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Peace-full Praise

In the Word

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).

Of the Word

In the Apostle Paul’s day, political maneuvering, status seeking, and unbridled materialism infected and affected God’s people. Sound familiar? In response, the Apostle Paul writes: … godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6).

Godliness — an attitude of humble reliance on God for all the needs and desires of life — brings about profound contentment. Anchored in God’s Word, godliness accepts His will in times of sickness, loss, misfortune, and sorrow. Guided by God’s wisdom, godliness refrains from following the foolish desires of the world. Standing on God’s promises, godliness meets the changes and challenges of life with strength and fortitude. Nowhere except in heart-deep and Spirit-infused godliness can you find true contentment. That contentment is a soul-flooded peace of knowing that, right now, you possess all you need in Him.

Wherever you are today, rest content, for Jesus Christ has gained for you God’s grace and favor. Let His Spirit fill your soul with His peace in whatever circumstances you find yourself until the time He moves you forward, according to His will.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, let me rest content in You, and there let me remain,
For in Your favor is my peace, and in Your grace, great gain.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 23/32 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations 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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Joy

In the Word

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4).

Of the Word

One way to remember the ordering of life’s priorities is to use the word JOY as an acronym to remind us of Jesus, Others, You. The Holy Spirit leads us to respond to the Good News of Jesus, and Jesus becomes our number one priority. When He is first in our lives, we can place the needs and concerns of others, especially our children, before our own.

Parenting done using this model becomes selfless parenting that truly is JOY-filled. Led by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God, parents put Jesus first in their lives. The needs, concerns, and interests of the whole family can be met in God-pleasing ways.

JOY-filled parenting then becomes infectious in the family relationships.

Stretch your faith-filled parenting: Share one thing that gives you great JOY. Tell why. Then ask your child to share a joy with you.

Walking with my Lord

O Jesus, give my child the joy of Your salvation through Your Word. Pour out Your love so that my child may have the joy that comes through knowing You. Fill me with faith in You, and let me live in the joy that You give. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Faith-Filled Parenting. Authors: Rev. Larry and Shari Miller. 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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Grace-full Praise

In the Word

For he [God] chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will — to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves (Ephesians 1:4–6).

Of the Word

Some Bible verses are shrouded in mystery. There is no mystery, however, about the doctrine of God’s grace. God says it clearly: “I chose you.” But His people still have questions.

Chosen! But wait a minute, God. When did You choose me? Before I created the world.

Oh. Well, what did you choose me for? To be Mine. To belong to Me as a holy and righteous person.

Holy? Righteous? I’ve tripped up a little on that, God. Maybe You would rather un-choose me. Absolutely not. It’s all part of a covenant-promise I made. See, I adopted you as My own.

Adopted? How did You manage that? By sending My Son to do what you could not do. He died in your place, made you holy and righteous in His blood, then rose from the dead to bring you new life.

I see. God? You went to a lot of effort and expense for me. Yes, I did.

Why? I’m free to do whatever I want. And I wanted to choose you. So I did.

Walking with my Lord

Because of grace, You chose me as Your very own —
Because of grace, I praise You — Father, Spirit, Son.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 21/32 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations 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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Love

In the Word

We love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19).

Of the Word

It has been said the three most powerful words in the English language are “I love you.” Yet they are sometimes difficult for us to express. However, in His Word God tells us over and over that He loves us. He even sent His Son Jesus to be our Savior from sin and its consequences. How great a love this is!

Hugs, kisses, and even high fives are great ways to share love between children and parents. Taking walks, cooking, and reading together show love, too. This love comes from God who first loved us. However, children need to be “told” love as well.

Has your child heard the words “I love you” from your lips? When you say them, you are sharing God’s love and setting an example of love for your child. Our heavenly Father has given Christian parents the ability to speak love, share love, and live love.

Stretch your faith-filled parenting: Say the words “I love you” to your child frequently.

Walking with my Lord

O God, You are love. Remind me to speak of Your love and to show that love in my actions. Send Your Holy Spirit to me so others can see Your love pouring out through me. In the name of Jesus, who loved me all the way to the cross. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Faith-Filled Parenting. Authors: Rev. Larry and Shari Miller. 1/32 ©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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Lively Praise

In the Word

…you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9).

Of the Word

Awards ceremonies bubble with excitement. As names are called, winners make their way to the stage and pour out gratitude to family, teachers, mentors, colleagues, and friends. In an animated and lively way, awards recipients say “thank you” for recognition of their achievements.

Before time began, God awarded us the honor of being named among His family of believers. Then, in the saving work of Jesus Christ, He clothed us in His royal robes of righteousness and gave us the privilege of serving Him now and for eternity. Through faith nurtured in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, He builds and strengthens our relationship with Him, convincing us that we belong to Him. All this, and we have done absolutely nothing to receive or deserve God’s recognition!

In and because of Christ, we are winners! God has called our names through Baptism and faith in Jesus’ work of salvation. Let us step forward and offer Him animated praise and lively acts of thanksgiving and love!

Walking with my Lord

I’m honored to belong to You, and privileged to believe,
Instill in me a thankful heart for all I have received.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 19/32 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations 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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Spoken Praise

In the Word

Through Jesus … let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that confess his name (Hebrews 13:15).

Of the Word

Jesus’ first disciples had mouths on them. Nathanael used his mouth to mock the Lord’s background: “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” (John 1:46a). James and John used theirs to elevate themselves in Jesus’ kingdom: “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory” (Mark 10:37b). And Peter, the big mouth, used his to overestimate his abilities, redirect Jesus’ earthly mission, boast of his loyalty, and deny he ever knew His Lord!

Jesus’ present-day disciples are no different. Bickering, boasting, and backbiting come from the mouth, as do lies, gossip, and ridicule. So what about Jesus’ mouth? To Nathanael, He spoke words of acceptance. To James and John, He shared the truth of godly service. To Peter, He offered forgiveness, instruction, and a fresh start (several times).

If you have a mouth on you, take comfort in what comes out of your Lord’s mouth. He welcomes, admonishes, teaches, forgives, and offers you a new beginning in the righteousness that belongs to you in Him.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, with clear, exalted voice I gladly make the choice
To use my lips to praise and glorify Your name.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 18/32 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations 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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Excellent Praise

In the Word

…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things (Philippians 4:8b).

Of the Word

We’re not the first generation of Christians to condemn popular culture. Christians in first-century Rome lived in a culture of drunken revelries in honor of the Emperor and the gods. Exhibitions of torture and gruesome executions were carried out for the amusement of the crowds. Collusion and conspiracies were common among the powerful. Conspicuous consumption of material goods among the wealthy was the standard. Those who abstained from these activities came under suspicion. A satirist of the day referred to Christians as river sewage and another observer dismissed Christianity as “a novel and baneful superstition.”

As Christians, we’re called to select for our meditation, conversation, entertainment, and example those things worthy of our attention. Like Christians down through the ages, we’re mocked by comedians and snubbed by pundits because popular culture resists our challenge. Our separation from popular culture disputes its value and our dissenting voice names its failings.

The Holy Spirit provides us with the backbone we need to stand for and choose all things excellent and praiseworthy in whatever culture we find ourselves. Praise Him today by thinking about those things. 

Walking with my Lord

Lord, in thought and word and deed, may I find everything I need
In all things excellent and good.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 16/32 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations 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.

Historical background on ancient Rome from New Testament History by F. F. Bruce (Doubleday, 1969) pages 393-401.

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