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Rhoda — Unexpected, Unbelievable Joy

Rhoda’s Story: Acts 12:1–17

In the Word

And when he [Peter] knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. Recognizing Peter’s voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate (Acts 12:13–14).

Of the Word

Rhoda was given the scary-but-important task of guarding the house gate on a dark night. King Herod had already killed James. Peter was in jail. Identities of Jesus’ followers were probably known. Who would be caught next?

While others prayed, Rhoda guarded the gate. Unbeknownst to them, God’s angel had released Peter, who then made his way to Mary’s house. Rhoda heard his knock and recognized his voice. But she was so overcome with joy that she left the poor man standing outside in the dark! She couldn’t believe that prayers had been answered.

Are we ever surprised at God’s answers? Do we shout for joy but forget to praise the One who provided for us? Our loving God wants us to bring our needs to Him, and He wants us to honor Him with our thanks. “… call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me” (Psalm 50:15).

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, You always work for my good. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayers. Help me recognize Your surprises as special blessings. Forgive my failure to see Your answers, and fill my heart with thanksgiving. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 30/34 ©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 Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Milk — The Perfect Food

In the Word

Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation — if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good (1 Peter 2:2–3).

Of the Word

Babies need milk. Whether from their mothers or from a bottle, milk is much more nutritious and digestible than a hamburger. Being awakened every two hours when my daughter was an infant proved to me just how much babies crave milk!

The apostle Peter urges us to crave spiritual milk, the pure Word of God. That Word provides nourishment for our souls, assuring us of God’s love and salvation. Through it we are able to read the sweet words of the Gospel, which make us wise to salvation.

In addition, God’s Word comforts us when we mourn. It heals us when we hurt. It convicts us of our sin but lifts us up through the message of forgiveness. And it gives us the words to sing when we rejoice.

Try the spiritual milk Peter wrote about. Just as milk satisfies an infant, God’s Word has answers to satisfy every need.

Walking with my Lord

Dear God, thank You for the words of the Scriptures which satisfy all my needs. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 29/30 ©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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Dorcas — A Woman of Charity

Dorcas’ Story: Acts 9:36–42

In the Word

Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity (Acts 9:36).

Of the Word

As a follower of Jesus, Dorcas heard the message of Jesus Christ and lived it out in her daily life. She loved her risen Lord and imitated Him by letting His light and love shine through her by sewing garments for the poor. Sadly, Dorcas became sick and died.

Her devastated friends, with hope and in faith, sent for the apostle Peter who was in a nearby town. In Dorcas’ room Peter knelt and prayed. With the power of Jesus — not his own — Peter told Dorcas to arise. And she opened her eyes and sat up.

Dead in our sin, we too have been brought back to life through the saving sacrifice of Jesus, not by our good works. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection we strive to give God glory and reflect His love through the life we lead. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2: 8–10).

Walking with my Lord

Dear God, may I always and in every circumstance be Your willing servant. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 29/34 ©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 Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Starting Out — Staying Nourished

In the Word

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh” (John 6:51).

Of the Word

A healthy lifestyle cannot be based on exercise alone. Not too many people would be inclined to eat a bag of chips or a pound of chocolate and then go for a run. Besides the stomachache that would slow you down, it doesn’t make sense to eat unhealthy food while trying to get healthy.

So what is the healthiest, most nourishing, and satisfying food we can eat? No fruit, vegetable, or even Greek yogurt can compare to the food God offers through His Son, Jesus Christ. This food is not the bread and fish Jesus used to feed the five thousand (Matthew 14:13–21), or the breakfast He prepared for His disciples after His resurrection (John 21:1–14). The life-sustaining food God gives us is Jesus Himself.

Jesus said “I am the living bread” (John 6:51a). In the Sacrament of the Altar, believers have the opportunity to partake of this food while receiving the benefits of the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. Christ’s body and blood sacrificed and given to us will not only give us strength to live a new earthly life, but it will continue to sustain us on through eternity.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, thank You for providing living bread through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Continue to nourish and sustain me through this life to life everlasting. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Race of Faith. Author: Amanda Stacy, DCE. 2/28 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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I Am Blessed

In the Word

Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord (Proverbs 16:20).

Of the Word

There are days when we may just want to stay in bed and pull the covers over our heads to keep the world out. Perhaps the job, finances, or ill health — a loved one’s or our own — has become overwhelming. For now, that concern has become too much for us to handle.

We trust in God’s Word and know He will help us when fear and discouragement come our way. But that trust may become a little shaky when we want the problem solved in our time, not God’s. We want it fixed now! Ah, but Proverbs 16:20 says, blessed is he who trusts.

God’s blessings come from His Word as the gift of faith. We receive them in different ways — through a friend, by receiving a promotion, or in any of the countless other gifts He showers upon us. With patient trust we wait for God to act, and we pray for wisdom to recognize His blessings.

“I will put my trust in him” (Hebrews 2:13a).

A Point to Ponder: In what beautiful way has God already blessed me today?

Walking with my Lord

Gracious Lord, by Your Spirit help me to live my life in faith and with trust, knowing You hear my prayers and will answer them in Your time. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 2/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Mary Magdalene — He Knows My Name!

Mary Magdalene’s Story: John 20:1–18

In the Word

Jesus said to her, “Mary” (John 20:16a).

Of the Word

Hearing your name in a busy airport or across a crowded room usually brings relief or pleasure. And for some, nothing is better than a phone call that begins with a cheery, “Hi, Mom!”

When Mary went to the tomb on that Sunday after the crucifixion of Jesus, she was in mourning. She believed that her master, her teacher, her healer, her friend was dead. Angels voiced their concern, and she tearfully explained, “I don’t know where His body is.” Turning away, she thought she saw the caretaker of the garden. The angels had no answers; perhaps he could help. And He did! He spoke her name, “Mary.” Tears evaporated. Mourning ended. Joy blossomed.

God’s promise showers us with the same joy Mary felt. “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1b). Our God is alive. He knows us by name. He calls us His very own!

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Lord, for giving me life, for redeeming me, for knowing my name. Forgive my fears and tears and help me live for You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 28/34 ©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 Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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On the Same Team

In the Word

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone (1 Corinthians 12:4–6).

Of the Word

Bankers, lawyers, and retail clerks in hot debate, coveys of screaming parents, marching bands: it is the fall phenomenon of Friday Night High School Football. Fans, young and old, gather to show their team spirit.

Christians also see this unifying spirit within their congregations where members come with an assortment of backgrounds, abilities, ages, occupations, and skills. Sometimes it may seem as if some groups are working toward vastly different goals, but remembering that the cross is at the center of Christian service can bring unity again.

The apostle Paul reminds us we must constantly acknowledge our purpose and unity are in … the same Spirit … the same Lord … the same God who empowers them all in everyone (1 Corinthians 12:4–6). Our worship, projects, and goal statements are meaningless if not Christ-centered. We are able to share the Gospel only through the power of God and the unity of our hearts, minds, and spirits. We are one body in Christ! We are, after all, on the same team.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, empower me to work with others as we serve together in Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 21/30 ©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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