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God’s Grace is Sufficient

In the Word

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9a).

Of the Word

The Apostle Paul wrote of having an unnamed affliction that caused him ongoing pain. He referred to it as a thorn in my flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7b NIV) and he repeatedly asked God to take away this pain. The Lord did not do so. Instead, His response to Paul was, “My grace is sufficient for you …” (2 Corinthians 12:9b).

God’s grace was enough for Paul and it is big enough for us, too. Because of His undeserved love, we have forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven. We don’t have to wait for God’s grace, for we have received it through our trust in Jesus. We, like Paul, are gifted with God’s amazing grace.

This is an important reminder when we are hurting. The same One Who made sure that we have access to eternal life through Jesus gives us His grace to enable us to handle the heartaches, pains, and hurts we will encounter on this side of heaven.

Walking with my Lord

Father, help me to believe and remember that Your grace is enough for me in any and all circumstances. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 1/30 ©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.

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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The Choice is Mine

In the Word

The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones (Proverbs 15:30).

Of the Word

Without a doubt smiling faces make us happy, and good news makes us feel better. A twinkle in the eye and a cheerful greeting can give others a feel-good day. People with positive attitudes are a joy to know. The truth is, our outlook on life is a matter of choice. No one can force us to have either a good or a bad attitude.

So what will the choice be today? Will people be pleased to see us or will they try to avoid our presence? Will we speak words of encouragement or discouragement? Will the light of Jesus shine from our eyes? Will the sweet words of the Gospel of grace, love, and forgiveness we share with someone be refreshing to them?

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice (Philippians 4:4). Will the joy of knowing Jesus Christ as the Savior, Who lovingly died for our sins, come through in all we say and do?

A Point to Ponder: How will the light in my eyes reflect the love of Jesus Christ today?

Walking with my Lord

Father, I ask for an attitude like that of Jesus whatever my circumstances may be. Help me to greet others with sweet words that reflect my love for You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 3/32 ©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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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. 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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A Truth, A Half-Truth, A Lie?

In the Word

Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment (Proverbs 12:19).

Of the Word

Who to believe? What to believe? Is it the infomercial for the skin care product that promises to make our faces wrinkle-free or the one that promises to restore hair to a bald head? Can truth be found in political ads or in all we read on the Internet or hear on television news? Maybe these things aren’t outright lies, but aren’t the half-truth promises just as deceiving?

As Christians we are blessed to have God’s Word. Full of truth, the Bible tells us of God’s ultimate promise – eternal life! Jesus has already paid the price for our sins on Calvary’s cross. When we confess Him as our Savior, we are assured there are no lies or half-truths in His Word.

“If you abide in my word, … you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31b, 32).

A Point to Ponder: Which of God’s wonderful promises can I share with someone today?

Walking with my Lord

Father God, thank You that in this day and age of false promises I can rely on the truth of Your everlasting Word. In the saving name of Your Son Jesus I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 1/32 ©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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Priscilla — A Home and a Ministry

Priscilla’s Story: Acts 18:18–19, 24–26

In the Word

After this, Paul … took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:18a).

Of the Word

Moving is hard: deciding what to take and what to leave, bidding farewell to old friends, and then having to build new relationships. Some moves involve joy while others are filled with pain and uncertainty.

When Emperor Claudius expelled the Jews from Rome, Priscilla and her husband Aquila settled first in Corinth and later in Ephesus. In both locations, their home was a place of work and ministry. The apostle Paul labored with them as a tentmaker. They explained the Good News of Jesus to Apollos. The Holy Spirit empowered them to use their gifts for God’s purpose, no matter where they lived.

The Spirit is at work today, too, enabling God’s people to share their faith in homes, churches, businesses, and wherever they are. And God promises, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (2 Corinthians 6:16b).

Walking with my Lord

Loving Father, thank You for giving me life. Help me live for You, working, serving, and ministering to those whose lives touch mine. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 34/34 ©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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Lydia – Seeker

Lydia’s Story: Acts 16:11–15

In the Word

One who heard us was a woman named Lydia … who was a worshiper of God (Acts 16:14).

Of the Word

Lydia was a prosperous businesswoman who sold purple cloth in the busy seaport of Philippi. Her business catered to society’s privileged. Being a Gentile convert to Judaism, Lydia apparently sought more from life than a career and associating with the rich. Upon hearing Paul’s preaching The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. … she and her household were baptized … (Acts 16:14b, 15a NRSV).

Lydia stands as a role model for today’s busy woman. She ran a business and a home but she also sought out God and His teachings. Through her example God’s Word came to her whole household. She showed her faith was real when she opened her home to Paul and his companions. What a blessing it must have been for this seeker to be able to dialog with these men about her Lord Jesus!

“And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you” (Luke 12:29, 31).

Walking with my Lord

Almighty God, kindle a desire within me to seek Your will above all else in my life. In Jesus’ loving name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 33/34 ©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.

Scripture quotations marked (NRSV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Phoebe – A Servant of the Church

Phoebe’s Story: Acts 16:1–2

In the Word

I [Paul] commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church … (Romans 16:1a).

Of the Word

All we know about Phoebe is that she was a servant at the church in Cenchreae who was willing to carry Paul’s letter to the Christians in Rome. Paul also tells the people to … help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well (Romans 16:2b). Phoebe was a woman who was eager to deliver the gospel message to others at her own expense. She most likely helped finance the work of the church in her home town and welcomed others into her home. Phoebe was enthusiastic to do her part in growing the church.

How willing are we to deliver the Good News of Jesus’ love? We don’t have to go too far to do it. Someone in our family, circle of friends, coworkers, or neighborhood may need to hear the encouragement and assurance of God’s Word. Quite possibly God has chosen us, as He chose Phoebe, to be the ones who bring that message.

Walking with my Lord

Savior God, when someone in my life needs to be encouraged by Your Word, help me remember I am not alone. You will give me the words to say and the strength to say them. In Your Son’s name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 32/34 ©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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