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God is in Control

In the Word

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:6–7).

Of the Word

Dealing with an illness of a loved one can make us feel helpless. All kinds of questions arise: “Am I doing enough? Am I doing the right thing? Will I have enough money to pay for all of this?” It is easy to get mired in “I” trouble, thinking that we have to handle everything on our own.

God encourages us to humbly remember that He is in control. We can go to Him with our concerns and rely on His promise to care for us and those we love. The One who provided for the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life promises also to care for the physical needs of His children.

Our Father lovingly places others in our lives to help with the care-giving — it may be another family member or even a concerned friend. God can use anyone to be His hands of comfort during challenging times. And God can use us to strengthen the bonds of love and friendship between caregiver and patient.

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Lord, for the doctors, nurses, and loving family and friends You have sent to me during this time of illness. Give me the grace to accept their offers of help for I know they are serving out of love. Because of their help You are assuring me I am not alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 7/30 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105 Code: #40197

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Today? Tomorrow?

In the Word

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring (Proverbs 27:1).

Of the Word

Today is ours, a gift from God. Whether the sun is shining brightly or heavy rains are pounding against the windows, God wants us to have this day. Whether we are happy or sad, healthy or disabled, God made each of us part of His plan for today.

This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24).

So why do we spend so much time thinking about tomorrow? The Psalmist instructs us to rejoice in this day — the day that is here and now. Boasting about tomorrow won’t get it done today! All too soon it will be tomorrow, and we may have passed up an opportunity that should have been taken today. With the power of God’s Holy Spirit behind us, let’s get busy and do what must be done today!

A Point to Ponder: Today is mine, God, a gift from You. How do You want me to use it?

Walking with my Lord

Lord, You have blessed me with today. May all I say and do be to Your glory. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 9/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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What Would We Do Without Friends?

In the Word

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice (Proverbs 27:9 NIV).

Of the Word

Many smells are pleasing to the senses: freshly-baked bread, newly-mown grass, coffee brewing early in the morning, lilacs in the spring. Aromatherapy oils and lotions have a calming effect and help us to relax.

Proverbs 27:9 compares the aroma of perfume to the sweet advice of a good friend — a friend with whom we can share anything. One who listens and loves us enough to give sound advice.

That’s the kind of friend God instructs us to be: one who nurtures lasting friendships with love and prayers and gives God-pleasing advice, a friend whose presence is as sweet as the aroma of lilacs in the spring.

Love must be sincere. Be devoted to one another in love (Romans 12:9a, 10a NIV).

A Point to Ponder: Have I remembered to thank my friends for their sound advice?

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Lord, for the wonderful friends You have placed in my life. I am blessed by the joy they bring to me. I pray in the name of my loving Savior and Best Friend, Jesus. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 8/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) 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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God’s Perfect Blueprint

In the Word

By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew (Proverbs 3:19–20 NIV).

Of the Word

Proverbs 3:19–20 shows the perfect blueprint God had for this amazing place we call home. He created its foundations and graced them with majestic mountains, deep canyons, beaches, and forests decorated with fabulous greenery. He created the watery depths and lifted the water from the oceans to the clouds that let rains fall to water the earth. He gave us light as He set the sun, moon, and stars in the heavens.

Creation isn’t the result of a cosmic big bang. Neither is mankind! So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them (Genesis 1:27). Not only did God create us in His image, He called us to be His own! See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are (1 John 3:1a).

As beautiful as this earth is, another home awaits us that is more wonderful than anything we have ever seen. One day paradise, created just for God’s children, will be our final home.

A Point to Ponder: What can I do to care for God’s wonderfully-created earth and His people?

Walking with my Lord

Creator God, thank You for sacrificing Your Son Jesus so, believing in Him, I can one day be with You in my heavenly home. In His holy name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 7/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) 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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Maybe Not Cute, but Still Wonderfully Made

In the Word

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14a).

Of the Word

Chances are, when we were born, family and friends came to check us out! They tried to figure out who we looked like and what we would likely do. One look at our fingers and they saw a concert pianist. Flexible toes assured them we were destined for the Olympics. Everyone who looked at us declared us handsome or beautiful and certainly cute!

As the days go by and years add up, it is important to continue to look at our hands, our feet, ourselves. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. Our value is determined by the God who created us and His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, who redeemed us. Our Heavenly Father is the Master Craftsman Who designed each minute part of us! Whether our hands are strong and firm or arthritic and weak, they can be folded to thank the God who created them. Whether our feet are long or short, narrow or wide, strong or no longer able to support us, they are able to walk in His ways. Today is a day to celebrate, a day to declare, I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14a).

Walking with my Lord

Lord, help me to use all that I am and have to glorify You. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 6/28 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40195

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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What Day is This?

In the Word

This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24).

Of the Word

Every day is a gift from God. We have heard it. We have said it. We believe it! We can confidently face each day as a gift because God has made it.

While every day is a gift from God, there are certain days that make us more aware of this — birthdays, anniversaries, baptisms, and weddings. These tend to be the days we look forward to and look back on with joy. These are the days when others are likely to celebrate with us and become more aware of the One Who has blessed us.

When we pause and reflect on today, we become more aware of Who God is and who we are through faith in Jesus Christ. We do not cause the sun to rise, but we are able to enjoy the sunshine. We do not make the rains fall, but we can praise the God Who reigns! We do not have to take on the weight of the world, we can trustingly wait to see how God will take care of us in the future as He has in the past. Celebrate today! Celebrate every day knowing, This is the day that the LORD has made;… (Psalm 118:24a).

Walking with my Lord

Lord, help me to celebrate each day as a gift from You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 5/28 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40195

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Designed as a Gift

In the Word

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, … (1 Peter 4:10a NIV).

Of the Word

When God created you, He designed you to be a gift to the people in your life! God then gave you specific talents and skills to be that gift. He gave you ears to be a listener and eyes to see the needs of others. Our Father gave you a heart filled with His hope so those around you could see His presence in your life.

Because we are aware of our own sins and shortcomings, it is not always easy to believe we are a “gift.” We may be hesitant to open ourselves up to others fearing they will see the “real” us – imperfect, sinful, a failure. Ah, but that’s when God can use us in spite of our weaknesses and imperfections. Because we have received His forgiveness, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit we can share His message of hope and salvation in both words and deeds.

Be a special gift to someone today by sharing the beautiful message of hope that the grace of God gives us through His Son, our Savior, Jesus. His gift to us is eternal life with Him. What a gift!

Walking with my Lord

Lord God, thank You for the gifts You have given me. Help me to use them to Your glory as I share Your love with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 4/28 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40195

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) 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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