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How, Lord … can I handle my fears?

In the Word

…we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. … If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:28, 31b).

Of the Word

Fear. How do you handle it? Does it paralyze you? Do you get jittery and sick to your stomach? Do you conquer it by looking it straight in the eyes and forging ahead? Do you hide from it and hope it will go away? Most of us would say “Yes” to all of the above at one time or another.

When faced with circumstances that seemed headed toward a bad ending, a Christian asked herself, “Do I still love God?” She trusted that God would not only see her through the difficulties but would also bring good from them.

Fear says, “Just who do you think you are?”

Faith remembers God’s promises. “… I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you” (Isaiah 46:4b).

Walking with my Lord

Dear Heavenly Father, help me remember Your promises. Give me faith to conquer my fears, knowing You are always with me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Mustard Seed: How, Lord? Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 22/32 ©2011 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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Nuts About Us

In the Word

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

Of the Word

Why are cashews never sold in their shells like most other nuts?
The shells cause a skin rash similar to poison ivy.

A person trying to open a cashew’s shell soon comes to the conclusion that the nut is worthless or even dangerous, certainly not worth the bother. Yet, someone must have ultimately discovered the nutritious and delicious cashew lying within the shell.

We know people who appear to be irritating and even poisonous. We quickly learn to avoid them, but God is not like that with anyone. His love is boundless. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:7–8).

We can trust Christ with the poisonous, irritating, and deadly truth about ourselves knowing He has died for every sin we have or will ever commit. Jesus is nuts about us!

Walking with my Lord

O God, please forgive me when I am irritating to others. With the help of the Holy Spirit, may the light of Jesus Christ shine through me so others will see Him in what I say and do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Simple Trust. Elaine Bickel, author. 24/29 ©2011 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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Fleeting Breath

In the Word

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:55–57).

Of the Word

What famous man captured his friend’s last breath in a bottle?
Henry Ford

No one knows why Henry Ford captured the last breath of his friend, Thomas Edison, but undoubtedly he did not want him to die. The truth is, no matter how brilliant, rich, or respected we might be on this earth, we will all die. “All men are like grass, … The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:6b–8).

God’s enduring Word reminds us of the trust and hope we have even when we face the final breaths of our lives. “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:55–57).

Walking with my Lord

Father, when my loved ones leave this earthly life, I am filled with a sadness You understand. Thank You for sending Jesus to take the sting out of death forever. Because of His victory, I will see those I love again in heaven. In His name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Simple Trust. Elaine Bickel, author. 23/29 ©2011 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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The Mansion

In the Word

In my Father’s house are many rooms; … I am going there to prepare a place for you (John 14:2).

Of the Word

Who said, “It’s very beautiful over there” just before he died?
Thomas Edison

When Thomas Edison briefly awoke from a coma he uttered the words, “It’s very beautiful over there.” Shortly thereafter he died.

Because Edison was considered to be a brilliant man, some might believe his words were significant. Others might even believe he had a glimpse of heaven before he died. But basing our eternal hope on the death–bed mutterings of one man is useless — unless that Man is the Son of God.

Christ’s last words from the cross were “It is finished” (John 19:30b). He had completed everything necessary for our salvation. His resurrection three days later proved His power over sin and death.

Remembering His promise to all believers gives us peace. “In my Father’s house are many rooms; … I am going there to prepare a place for you (John 14:2). 

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for conquering death by giving Your life for me. Help me live for You, knowing that heaven is my eternal home. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Simple Trust. Elaine Bickel, author. 22/29 ©2011 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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Beautiful Savior

In the Word

“The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: ‘When one rules over men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth’” (2 Samuel 23:3–4).

Of the Word

Beautiful Savior, King of creation,
Son of God and Son of Man!
Truly I’d love Thee, Truly I’d serve Thee,
Light of my soul, my joy, my crown.

A quote we often hear is, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Jesus came in ordinary looking human form. He lived a perfect life, suffered humiliation, and died on the cross to pay the price for our sins. He rose again from the dead and because He lives, we will live with Him in heaven when we die. Our Savior is truly beautiful through the eyes of faith!

Imagine the heavenly day when the saints join together to sing praise to the beautiful Savior, the Lord of the nations! “Glory and honor, Praise, adoration Now and forevermore be Thine!”

Walking with my Lord

Beautiful Savior, our King and Lord, You are worthy of our praise because of Your  gift of salvation. Give me a thankful heart so I may dwell in Your beauty, not only in the glories of heaven, but also today! In Your saving name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Joyful, Joyful. Rev. Larry and Shari Miller, authors. 21/31. Hymn Text: LSB 537. ©2011  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.

All hymns are public domain with the text reprinted from Lutheran Service Book, ©2006, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO.

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When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

In the Word

May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world (Galatians 6:14).

Of the Word

When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of Glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss And pour contempt on all my pride

Isn't it interesting that Isaac Watts chose the word "wondrous" to describe the cross of Christ? How can the cross, a gruesome object of death, be considered wondrous? It is because Jesus, the Prince of Glory, died upon it, the supreme example of God's love for all people.

We need a Savior because of our sins. “See, from His head, His hands, His feet Sorrow and love flow mingled down! Did e'er such love and sorrow meet Or thorns compose so rich a crown?”

“Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all!”

Walking with my Lord

Prince of Glory, help me never take for granted the great price You paid on the cross to take away my sins. Move me to live for You, sharing Your story with others. Then all together we will glory in Your cross and in all that You have done to earn our salvation. I praise You, and I pray in Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Joyful, Joyful. Rev. Larry and Shari Miller, authors. 20/31. Hymn Text: LSB 425. ©2011  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.

All hymns are public domain with the text reprinted from Lutheran Service Book, ©2006, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO.

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What a Friend We Have in Jesus

In the Word

“… call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me" (Psalm 50:15).

Of the Word

What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit; Oh, what needless pain we bear —
All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!

In Jesus Christ we have a forever Friend.

He is our Redeemer from sin, death, and the power of the devil. He redeemed us through His suffering and death on the cross. Because of His death, we are forgiven. He has sent His Holy Spirit not only to bring us to faith but also to keep us in the true faith.

God promises to hear and answer our prayers for the sake of His Son Jesus. This hymn reassures us that we can take all of our cares and concerns to the Lord in prayer. The final line comforts us: “In His arms He'll take and shield thee; Thou wilt find a solace there.”

Walking with my Lord

O Savior, You once said, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). That is exactly what You did for me! What a Friend You are! Encourage me to come to You with every need, knowing that You will always grant what is truly best for me. In Your caring name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Joyful, Joyful. Rev. Larry and Shari Miller, authors. 19/31. Hymn Text: LSB 770. ©2011  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.

All hymns are public domain with the text reprinted from Lutheran Service Book, ©2006, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO.

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