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Giving It Up

In the Word

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32).

Of the Word

She loved the dress from the moment she purchased it. The fabric, the color, and the shape were perfect; unfortunately, that was two dress sizes ago. So she placed it in the box destined for the resale store. Just as her husband picked up the donations, she snatched up the dress. She just could not give it up!

Regrettably, this can also describe our prayer life. Our petition may be fervent, but it is attached to elastic. We give it to the Lord only for a moment before we snap it back to our control. Whether due to impatience or fear, we refuse to completely surrender. We fail to remember, He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32).

God the Father willingly gave up His Son Jesus as the sacrifice for our sins. Yet, we cling to our rebellious belief that we deserve the control. How can we refuse to completely give up our concerns and requests to such a merciful and gracious God? Each time we lift our hearts in prayer we humbly place our faith and trust in His will in our lives.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, when I struggle to fully surrender to Your will, remind me of all that Jesus gave up for me. In His name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 14/30 ©2013 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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Face to Face Moments

In the Word

Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete (2 John 12b).

Of the Word

Your cell phone rings as you read emails. In the midst of the call, several beeps announce the arrival of a text in which your niece invites you to video chat on your laptop. Some call it instant connection while others worry human interaction is suffering.

The apostle John realized the importance of talking in person. He hoped to meet fellow believers … face to face, so that our joy may be complete (2 John 1:12b). Nothing compares to the joy of personal fellowships. The wife reuniting with her military husband knows. Parents welcoming a child home from college know. Families at reunions know.

Why do we gather for worship, Bible study, and fellowship? Because we gain hope and strength by sharing our faith. Nothing replaces the comfort that comes from praying together, discussing scripture in a small group, or sharing the peace of Christ with a handshake. We meet — face to face — to praise our Lord and share His love.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, thank You for the technology that allows us to share the Gospel with more people, but help us also cherish the moments we spend face to face with fellow believers. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 13/30 ©2013 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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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The Queen of Sheba — Seeking Answers

(The Queen’s Story: 1 Kings 10:1–9)

In the Word

Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions (1 Kings 10:1).

Of the Word

The queen of Sheba had heard of King Solomon’s wisdom, and she came loaded with tough questions. If he was as wise as she had heard, no riddle would remain unsolved and no question would be too difficult. The queen asked, and Solomon poured out answer after answer. He left her absolutely speechless!

Our world, unfortunately, has no Solomon. But we do have the One who endowed Solomon with his great wisdom. His name: the Lord God. He invites us to ask for His help, and He promises to give it. “… call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me” (Psalm 50:15).

How many questions can we ask? The psalmist says, … I will call on him as long as I live (Psalm 116:2b). The queen went home thinking of Solomon’s wisdom. We can live in the certainty of God’s love, His wisdom, and His care for us.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Heavenly Father, like the queen, I have questions that trouble me. Help me find answers in Your Word. Surround me with people who will help me stay close to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 15/34 ©2013 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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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The Widow of Nain — From Tears to Joy, Pain to Praise

(Her Story: Luke 7:11–17)

In the Word

And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother (Luke 7:15).

Of the the Word

In Luke 7, we read of a widow, first left alone at her husband’s death, then doubly alone after her son’s death. She wept as the body of her son was carried away.

And then Jesus came! His feelings: compassion and sorrow. His words: “Don’t cry” (Luke 7:13b CEB). His action: He restored her son’s life and gave him back to her. The Gospel writer tells nothing about her life before or after the miracle. But it is certain the widow’s life changed when her son, once dead, walked home beside her that day. She went from pain to praise, from tears to triumph!

And that is what our loving God does even today. In the midst of sadness and tears, He says, “Don’t cry” (Luke 7:13b CEB). He urges, “Come to me” … He promises, … “I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). His heart is full of compassion, and His arms are open wide. Come!

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord Jesus, when my load is heavy and my troubles are huge, help me remember that Your love is wider, bigger, and stronger than all of them. Thank You! In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 14/34 ©2013 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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

Scripture quotations from the COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE. © Copyright 2011 COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE. All rights reserved. Used by permission. (www.CommonEnglishBible.com)

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Abigail — Peacemaker

(Abigail’s Story: 1 Samuel 25:2–42)

In the Word

When Abigail saw David … She fell at his feet and said, “On me alone, my lord, be the guilt” (1 Samuel 25:23a, 24a).

Of the Word

Poor Abigail! Her husband Nabal was rude and crude, rich but unrighteous and unruly. His name even means “fool.” What kind of woman would be his wife?

When faced with the repercussion of Nabal’s foolishness, Abigail opted to step in and take the blame even though she was not guilty. She became the peacemaker. She went to David, made apology, and asked forgiveness. Abigail even brought gifts. Though David had planned to wipe out Nabal’s company, he listened to Abigail. Convinced that God had intervened by sending her, David abandoned his plan and left in peace.

Do you know of a peacemaker who willingly, unflinchingly walks between opposing forces? Has God ever called you to be such a peacemaker? He has a promise for you: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). As He was with Abigail, so He is with you as you do His will!

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, peace is lacking in the world and in my life. Give me courage to seek the truth and to be an instrument of Your peace. Give me words that are quiet and loving so others may also have Your peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 13/34 ©2013 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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Sorry

In the Word

For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Of the Word

My daughter is such a little mimic. I can say just about anything and she will attempt to say it too if she is in the right mood. Recently she said the word “sorry” just as clear as day. While “sorry” is a comparatively easy word to say, we know it can often be a difficult word to speak.

Admitting we are wrong isn’t easy. As we examine our lives in light of the Ten Commandments, it is clear we do have things to be sorry about. In his letter to the Corinthians Paul talks of godly sorrow which brings repentance that leads to salvation and worldly sorrow which brings death.

Because we have much to be sorry for, it would be easy to wallow in guilt and despair. But when we approach our gracious God, sincerely repenting of our sins, He is quick to assure us, “Your sins are forgiven” (Luke 7:48b) because of the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for us on the cross and His triumphant resurrection three days later.

We are forgiven because Christ overcame all sin so we may have life eternal.

Walking with my Lord

Loving Father, I am sorry for my sins, and I ask You to forgive me. Thank You for Your gifts of grace and salvation. In the blessed name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 15/30 ©2013 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, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Doctor’s Appointment

In the Word

… a man named Zacchaeus … was seeking to see who Jesus was …  (Luke 19:2a, 3a).

Of the Word

I find myself getting extremely nervous when it is time for a well-child checkup with the doctor. Part of me dreads the shot my child will get, and part of me feels I am about to be judged on whether or not I am a good mother. The appointments, however, are helpful and our pediatrician is always encouraging.

If well-child checkups are that helpful, think how beneficial a Divine Appointment would be. Just ask Zacchaeus!

As chief tax collector Zacchaeus was very rich. Being small of stature, he climbed a tree in order to see this Jesus he had heard about. That is where he was when Jesus, the Great Physician, called, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today” (Luke 19:5a).

Notice Jesus said He MUST stay with Zacchaeus. God required it. Jesus’ appointment with Zacchaeus changed his life. Jesus brought grace and mercy. This was an appointment Zacchaeus could not afford to miss.

The Great Physician also calls for us to seek Him. He will greet us with healing, not harm; mercy, not judgment. Like Zacchaeus, this is one appointment we also can’t afford to miss.

Walking with my Lord

Father, thank You for the healing mercies I receive from Your Son, Jesus Christ. In His name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 14/30 ©2013 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, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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