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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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How, Lord … can I endure this suffering?

In the Word

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3).

Of the Word

All of us will inevitably experience trials, sorrows, and disappointments that test our faith. We may silently ask, or cry aloud, “How can I endure this?” Perhaps we question why God is so slow coming to our rescue or we may even wonder where God is in the midst of all this suffering.

We must hold fast to Jesus’ promise: “And remember that I am always with you until the end of time” (Matthew 28:20b GOD’S WORD). He is in the midst of our struggle and He assures us He will get us through it. God understands human suffering. He watched His Son suffer on the cross to save us; He watched those who loved Jesus mourn for Him.

Suffering is not a sign that God has abandoned us. He does hear our pleas for relief. He may not take away whatever it is that challenges us, but our faithful Father knows us by name. He will not allow our trials to go on forever.

Walking with my Lord

Father, forgive my fears that You have abandoned me. Turn my weakness into strength and my fears into faith. Turn my tears into the joy that Jesus’ loved ones had when they saw their resurrected Savior, for He is my Savior, too. In His loving name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: How, Lord? Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 13/32 ©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.

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Risky Trust

In the Word

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).

Of the Word

What two inch square is strong enough to suspend a 175-pound person from the ceiling?
Velcro®

We may not believe this statistic, but it is reportedly true. While many may say they believe this “fact” since it has been published in a variety of reputable places, most people probably would not like to prove the point by hanging from a ceiling. Trying this from a 7-foot ceiling might be one thing, but most of us would not want to try it while suspended from the ceiling of a large arena.

Trust is risky — with one exception. A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). That friend who will always stick by us is Jesus Christ. People will disappoint us. They may walk away from us or even walk out on us. Jesus is the one friend who will always remain attached to us. We are connected to Him with the strongest bonding force — His love.

Walking with my Lord

Loving Father, send Your Holy Spirit to help me always place my trust in You alone. Thank You, Lord, for holding me close and loving me as only You can do. With You I am never alone. In Your precious name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Simple Trust. Elaine Bickel, author. 15/29 ©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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Finally, the Diploma!

In the Word

“I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come” (Isaiah 46:10a NIV).

Of the Word

After years of schooling, the classes and final exams are completed. What a sense of accomplishment and relief to hold that diploma! The goal is finally attained. And inevitably someone will ask, “So, what are your plans now?”

Some individuals have a job offer firmly in hand. Some might have further education planned. Others might not have the slightest idea what to do next. Confident or fearful, each person can be assured that our heavenly Father has the future in His hands.

The God who created each of us had our purpose in life planned even before we came into being. “I make known the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:10a NIV) is His faithful promise to all of His children. Whether our life path unfolds exactly the way it was envisioned or with surprising detours, the Savior who redeemed us is right by our side. We never need to worry about the details of the plan. We only need to pray for guidance in discerning Jesus’ purpose for each of us.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, fill me with the blessed assurance that my life is truly secure in Your hands. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 26/28 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40195

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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