power on earth is greater than You! When You deliver me, remind me to give thanks and praise to You! In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Joyful, Joyful. Rev. Larry and Shari Miller, authors. 14/31. Hymn Text: LSB 790. ©2011  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.
All hymns are public domain with the text reprinted from Lutheran Service Book, ©2006, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO.

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Onward, Christian Soldiers

In the Word

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes (Ephesians 6:10–11).

Of the Word

Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus Going on before.

The people of the Church of God are sometimes called Christian soldiers. The battles we fight are against the devil, the world, and our own sinful flesh. Praise God that we have a victor in the wars, our Savior Jesus Christ.

He is the King of an imperishable kingdom — the kingdom of glory. The battles we face on earth are fought with Him beside us. He promises guidance and protection in His Word.

“Onward, then, ye faithful, Join our happy throng, Blend with ours your voices In the triumph song: Glory, laud, and honor Unto Christ, the king; This through countless ages Men and angels sing. Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus Going on before.”

Walking with my Lord

Victorious Savior, help me to realize that I am Your Christian soldier and that my enemies are Satan, the sinful world, and my own evil desires. Arm me with Your Word and grant me the victory. In Your strong name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Joyful, Joyful. Rev. Larry and Shari Miller, authors. 13/31. Hymn Text: LSB 662. ©2011  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.
All hymns are public domain with the text reprinted from Lutheran Service Book, ©2006, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO.

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How, Lord … can I learn Your will for my life?

In the Word

I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope (Jeremiah 29:11 GOD’S WORD).

Of the Word

Since God first knew us, He had a plan for our lives. We might be expecting a specific blueprint or road map for the journey; but even though God’s Word guides us, we have been given free will to make detours and side trips along the way. Some of those treks have been pleasant, others not.

God’s plan for us may even seem a little mysterious but we can be certain He will be right there beside us. The LORD says, “I will instruct you. I will teach you the way that you should go (Psalm 32:8a GOD’S WORD).”

We can’t know God’s will for our lives if we don’t know God! The Holy Spirit will strengthen our faith and trust through the careful study of God’s Word. He will teach us how to be obedient to God’s will. Remember the LORD in everything you do, and he will show you the right way (Proverbs 3:6 GNT).

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, forgive me when I am headstrong and question Your will for my life. I know when I stray, I make mistakes. Show me how to live according to Your Word so I may experience the joy which comes in walking with You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: How, Lord? Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 15/32 ©2011 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 (GOD’S WORD) are taken from GOD’S WORD ®, © 1995, God’s Word to the Nations. Used by permission of Baker Publishing Group.

Scripture quotations marked (GNT) are taken from the Good News Translation ® (Today’s English Version, Second Edition) © 1992 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.

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How, Lord … can I recognize my worth?

In the Word

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13).

Of the Word

You are special! You are not insignificant! A popular poster uses a picture of a cute little guy and words that read “God don’t make no junk.” Grammar aside, the words are true. God didn’t form us to be worthless. Psalm 139 also tells us we are fearfully and wonderfully made (verse 14). That’s who we are … wonderfully put together by God!

God who gave us life created us for a purpose. He has a job for each of us to do and in His eyes we are perfect for the position. Each of us has been gifted with a talent that God wants us to use to His glory.

Our Creator didn’t tell us we have to be the most articulate Gospel proclaimer or the one who always has the best ideas. We don’t have to be the best at anything; we only have to make the best use of the talent God gave to us. How beautiful it will be to one day hear the voice of our Savior Jesus saying “‘… Well done, good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21a)!’”

Walking with my Lord

My Creator, through Your Holy Spirit help me recognize and fully use the talents You have given me to show boldly how much I love You. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: How, Lord? Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 14/32 ©2011 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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