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In His Loving Hands

In the Word

… put your trust in the Lord (Psalm 4:5b).

Of the Word

The young woman sat on the examination table after hearing the doctor tell her, “You have cancer.” Her response: “Well, that stinks!” While some might consider that a rude way to say it, her reaction was an accurate assessment of her situation. Illness is a problem we all have to face, and we are almost never prepared for it. It can knock us down to the depths of despair.

Having the support of loved ones makes facing difficult situations easier than facing them alone. But it is even better to go to the One in control of everything: our loving God. And we can do just that. He invites us to come to Him with anything and everything.

The psalmist says, But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hand … (Psalm 31:14–15a). That is true in good times and in bad. We just need to be reminded of it more when things seem to be going wrong. He is in control. It is all in the loving hands of the One who was willing to die to pay for our sin. He’s got us and our situations in His hands. Trust Him!

Walking with my Lord

Lord Jesus, help me trust that my times are in Your loving and caring hands. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 6/30 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40197

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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Asking for Healing

In the Word

I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live (Psalm 116:1–2).

Of the Word

“Lord, have mercy!” is a common refrain spoken in worship. They are also words many people say in their daily prayers and they become especially meaningful when dealing with an illness. We ask God for His kindness and goodness, things we don’t deserve. But our loving God is in the habit of giving His people the good things they don’t deserve. There is nothing wrong in asking for God’s blessings. In fact, God expects it from us.

The Father lovingly sent Jesus to take the punishment our sins deserve so that we could instead receive the good gifts of forgiveness and salvation. Our faith has taken hold of the wonderful gifts He provides. As His faithful children we can ask Him to be merciful to us during times of sickness. He is listening. He wants us to come to Him. And He wants only the best for us, His children.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, I know You are listening to my prayer for Jesus’ sake. In Your mercy, please grant me the healing I need. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 5/30 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40197

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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Weary from Pain

In the Word

Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing; heal me, O LORD, for my bones are troubled (Psalm 6:2).

Of the Word

When dealing with a chronic illness, we pray for God’s grace just as the psalmist did. An illness that lingers can be all-consuming and before we know it, it may take over our life.

I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping (Psalm 6:6).

Not a fun situation! While an illness must be addressed and dealt with, remember that it does not define us. That is not who we are. By virtue of our Baptism, we are dearly loved children of God. Our faith in Jesus as our Savior has put us in a relationship with Him that assures us of forgiveness of sins and life everlasting where there will be no more sickness or pain.

It’s our relationship with Jesus that defines who we are, not our illness. As we deal with our illnesses, we take it to the Lord in prayer with this confidence: The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD accepts my prayer (Psalm 6:9).

Walking with my Lord

Father, I praise You for making me Your child. Remind me of that status as I face each new day, especially when illness tries to overwhelm me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 4/30 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40197

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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Be Happy!

In the Word

“Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my door. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD …” (Proverbs 8:34–35).

Of the Word

Happy! Happy! Happy! This seems to be the mantra of today’s society. Advertising tells us we deserve happiness, so go buy the new car or the latest electronic gadget. In reality, the happiness that comes from material things is fleeting and, sadly, the car gets a dent, and the gadget gets replaced in the stores by an even better one. The happiness we felt when they were new is long gone.

Scripture’s meaning of “blessed” is happy — God’s kind of happy. It is a true happiness that isn’t tied to a thing that only gives us pleasure for a little while. This happiness is found in the Word of God that assures us we are loved and protected by the almighty Father. Proverbs tells us to listen to God’s wisdom and daily search God’s Word for instruction — and then pay heed to it.

Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death” (John 8:51).

A Point to Ponder: Do I need to re-evaluate what I think brings happiness into my life? 

Walking with my Lord

Father, because of the death and resurrection of Jesus my Savior, I have eternal life! No earthly possession can ever bring me more happiness than that promise. In His saving name I give thanks and pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 6/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198

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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Seeing Red

In the Word

Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly (Proverbs 14:29).

Of the Word

It has many names — annoyed, outraged, irritated, or just plain mad. But whatever we choose to call it, its name is anger, and it can be destructive. Will things that could cause us to be angry come our way? Yes. But we are instructed to be slow to anger as is our loving God. The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love (Psalm 145:8).

The acts of a hasty temper may lead to screaming, door slamming, throwing whatever is handy, or hurling insults — all things that not only hurt others but can hurt us. Unchecked anger can poison our very being and lead us to sin.

God doesn’t want anger to overpower us. Nor does He want us to harbor resentment or hold a grudge. He does give us these words to follow; “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry… (Ephesians 4:26 NIV). God is telling us to let it go!

A Point to Ponder: What anger or resentment in my life do I need to turn over to God?

Walking with my Lord

Lord, I confess I allow anger and resentment to creep into my life. Through Your Holy Spirit help me control my words and actions. I pray in Jesus’ forgiving name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 5/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198

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.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) 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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“Listen to Me.”

In the Word

“Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways” (Proverbs 8:32 NIV).

Of the Word

Countless times we have said or heard the words, “Listen to me.” With these words the speakers are indicating they want to say something that, in their opinion, we need to hear. We also know that sometimes the information is heeded, and other times it falls on deaf ears.

In Proverbs 8:22, it is God’s wisdom admonishing us to listen and walk in God’s ways and to be prepared to receive God’s blessings. We can enjoy the happiness of knowing we live in the loving, forgiving hands of the almighty God.

Jesus also tells us to listen … “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28b) Because Jesus gave His life for us, paid for our sins on the cross, and rose again from the dead, we will one day be with Him in heaven. In Christ we have the words of eternal life. Now that’s a message worth listening to!

A Point to Ponder: Which of God’s wise words do I need to pay closer attention to today?

Walking with my Lord

Forgiving Lord, through the power of Your Holy Spirit help me rejoice in hearing Your Word and strengthen me to walk boldly in Your ways. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 4/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198

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.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) 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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A Time to Glow

In the Word

“You are the light of the world. … let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14a, 16b).

Of the Word

Almost every birthday celebration includes a cake with candles. Some believe this custom comes from the Greeks who made round cakes to resemble the moon. Candles were added so the cake would appear to glow.

Birthdays are an opportunity to glow for God. They remind us that God has given us more time to know Him better. With each passing year God gives us the energy and strength and the opportunities to share His light with others!

The devil, trying to rob us of God’s glow, daily tries to get us to blow out our candles — to just get on with the party, eat our cake, and enjoy life. But Jesus, the source of light, ignites us to shine brightly as we love and care for others as He loves and cares for us.

As the years see more candles lit, may you glow brighter! Let your light shine out to others, giving the glory to God. 

Walking with my Lord

Lord, help me to glow for You as I grow in You. Give me the courage to let Your light shine through me! In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 3/28 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40195

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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