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Chase

In the Word

Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith (1 Timothy 6:11b–12a).

Of the Word

After my daughter learned to walk, one of her favorite games became “Chase.” She would peek her head through the doorway of the kitchen wanting me to chase her saying, “I’m gonna get you!” When I “got” her, I would pick her up, tickle her, and start the game over again.

When playing “Chase” with newly-walking toddlers, you don’t have to be very fast in order to catch them. Scripture, however, instructs us to vigorously chase the things of God.

St. Paul tells us to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. On our own, we can trip and fall as we chase after these things. But through Christ’s death and resurrection and with the help of the Holy Spirit, these attributes are attainable for us.

Keep your eyes fixed on God by reading His Word, engaging in constant prayer, and taking hold of the victory over sin and death Christ has won for us. Because of His victory, we can be victorious in our pursuit of that which pleases Him.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, send Your Holy Spirit to lead me in my pursuit of righteousness. Forgive me when I chase after the meaningless things of this world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 11/30 ©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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Nightlight

In the Word

Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Of the Word

I was a heavy sleeper until the baby came. Now I wake up to every whimper, cry, or movement. Like many new parents, I also wake up every so often just to check on the baby. If I didn’t have a nightlight in every hallway and room, I would never be able to make the trip from my bed to the crib without stubbing a toe.

In the Scriptures, darkness is associated with sin and evil. It is impossible to find our way through the darkness of the world because we are surrounded by our own sin. But Jesus shows us a way out of the darkness. He provides us with a light. Jesus is the way and the light.

Jesus is the light because there is no sin or darkness in Him. Jesus is the way because only through faith in Him can we be reconciled with the Father. So, abide in the light and Jesus will show you the way and keep your feet from stumbling. Abide in the light, and He will illuminate the path to eternal life. Abide in the light, and others will see in you a reflection of His glory.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Jesus, I am grateful You are Light in this dark world. Keep my feet sure and steady as I follow You. Enable me to share Your light with the world around me. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 10/30 ©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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The Dangers of Water

In the Word

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen” (Exodus 14:26).

Of the Word

A gentle stream or a quiet waterfall can be peaceful, even mesmerizing. But the waters of a flash flood or a riptide can very quickly turn dangerous. Just ask the Egyptians! After God parted the waters of the Red Sea, the Israelites crossed on dry ground. Then God commanded Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea, and the waters flowed back, killing the Egyptian army and their horses.

Looking back at our own lives, do we have any proverbial Egyptians chasing us? Maybe it’s a recurring sin, guilt over sins, or a lingering doubt. God has promised us that all these things have been covered by the waters of our Baptism, covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. By God’s grace, they are covered and wiped from His memory. He promises, “I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more” (Jeremiah 31:34b).

Walking with my Lord

Only Son of God, through Your death and resurrection all my sins have been covered. Lead me to repentance so I may receive Your loving forgiveness. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 9/28 ©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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Did You Wash Your Hands?

In the Word

So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves” (Matthew 27:24).

Of the Word

In William Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth, Macbeth killed the king of Scotland. In an attempt to relieve his guilty conscience, Macbeth tried to wash the king’s blood off his hands but realized not even all the water in the ocean could wash away the blood. Instead, he was convinced the whole ocean would be turned red by his hands.

Pontius Pilate attempted the same thing by washing his hands at Jesus’ trial. He told the crowd that he was innocent of Jesus’ death. Like Pilate, we try to evade responsibility and justify sin. Hand washing cannot do that!

The crowd shouted, “His blood be on us and on our children!” (Matthew 27:25b). And it was — but not in the way they were intending. The blood of Jesus is indeed upon us and our children; not in a condemning way, but in a saving, restoring, sanctifying way. Jesus paid the price for our sins; we have been washed clean; we have been declared innocent.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, Jesus’ blood has washed away my sins. Give me the assurance that through faith and Baptism, I am declared innocent. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 8/28 ©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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Now Thank We All Our God

In the Word

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! (Psalm 105:1–2).

Of the Word

Now thank we all our God With hearts and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done, In whom His world rejoices;
Who from our mothers’ arms Has blest us on our way
With countless gifts of love And still is ours today.

One essential part of our worship is thanksgiving. This hymn reminds us to thank our God “With hearts and hands and voices.” We offer our whole selves in thanking Him for all His blessings.

Those blessings include life, home, health, peace, grace, and guidance. Most importantly, we thank God for a new life in Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer. We thankfully acknowledge His work of salvation in our lives and look forward to living with our Savior God in heaven forever.

“All praise and thanks to God The Father now be given, The Son, and Him who reigns With them in highest heav’n, The one eternal God, Whom earth and heaven adore; For thus it was, is now, And shall be evermore.”

Walking with my Lord

I give You hearty thanks, gracious God, for Your innumerable gifts to me! Thank You for all the people You have given as blessings in my life. Most of all, I thank You for the gifts of forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life in Jesus. In His bountiful name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Joyful, Joyful. Rev. Larry and Shari Miller, authors. 11/31. Hymn Text: LSB 895. ©2011, revised 2024 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Romance: Keeping the Spark Alive

In the Word

He: O you who dwell in the gardens, with companions listening for your voice; let me hear it. She: Make haste my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices (Song of Solomon 8:13–14).

Of the Word

“Let the wife make the husband glad to come home, and let him make her sorry to see him leave.” This quote by Martin Luther was written at a time when husbands left the house to work and wives stayed home. Even though this scenario may be less common today, the intended advice is still excellent. It takes two to keep romance alive!

A romantic interaction is not determined by location, food, clothing, or ambiance. These things can certainly add to the experience, but they don’t necessarily add up to romance.

Care for your spouse throughout the day. Speak as the Lover and Beloved did in the Song of Songs, and romance is in the air wherever you are. What makes your mate feel special? How can you show your love? Be intentional in giving those things and watch your romance flourish!

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, You created marriage as a relationship of love. Help me to show love to my spouse in meaningful ways throughout the day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 6/28 ©2008, revised 2024 Lutheran Women's Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Martin Luther quoted from Proverbia.net.

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Alone Time: A Time to Refresh and Rejuvenate

In the Word

In these days he [Jesus] went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God (Luke 6:12).

Of the Word

No matter how much you love each other and enjoy being together, there are times when you want (and need) to be apart. That doesn't only mean apart, but alone. “Alone time” gives you time to consider relationships, to pray, to consider what you value most in life. It helps you get “centered.”

For Christians, being “centered” revolves around repentance and forgiveness, understanding that Christ is our very life. Having a period of rest and solitude, in turn, will enrich time spent with your spouse. Encouraging each other to spend time alone is a gift as genuine as any you might give. Allow these special alone moments for God, through His Word, to renew, refresh, and rejuvenate each of you.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord of the Sabbath, You are our Sabbath rest and our hearts will not rest until they rest in You. Give us courage to be alone with You and Your Word. Refresh our hearts through repentance and forgiveness in order that we might enjoy life to the fullest. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 5/28 ©2008, revised 2024 Lutheran Women's Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

All quoted Scripture is from the ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) Copyright© 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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