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“Do-Over” Moments

In the Word

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32).

Of the Word

You cannot believe what you just said! Although not intentional, it was still hurtful. As the old saying goes, “You put your mouth in drive before your brain was in gear.” Every fiber in you desperately wants to yell, “Do over!” Everyone has moments we wish could be erased. Without thinking, we say the wrong thing and upset someone. Making excuses or pretending ignorance only increases the offense. We cannot retract the behavior, but we need to take responsibility and humbly ask for forgiveness. When we are on the receiving end of such a faux pas, we are to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving.

Asking for forgiveness and forgiving are marks of our Christian life. How blessed we are to be forgiven by God in Christ. We are declared righteous in His sight because of Christ’s sacrifice for our sins. In gratitude for this undeserved grace, we are to be “little Christs” to one another. No superficial “do overs,” but instead the gift of genuine, joy-filled forgiveness.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, even when I unintentionally sin, help me seek forgiveness from You and the person I hurt. Help me offer forgiveness to those who hurt me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 12/30 ©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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Divine Connection

In the Word

“Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24).

Of the Word

Long-time friends, the two ladies knew each other well. Still, it was rather uncanny when it happened. One would be in a troubled mood, and the friend would phone. Or, one would barely start a sentence, and the other would finish the thought. Some considered it weird, while others were amazed at how in-sync they were.

We share just such a relationship with God, our Creator. He promises, “Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24). The Creator’s deep love for us provides an unbreakable connection. He knows our every thought, concern, question, and need before it can even be voiced. What comfort it brings to realize how well our Lord knows and treasures each of His children.

The purpose of prayer is not to inform God of our situation, but to praise Him as the sole source of our being, salvation, and guidance. Knowing our Father is ready and waiting to hear our every prayer brings us immeasurable peace and joy.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, how amazing to have such a God whose love for and attention to me are never “ on hold.” Thank You! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, 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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Dead End

In the Word

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).

Of the Word

There were few houses left on the rural road to the church. Once part of a prosperous farming community, it had served a large congregation. Now the road ended near the cemetery. County officials had erected a large sign: DEAD END. The sign generated moments of laughter, and some of deep thought.

Perhaps that sign should be placed in every cemetery as a reminder of St. Paul’s words, the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23a). God’s perfect law demands perfect obedience. The life of each sinner is a dead end. Thank God those words are not the end of the verse.

St. Paul goes on to write, the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23b). Jesus’ willing sacrifice on the cross has given us a free gift with no fine print included — eternal life in a heavenly home filled with unspeakable joy.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Son, whose death and resurrection assures that my last moment on earth will truly be a “living end.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, 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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Hannah — Promise Made, Promise Kept

Hannah’s Story: 1 Samuel 1:1–28

In the Word

For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:27–28a).

Of the Word

How good are you at keeping promises? We all have the best of intentions when promises are made, but sometimes “stuff” gets in the way: an unexpected appointment, an illness, even a traffic jam.

When tearful Hannah went to the house of God, she earnestly prayed for a son. And she tacked on a promise, “I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life” (1 Samuel 1:11b). Imagine a childless woman making such a promise!

In due time, God blessed Hannah with a son. As she nursed him and cared for him, she must have pondered her promise. We can only guess whether or not she had second thoughts. But when young Samuel was weaned, she took him to Eli the priest. God gave her the strength to leave the young child there, thus keeping the promise she had made.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, guide my thoughts and words as I serve You. Help me make and keep promises that bring glory to You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 12/34 ©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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Hannah — Pain and Prayer

Hannah’s Story: 1 Samuel 1:1–28

In the Word

She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly (1 Samuel 1:10).

Of the Word

Have you ever been the object of ugly teasing? Almost everyone can remember the pain of hateful words. Hannah was the object of ridicule by Elkanah’s other wife. Peninnah had children; Hannah had none. Even Elkanah’s loving words could not soothe the deep hurt.

What was Hannah’s response? Tears. Loss of appetite. But most importantly, prayer. When she and her family made their annual trek to the house of the Lord, she silently but tearfully prayed for a son. Not a big family. Just a son. A son that she would give back to the Lord!

How do we respond to ugliness? Pay back in kind? No! We take our burdens to the Lord, the One Who has the power to heal and restore. We are reminded to, Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved (Psalm 55:22).

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, when I am burdened by worries and cares, when ugly words and troublesome people assail me, surround me with Your strength. Help me bring my cares to You and leave them with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 11/34 ©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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Ruth — Redeemed

Ruth’s Story: The Book of Ruth

In the Word

“Your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16b).

Of the Word

Ruth and Naomi had much in common. Both were widowed, childless, and poor. With love, loyalty, and commitment, Moabite Ruth declared that she would accompany her mother-in-law Naomi back to her old home in Bethlehem. Though Ruth would be a foreigner there, she was not deterred. Where you go, I will go, she declared. (Ruth 1:16b) Their story sounds like a “no win” situation.

But God’s plan changed that! Wealthy Boaz acted as kinsman redeemer, offering to marry Ruth and thus carry on the family name. His act gave home, status, and security to both women.

Without God’s plan for us, we would be in a “no win” situation. We, too, are redeemed, not by a wealthy relative, but by the blood Jesus shed on Calvary. He paid the price for our sins and delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13–14).

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Father, for the unending grace and mercy You grant me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 10/34 ©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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Pacifier Comfort

In the Word

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction (2 Corinthians 1:3–4a).

Of the Word

It’s amazing how much comfort an infant can get from sucking on a pacifier or a thumb. Crying ceases, calm prevails, and, hopefully, sleep is just around the corner. I am not looking forward to the day when I can no longer count on a pacifier to comfort my discontented daughter!

God knows it isn’t appropriate for us adults to walk around with a pacifier in order to cope with the daily stresses of home, work, and family so He has given us the Comforter: His Holy Spirit.

He provides comfort as we grieve and when we are in distress. His ultimate comfort is the enlightening words of the Gospel: we have been reconciled with God through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Thinking about eternal life with God puts our momentary stresses into perspective!

So, cling to the Holy Spirit as an infant clings to a pacifier. Remember He is with you wherever you go. When we look to God for comfort, our crying will cease and calm will prevail.

Walking with my Lord

Holy Spirit, help me remember You will never leave me or forsake me. You are with me wherever I go. Help me reflect Your comfort to others in need. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 12/30 ©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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