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Courageous Praise

In the Word

And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them (Acts 16:25 KJV).

Of the Word

“Hey, wait a minute, God! It’s not supposed to happen like this!” At one time or another, we’ve all had that feeling. Our godly hopes and plans shatter in the reality of job loss, financial woes, disabilities, divorce. We’re not at all where we want to be. In response, we can either dismiss God and sit down and pout, or engage Him in serious conversation as we continue to walk His way.

The latter choice takes courage. First, courage to set aside our expectations — no matter how reasonable and well-founded they were — and listen to what God tells us in His Word. Second, courage to separate our preferences from God’s plans, discerning His will in our present situation. Third, courage to invite His Holy Spirit to fortify our faith. Only in Him can we find courage to accept reality, control what we can control, and identify new ways to serve Him and His people.

When it’s not supposed to happen like this — but it does — keep walking. The scenery has changed, but your Companion remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Walking with my Lord

When things aren’t going my way, let me go in Yours…
Walk with me, Lord Jesus, in these troubled hours.
In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 13/32 ©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.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible. Public Domain.

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When I’m filled with the pain of living, God restores my soul.

In the Word

He will wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain. All of that has gone forever (Revelation 21:4 TLB).

Of the Word

Waiting silently in the law offices of her divorce lawyer, Lois looked out the window. The bright sunshine, the traffic noises, even sounds of distant laughter made her feel more alone than ever. “The rest of the world minds its mundane business while I weep,” she thought. The death of her marriage, her tears of sorrow, her bleak future overwhelmed her. Then, words from Psalm 23 came to mind: “…he restores my soul,” she whispered. God does that and more when the pain of this life seems unbearable. Our Good Shepherd provides for us, leads, guides, comforts, and protects us. He is constantly at our side. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, the psalmist says, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:6). In heaven, the house of the Lord, our God will wipe away our tears and there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain. He will, indeed, restore our souls.

Walking with my Lord

Jesus, You are my Good Shepherd. You provide all I need. You love me and forgive me. You comfort and strengthen my faith with Your Word and Sacraments. Lead me to my home with You in heaven. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Walking with My Lord. Author: Donna Streufert. 21/30  ©2007 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 TLB are taken from THE LIVING BIBLE, Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, IL. Copyright © 1971.

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What identifies me as a Christian?

In the Word

If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world (John 15:19a).

Of the Word

Everyone wants to belong. Rejection is a universal fear. In our quest for acceptance we may be tempted to compromise our Christian values and hide our Christian identity at times. What a mistake! God’s Word encourages us: Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God — what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect (Romans 12:2 GNT). The Holy Spirit, alive in our hearts by faith, works the inward change. Our human nature shows up in immorality, false worship, fighting, jealousy, anger, drunkenness, and excesses of all kinds. However … the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control … And those who belong to Christ Jesus have put to death their human nature with all its passions and desires. The Spirit has given us life; he must also control our lives (Galatians 5:22, 23a, 24, 25 GNT). When He does, the world will know to Whom we belong!

Walking with my Lord

Lord Jesus, forgive me when I’m tempted to keep my love and commitment to You a secret. When I’m faced with difficult choices, remind me I belong to You. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Walking with My Lord. Author: Donna Streufert. 18/30  ©2007 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 GNT are taken from the GOOD NEWS TRANSLATION – Second Edition, American Bible Society, New York, NY. Copyright © 1992.

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Simple Praise

In the Word

From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger (Psalm 8:2).

Of the Word

Jesus connected with children. Jesus blessed them, telling grown-ups who seek His blessing: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14b). Jesus summoned a child, announcing to grown-ups who seek holiness: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). Jesus went further, declaring to grown-ups who seek wisdom: “‘You must be born again’” (John 3:7b).

Little children believe what grown-ups say simply because a grown-up said it. That’s the kind of faith Jesus asks of His children of all ages. He invites you to come to Him in full confidence that He will bless you. He tells you to take His forgiveness in complete certainty that He has won it for you. And He shows you how in the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Simple praise comes from the lips of children — and you are His child, no matter how many candles it takes to light your birthday cake!

Walking with my Lord

“Jesus loves me, this I know,
For the Bible tells me so.”
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 12/32 ©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.

Song “Jesus Loves Me, This I Know” — Public Domain

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Thankful Praise

In the Word

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever (Psalm 106:1b).

Of the Word

A childhood illness left Helen Keller blind and deaf. Despite her disabilities, Helen learned to speak, read Braille, and write with a specially-made typewriter. In 1904, she graduated with honors from Radcliffe College (now part of Harvard University), then devoted her life to the betterment of people with disabilities. “I thank God for my handicaps,” she said, “for through them, I have found myself, my work, and my God.”

Disabilities and failings in the eyes of the world often become the vehicles God uses to show us ourselves, our work, and His purpose for our lives. Like Helen Keller, we may have significant personal obstacles to conquer, and in so doing, become an encouragement and inspiration to others. Or like her celebrated teacher, Anne Sullivan, we may find ourselves uniquely qualified to help, teach, assist, or care for others with disabilities.

Our Lord says to us, “…My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9b). Praise be to God, for His power works through us all.

Walking with my Lord

Take my weaknesses, O Lord, and let them be the food
That nurtures true humility and heartfelt gratitude.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 11/32 ©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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Personal Praise

In the Word

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. … Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever (Psalm 145:18, 21b).

Of the Word

A pastor once said, “If God has promised it, you can go to the bank with it.”

God has not only promised His presence, He proved it. He spoke to Adam, Eve, Moses, Samuel, Jeremiah, and Paul, among many others. He had compassion on Hannah’s barrenness and blessed her with the gift of a child (1 Samuel 1:19–20). He saw Peter in prison and released his chains (Acts 12:7). In Jesus’ life and ministry, God counseled, consoled, healed, and helped numerous people — and made salvation available to all humankind.

When we rely on God’s promises and witness His presence in our daily lives, we gain access to a wealth of contentment, strength, and power. God is here, so why feel alone?  God is here, so why give in to worry? God is here, so why run around looking for Him? God is here, near and present to you and to all who call on Him. Praise Him by “going to the bank” with His promise to be with us wherever we go today.

Walking with my Lord

Your presence, Lord, dispels my fear,
For You have promised — You are near!
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 9/32 ©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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Watch your words!

In the Word

Kind words are like honey — sweet to the taste and good for your health (Proverbs 16:24 GNT).

Of the Word

Most people don’t like the sound of their own voice. Caught on tape, they shudder at what they hear. That’s how it was for Marge. After listening to a tape of a speech she made before a large audience, she was dismayed at how irritable she sounded. Marge resolved to work at making her voice more appealing.

What we say and how we say it have a powerful impact on others. Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit (Proverbs 15:4 GNT). St. Paul urges us: Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you (Ephesians 4:29 GNT).

Kind, helpful affirming words strengthen our relationships with others and are good for our mental health, too. More importantly, kind words reflect our Lord and His love for all of us.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, forgive me when my speech is irritable and graceless. Fill my mouth with sincere and honeyed words that convey love and patience. Alert me to ways my words can help and heal. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Walking with My Lord. Author: Donna Streufert. 28/30  ©2007 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 GNT are taken from the GOOD NEWS TRANSLATION – Second Edition, American Bible Society, New York, NY. Copyright © 1992.

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