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Exclusive Praise

In the Word

“I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols” (Isaiah 42:8).

Of the Word

God commands His people to praise Him only. His covenant relationship with us, like the bond of matrimony, demands fidelity. He tolerates no rivals for our trust, reliance, worship, or affection. His Word makes it clear: “Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Exodus 34:14).

God calls for exclusive praise not because He needs it, but because we need it. His clear command straightens our legs when the world bids us bow to the gods of science and technology. His law stiffens our backbone when our flesh tempts us to bend to the idols of wealth, status, and self-righteousness. Because of God’s gracious invitation to worship Him to the exclusion of all things, we’re saved from the folly of putting trust in earthly power, of rating our wisdom by secular standards, or of measuring our worth by material possessions.

Exclusive praise — it’s God’s will for us and God’s gift to us. Only as we kneel before Him, and Him alone, can we stand tall — and securely — in the world.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, let my praise and worship be
All for You — exclusively. In Your Holy name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 2/32 ©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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How, Lord … can I accept my circumstances?

In the Word

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38a).

Of the Word

A 13-year-old boy was killed in a motorcycle wreck. His grieving family filled the front pews of the little church, and the minister announced his text, Psalm 23. But he read only three words, The LORD is … (Psalm 23:1).

As his eyes looked out across the congregation, he reminded them that, even in the midst of grief, The LORD is … . When the worst of times befall us, The LORD is … . When hopelessness envelops us like a dark cloud, the truth still rings out: The LORD is … .

He is our Comforter, our Healer, our Friend, our Savior. He is the One who offers rest, hope, and peace.

May we then say with young Mary, “I am the Lord’s servant … May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38).

Walking with my Lord

My Lord and my God, let me never doubt Your loving presence in my life. Give me a patient and understanding heart, and help me serve You with acceptance and joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: How, Lord? Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 32/32 ©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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Humble Praise

In the Word

“Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you — majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” (Exodus 15:11).

Of the Word

In a culture where inflated résumés and GPAs are the norm, humility lies largely forgotten. We’re told to tout our triumphs and fill in the gaps with positive — if not positively true — accomplishments. As Mother Teresa once observed, however, “It is our emptiness and lowliness that God needs and not our fullness.”

Humility brings us face to face with ourselves, emptying us of our pretenses, our self-pride, our claims to power. Then it shows us Jesus, whose life, death, and resurrection bridges heaven and earth. Through Him, we have access to God our Father, whose power and authority reign supreme. We have received the Holy Spirit, whose wisdom goes far beyond anything we could even imagine. We cling to the genuine merits of Jesus Christ, our God and our Friend, whose love for us knows no bounds.

Yes, humility puts us in our place — which is right where God wants us so He can lift us and fill us with His wisdom. A humble spirit praises Him, not from the emptiness of its accomplishments, but from the fullness of His love.

Walking with my Lord

Grant me a meek and lowly heart, O Lord,
So You can fill it with Your love, according to Your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 6/32 ©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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Faith is … Trusting that Our Heavenly Father Knows Best

In the Word

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! (Romans 11:33a).

Of the Word

Most five-year olds think their dad can fix anything, answer every question, and make everything right.

Likewise the Christian with a child-like faith is sure his Heavenly Father knows best. God is able to see far beyond our likes and dislikes. Like a good earthly father, He permits His children to receive only that which is best for them in the end, whether for the moment they like it or not.

Only on the sixth day could the perfect wisdom of God be seen in His creation. Only on Easter could the perfect wisdom of God be seen in His plan of salvation. Only in eternity will we fully see what the wisdom of God has accomplished in our lives.

God the Father knows everything. He knows us, loves us, and wants the very best for us. We can trust Him for everything, for He alone has the answers to all of life’s questions.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, help me to trust You for the answers to life’s questions. In Your Son’s name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 8/30 ©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.

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Faith is … Trusting Jesus to Take Us to Our Heavenly Father’s Open Door

In the Word

“In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2).

Of the Word

On the sandy seashore under a low hanging cliff, a boy sat playing. He was building a city in the sand. He built streets, houses, stores, churches, and banks with a big wall enclosing all of them. He was so intent on his work he failed to notice the incoming tide.

Waves rose higher and higher until suddenly one wave washed away all that the lad had carefully built. The boy himself was pulled into the sea as well. On the cliff above him, the lad’s older brother was watching. When he saw his younger brother swept away, he jumped into the raging water and pulled him to safety. Arm in arm, the two walked together to their father’s house.

We, too, build our houses, stores, and churches here and there on the sands of time, sometimes unaware that danger is at hand. But above us and around us, watching patiently and tenderly, is our loving Savior. In faith we trust Him to take us to the open door of our Father’s house.

Walking with my Lord

I thank You, Jesus, for the promise of the open door into my Father’s house. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 3/30 ©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.

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Humble Praise

In the Word

Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness (Psalm 115:1).

Of the Word

Many of us pray long and hard to discover the work God would have us to do. We earnestly desire the particular job, profession, or state in life that would let us serve God with a lifetime of good works. In a way, we’re asking God, “What can I do to please You?”

When followers asked Jesus, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” they wanted to know what work they could do to please God. God, however, doesn’t want anyone coming back to Him saying, “Hey, I did it!” No. Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent” (John 6:28b, 29). But we can’t do this on our own. Belief in Jesus as Savior is a gift from the Holy Spirit. And so is everything else that follows.

You know where your “good works” come from — not from your own desire, but from the gift of faith and His Spirit working in and through that faith. Rejoice in the work He would have you to do — and to His name be the glory!

Walking with my Lord

Lord, let Your gift of my faith make the work that I do
An expression of love and a gift back to You.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 26/32 ©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 our new life with God

In the Word

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24).

Of the Word

The Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah tell of the Israelites’ return from exile to Jerusalem. They had been forced from their homeland and separated from God. Now they were returning, hoping to rebuild their ruined city.

As they resettled, Ezra assembled them and read the Word of the Lord to them. As they listened, they were convinced that they had sinned; they felt shame and despair. But Nehemiah’s words brought comfort to their sad, repentant hearts. “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10b). Their sorrow turned to joy as they celebrated the beginning of a new life.

Our lives are new each day because of God’s love and forgiveness through Christ. May we, too, learn to rejoice in the blessings God has bestowed on us, especially the gift of salvation given to us through faith in Jesus.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, when daily struggles pull me away from You, send the Holy Spirit to bring me closer. Help me to find peace, joy, hope and strength in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 3/30 ©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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