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Faith is … Living Life as a Procession of Triumph

In the Word

… thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him (2 Corinthians 2:14).

Of the Word

When the opponents of 17th century British author, John Bunyan, were trying to silence him, they offered him the choice of renouncing his faith or serving a term in prison. He chose the latter and spent twelve years in the Bedford jail. Of that experience he said, “I have determined, the Almighty God being my help and shield, yet to suffer … rather than violate my faith and principles.” Out of Bunyan’s imprisonment came the great literary work Pilgrim’s Progress. What a blessing!

That was what the Apostle Paul meant when he wrote, … thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ … (2 Corinthians 2:14a). That was the spirit of Paul. His life was a series of hardships, but he regarded them as blessings. He was able to remain thankful because he knew that God was leading him.

We may be facing all kinds of hardships, yet because of our faith we can be content in spirit. Our reward: God is with us. Our life becomes a triumphal procession when it is lived in Christ.

Walking with my Lord

O Lord, in all situations and circumstances, give me faith that is stronger than steel and more durable than diamonds. In Christ’s name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 21/30 ©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 … Believing that There Will Be Another Day

In the Word

… we are more than conquerors through him who loved us (Romans 8:37b).

Of the Word

A German minister was accused of high treason by the Nazis and sentenced to death. The godless hangman flaunted his pistol and sneered, “Five minutes yet. Then it’s over. Where is your loving and almighty God now?” With trembling voice but steady heart, the minister replied, “Oh, yes, that you have the power today, each child can see. Maybe you will have it tomorrow, too. But don’t forget, there will be still a third day. And that belongs to God.” With those words, he died.

That is faith — always believing there will be another day. The Friday of Christ’s death looked dark, but the third day belonged to God. Faith always believes in another day, a day when we shall see clearly and all questions will be answered. Poet Matilda Cloer wrote: Why should I fear tomorrow? God’s given me today! I will not troubles borrow; ‘Tis He who plans my way. To fret will cause me sorrow, And tears I need not shed, For God holds each tomorrow; I’ll just trust Him instead!

Walking with my Lord

O Lord, give me faith to see beyond today’s troubles to tomorrow’s blessings. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 13/30 ©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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Light in the Darkness

In the Word

I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1–2).

Of the Word

The hill behind my house, not grand by mountain standards, is a challenge for my legs and lungs. One very dreary fall morning when my mood matched the weather, I was sitting at my kitchen table staring out into the backyard. Suddenly I was awed by “fire” in the treetops on the hill. The sun had broken through the clouds and its rays turned the trees to a brilliant orange that blazed against the black sky. It lasted only a few minutes, but what joy filled my heart as my eyes feasted on the beauty!

A greater joy came from remembering the One who made the hill, the trees, and the dark gloomy morning with its spark of beauty. Our merciful God is still in charge. The touch of His love turns darkness into light.

Time spent praying, praising God, and reading His Word helps me remember that though my days are not always sunny and fun, God is with me. His beauty, love, and mercy surround me. When my spirits start to sag, I look to my hill — or better yet, climb it. I find myself praising God for this bit of creation He has given me.

Walking with my Lord

Creator God, help me look for the beauty in my world and in the people You put into my life. Let the joy of hope shine in me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Barbara Carlson. 12/32 ©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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Unexplainable Peace

In the Word

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God (Philippians 4:6).

Of the Word

The small African airport was crowded and seats were few, but I found one. For two weeks I had been in Africa as a prayer seminar instructor. I was tired and hungry. Pulling out my billfold, I was shocked to discover my credit and ATM cards were missing. Immediately, I searched all the pockets of my purse and jacket. Nothing. I waited for panic to set in but instead experienced an overwhelming sense of peace. Calmly, I prayed the Lord would keep my cards from opportunists and left for my departure gate.

“Lady! Lady!” a man shouted. As I turned I saw him holding my cards. “Are these yours?” I ran back thanking him profusely. The cards had fallen between the chair and cushion where moments before I had been sitting. The calm I felt when my cards were missing was not of my own doing. That sense of calm was a gift from God as miraculous as recovering my cards! Now I have a deeper appreciation of St. Paul’s words: And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

Walking with my Lord

Lord, You promise peace in all circumstances. Help me to remember that wherever I go You are with me. Teach me to trust in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Marilyn Luschen. 11/32 ©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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Mirror, Mirror, What Do I See When Looking at Me?

In the Word

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised (Proverbs 31:30).

Of the Word

How does the world see us? Sometimes the world perceives us as polished, poised, and — on a really good hair day — even pretty. Yet deep down inside, our feelings can be that we are anything but beautiful.

We have the feeling of dissatisfaction because we don’t have the perfect shape or figure. We live with the “if only” syndrome: If only I had thinner thighs, a flatter stomach, or lovelier locks, I would be happier with myself. As a result we feel anxious and fretful.

Through our intimate relationship with Him, Jesus gives us true beauty. He provides confidence to face each day, imparting a glow that no cosmetic or clothing can replicate. Our love for the Savior puts a twinkle in our eye, a spring in our step, and a peace in our soul. Makeup can cover imperfections and make us prettier, but Jesus’ love makes us beautiful. The next time you look into a mirror, smile. Know that Jesus has made you truly beautiful, inside and out!

Walking with my Lord

Dear Jesus, help me to accept myself as You have created me. Let all with whom I come into contact see You through the sparkle in my eyes, the kind words from my lips, and the love from my outstretched hands. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Terry Lee Kieschnick. 10/32 ©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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Reflecting God’s Love Brings Joy

In the Word

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

Of the Word

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves (Romans 12:9–10). God has given us the perfect pattern for loving, but our sinful nature often prevents us from following His pattern.

It’s easy — most of the time, anyway — to love family and friends. But loving those who are different from us is much harder. Barriers are created by a strange hair style or color, by a foreign language, by odd, dirty, or ragged clothing.

The Holy Spirit gives us a Christ-like heart in order that we may put aside our natural feelings and begin to reflect God’s love.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, forgive me for the unloving feelings I have toward others. Help me to remember how much You love me. Help me to share Your love, particularly with those who are different from me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 12/30 ©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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Joy in God’s Changelessness

In the Word

I the Lord do not change (Malachi 3:6a).

Of the Word

Grandparents entertain their grandchildren with stories of the olden days. They tell of farming with horses, cooking for threshing crews, butchering and curing meat for the winter. They experienced and adjusted to hundreds of changes over the years. They went from horses to automatic transmissions, from smokehouses to supermarkets. But as Christians, one thing had never changed: their unchanging God. Their faith — His gift to them at baptism — had seen them through and would see them into eternity.

No matter what changes come throughout our lives, our God will never change. His love is permanent and changeless. His promise of salvation is sure. His heaven awaits for all who know Jesus as Lord and Savior.

You, O Lord, reign forever; your throne endures from generation to generation (Lamentations 5:19). They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved — you and your household" (Acts 16:31).

Walking with my Lord

Lord, thank You for the gift of faith that enables me to know You. Thank You for being constant and unchangeable in this rapidly-changing world. Help me to accept and enjoy the changes that come into my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 10/30 ©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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View printable PDF of this devotion, Joy in God's Changelessness