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Finding Joy in the Unbearable

In the Word

In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid (Psalm 118:5–6a).

Of the Word

In 1 Samuel, we read that barren Hannah prayed earnestly for a child, and God heard and answered her prayer. In 1 Kings we are told that Elijah believed that he was the only prophet left in Israel, but God assured him that there were many others who had not bowed to Baal. In the book of Jonah, we hear of a fish, a prayer, and a rescue. King David faced many times of anguish during his lifetime, and God heard and helped.

The Scriptures are filled with examples of people who experienced deep anguish and received hope and joy from the Lord. Though the causes of our anguish in the 21st century are different, we have the same Lord and Savior. His answers — given to us in the right way and at just the right time — bring freedom from anguish and fear. True joy can be found only in Him!

Walking with my Lord

O Lord, help me to face my fears with the certainty that You are with me. As You dispel my fears one by one, help me to grow in faith and knowledge of You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 9/30 ©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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Diseased

In the Word

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Psalm 73:26).

Of the Word

Genetics … one part of life we cannot escape from or change. For me it brings a heart disease passed from my grandmother to my mother to me. Other women in my family have it too, and it is likely some of our children will have it also. While modern medicine searches for cures, many will die from the diseases that often result from genetic weaknesses. It just doesn’t seem fair.

All of us carry within us a “genetic” spiritual disorder: original sin. This is inescapable because we are born with it. We’re stuck with it. We can mask the symptoms by our good efforts to be more loving, or patient, or brave, but this disease — like many others — strives to do evil and take life from us.

Is there a cure for this genetic sin disorder? Absolutely! By Baptism we are washed clean of the guilt of original sin and receive the certain promise that though we die, we will live. Baptism turns death into life.

… [God] saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit … (Titus 3:5).

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Lord, for the cleansing waters of Baptism by which You forgive my sins and rescue me from the power of death. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Nancy Nemoyer. 2/32 ©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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Through Trials to Joy

In the Word

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds (James 1:2).

Of the Word

Excuse me! Let me read that again. Consider it … joy … whenever you face trials … (James 1:2). Come, now! Joy and trials are not synonyms. Trials do not bring joy — or do they?

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it (Hebrews 12:11). God shows His love even in the trials and disciplines that beset us. Through them He sustains us and brings us closer to Himself. Faith is strengthened, and He gives us the victory.

What trials do you have in your life? Be assured that a harvest of righteousness and peace is a part of His divine plan, and He will bring it to pass for you.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, when I am brought low by trials and troubles, give me strength and understanding. Show me the joy that You have promised to me and to all who trust in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 8/30 ©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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Joy in Proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Savior

In the Word

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).

Of the Word

The words of a lively contemporary Christian song speak about singing and shouting praise to the Lord. How easy it is to sing along, clap the rhythm, maybe even move with the music! But how hard it is for us to act out those words in the workplace, on the street, or even at home.

Why? Are we unsure of the words we should use? Are we concerned about what “they” will think of us? Are we afraid of cold rejection — or worse yet — outright ridicule? Just before leaving His disciples, Jesus said … you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses … (Acts 1:8a).

The Holy Spirit frees us from shyness, unwillingness, fear or whatever prevents us from proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Savior. Through Him we have the … spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7b). Because of Him we can share the Good News with joy and confidence.

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Lord, for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Help me to share Your love with others. Forgive me when I become fearful, and remind me that the power to witness comes from You and not from within myself. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 7/30 ©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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Held Hostage

In the Word

Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you … (Psalm 55:22a NKJV).

Of the Word

After her release, a woman who had been held hostage by a foreign government was asked, “How did you survive? How did you pray? What did you pray for each day?” The woman’s answer was that she did not always pray for courage for the day. Rather, she prayed for courage for just the next moments.

Undoubtedly, few of us will endure that kind of hostage situation. But we may be held hostage in other ways — providing care for a loved one who is ill or mentally disabled, “parenting” elderly parents who can no longer attend to their own needs, living with our own aging and inefficient bodies.

The psalmist has comforting words, Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved (Psalm 55:22 NKJV).

So when can we give Jesus our burdens, our pains, our heartaches? Each and every day, each and every moment. And when will He provide help for us? Each and every day, each and every moment. His Word is true.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, You know my burdens. You know what things hold me hostage today. Lift my burdens and set me free. Help me to trust in You for each moment’s need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Comfort from the Psalms. Authors: Marcia Gomulka & Myrna Lou Meyer. 8/30 ©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.

Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

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But God Knows …

In the Word

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling … (Psalm 27:5a).

Of the Word

“Alzheimer’s disease.” The very words bring sadness, fear, dismay. The disease has an effect on both the afflicted and the caregivers.

Simple tasks become difficult, then impossible. Familiar names and places become jumbled and blurred. Life seems to be not a day of trouble but rather a long sequence of troubles.

What then? Christians turn to God and His Word. They take comfort in His promises. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you …” (Isaiah 41:10a).

Alzheimer’s blurs memories, destroys abilities, and changes personalities, but the Holy Spirit’s love does not change. The victim of Alzheimer’s may not remember Him, but the Father still knows and loves His child. Jesus Christ’s loving hands reach out to support, strengthen, and reassure.

Walking with my Lord

O Lord, help me to cope with the trouble that surrounds me. Wrap me in Your love and strengthen me to face tomorrow. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Comfort from the Psalms. Authors: Marcia Gomulka & Myrna Lou Meyer. 7/30 ©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.

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Trusting

In the Word

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation (Psalm 13:5).

Of the Word

Cancer is a disease that takes many forms and touches many lives. Usually the diagnosis of cancer is devastating news. Yet there are those who receive the news and proceed to look for ways they can continue living their life — for however long that may be.

Such was the case of my friend and mentor. After receiving treatments for breast cancer and being declared cancer free, she was found to have two brain tumors. Yet, even through radiation treatments, hair loss and other symptoms, she maintained her trust in God. Referring often to her favorite hymn “How Great Thou Art,” she continued to claim and proclaim the greatness of God.

Though she lost her earthly battle with cancer, she is rejoicing in God’s presence. Despite the pain and trials here on earth, we know that we can always trust in God’s unfailing love. When it is His time, He will take us home to be with Him in heaven.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, help me to trust only You. Send Your Holy Spirit to help me believe with certainty that You will lead me, guide me, and supply what I need for each and every day. In Jesus’ holy and precious name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Cheryl Petersen. 32/32 ©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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