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Rock Solid

In the Word

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation (Psalm 95:1).

Of the Word

Jesus ends His Sermon on the Mount with the parable of the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24–29). He likens those who hear His Word and obey it to the man who built his house on the rock. When battered by wind and rain, it stood firm because it had a solid foundation.

The foolish man was compared to those who hear Christ’s Words and choose not to obey them. This man’s house, built on the sand, was also battered by wind and rain. Having no foundation, it fell flat!

We, like the houses in Christ’s parable, also need a strong foundation. Learning, believing, and putting into practice the message of the Bible gives us the substance we need to withstand the storms of life. Through God’s gift of His Holy Spirit, we are able to put our full confidence in Jesus Christ, our Rock, our Lord, and our Savior. When the winds and rains of life come our way — as surely they will — we will still be standing solid. God will see to that! 

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, may I forever boldly proclaim “On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.” In His redeeming name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Comfort from the Psalms. Authors: Marcia Gomulka & Myrna Lou Meyer. 20/30 ©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.

“My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” words by Edward Mote, music by John Stainer. Public domain.

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Faith is … Trusting God to Hold Us Securely in His Outstretched Hand

In the Word

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:29b–31).

Of the Word

It was dangerous that day on the Sea of Galilee when Peter walked on the water to Jesus. The waves and the stormy weather inspired fear, and the sea under him was deep.

When Peter began to look at himself, he took his eyes off of Jesus. When faith looks at itself it is no longer faith. Faith fixes our gaze on Jesus and trusts Him to save us with His outstretched hand. We all need the strong hand of Jesus to hold us up. It has crushed the devil’s power and broken the chains of death. Jesus has the power over the devil and death, so we can confidently entrust ourselves to His hand.

We need His hand always. It is the only true hope we have. The day is coming when we will need it most of all – the day when we must pass through the dark shadow of death.

When the waves of the river of death wash over us and we, in terror, begin to sink, Jesus has promised to stand. He will reach out His hand, and hold us securely.

Walking with my Lord

“Abide with me! Fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.” In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 20/30 ©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.
“Abide with Me! Fast Falls the Eventide” words by Henry F. Lyte, music by William H. Monk –Public Domain.

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Faith is … Trusting God

In the Word

In you our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them (Psalm 22:4).

Of the Word

Trust is the foundation of every good relationship. Children trust and depend on their parents. Patients who submit to surgery rely on the doctor’s skilled hands. Couples count on one another for love and support.

So often our trust and confidence is misplaced, and then disappointments come. We may trust our physical strength, yet illness lays us low. We build our assets with investments, and then a recession comes to threaten our security. We confide our secrets with friends only to find their hearts are false.

We are reminded to focus our attention on God, who alone is trustworthy. We can rely on Him because we have proof that He has acted mightily for us. In Jesus Christ, God assumed the burden of our broken nature and paid the price for our sin.

On earth there is no sure and certain cure for all that ails us. No insurance policy will protect us against the evil around us. But the Lord has promised His presence even in the middle of our problems and crises. His promises are sure and certain. That is why we can trust Him!

Walking with my Lord

“I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus; Never let me fall. I am trusting Thee forever And for all.” In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 19/30 ©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.
“I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus” words by Frances R. Havergal, music by Henry W. Baker – Public Domain.

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Shaped by God

In the Word

Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out (Romans 12:2a MSG).

Of the Word

St. Paul exhorts the Romans not to be conformed to this world. Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God remould your minds from within … (Romans 12:2a Phillips). The world around us exerts its influence upon us in many ways, both subtle and obvious. Today’s moral values are often empty inside while shiny on the outside. God, not the world, is the potter. As God’s children we are the clay. We are formed by His hands. The prophet Isaiah said it clearly: … O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand (Isaiah 64:8).

How can we as God’s children hold firmly to His high principles and resist being squeezed into the mold of worldliness? St. Paul says let God remould your mind from within (Romans 12:2b Phillips). Daily reading of God’s Word helps us focus on what is God pleasing. The Holy Spirit helps us grow in faith and spiritual strength.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, keep me from being as weak as clay. With Your Word, mold me, making me strong to resist the false values of the world. Thank You for being my Strength. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Marilyn Sagehorn. 18/32 ©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.

Scripture quotations marked “MSG” are taken from THE MESSAGE, by Eugene H. Peterson. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked “Phillips” are taken from THE NEW TESTAMENT IN MODERN ENGLISH. Copyright © 1958, 1959, 1960 J.B. Phillips and 1947, 1952, 1955, 1957 The Macmillian Company, New York. All rights reserved.

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Caring for the Caregiver

In the Word

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers (Galatians 6:10).

Of the Word

Who takes care of the caregivers when they are weary and physically worn? … when they are emotionally exhausted? … when they are spiritually challenged? Who is to be sensitive to caregivers’ needs?

God commands us to Carry each other’s burdens … (Galatians 6:2a). He gives us opportunities to carry out this command by speaking understanding words or listening patiently. Phone calls, notes of encouragement, or personal visits can brighten the caregiver’s day. Bringing a hot meal or providing respite care so the caregiver can take a break is appreciated. A spontaneous act of kindness can lift the caregiver’s spirit.

Even caregivers who try to hide their weariness or downheartedness need the warmth of God’s love shown through Christian care and concern. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other … (Colossians 3:12–13a).

Walking with my Lord

Gracious Father, bless me with the gift of sensitivity so that I might see the needs of others and offer sweet refreshment to the weary. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Marilyn Sagehorn. 17/32 ©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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Strength for the Caregiver

In the Word

I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).

Of the Word

The psalmist asks, … where does my help come from? As a caregiver I frequently come to a low point and wonder the same thing as the psalmist: What next? The psalmist answers his own question, My help comes from the Lord … (Psalm 121:1b–2a). My courage returns when God reminds me that He is my Help.

Staying immersed in God’s Word buoys my spirit as a caregiver because of the surety of God’s promises. God assures me, “… call upon me in the day of trouble …” Then promises “I will deliver you …” (Psalm 50:15a). God is not promising us that trouble will go away, but He is promising His help. I can accomplish even the most difficult tasks with Him by my side.

The words of the psalmist were the hymns of his day. Today’s hymns and spiritual songs flow with words of trust, confidence, and praise. I am comforted as I read them, sing them, or pray them. I hold them dear because they remind me that God does indeed promise to give me strength.

Walking with my Lord

Loving God, You are my Help and Strength. I call upon You in every need. May I always be anchored to the truth of Your Word that assures me I will, with Your help, be able to accomplish what I must do. May my actions reflect Your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Marilyn Sagehorn. 16/32 ©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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Joy in forgiveness

In the Word

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:32).

Of the Word

Joseph’s brothers hated him enough to plan murder. He felt their hatred as they taunted him about his dreams, threw him into a deep pit, accepted the traders’ coins, and sent him into slavery (Genesis 37). Years passed and God did not forget Joseph. Instead He elevated him to a high position in Egypt. How easy it would have been for Joseph to repay evil for evil when his hungry brothers appeared before him. Instead, he forgave them. Yes, he tested their hearts and motives, but he forgave them and remained faithful to God. Only because of God’s grace could he forgive all that his brothers had done (Genesis 45).

How can we forgive those who hate us and hurt us? It is only by God’s grace. It is only because in Christ, God has forgiven us. The sacrifice of Jesus on Calvary gives full coverage for our sins — for all of our sins. We are forgiven by God in order to be forgiving to others.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, forgiving others is not easy for me. I often want to pay back and hold grudges. Give me a kind and compassionate heart so that I, by Your grace, can forgive others as You have forgiven me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 18/30 ©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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