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The Master’s Makeover

In the Word

… and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:23–24).

Of the Word

A popular television program features women who receive a fashion makeover. A haircut, cosmetic tips, and a new wardrobe produce dramatic changes. But surprisingly, the recipients are most vocal about the internal changes: attitude, confidence, self-esteem.

Christians sometimes forget they have been given a spiritual makeover. When Christ gave His life on the cross to redeem us, our old self died with Him. Although our salvation is now assured, we often live with the old clothing of guilt, shame, and fear. We attempt to camouflage ourselves with perfection and good works in order to earn God’s mercy. We are living with old messages that cheapen the gift of grace.

The apostle Paul encourages us to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God … (Ephesians 4:24). Because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross we have been transformed. We wear His robes of righteousness and holiness. We are never the same after the Master’s makeover!

Walking with my Lord

Lord, when I look into life’s mirror, let me rejoice in the robe of righteousness that Jesus has given me to wear. In His name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 27/30 ©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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The Martha Syndrome

In the Word

Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served … (John 12:1–2a).

Of the Word

Being told you have “Martha Syndrome” may not be a compliment. Martha hosted Jesus and His disciples in her home. While her sister Mary listened to Him, Martha complained that she was the only one working. Jesus gently counseled that distractions were preventing her from the one thing she needed — hearing the words of God.

When her brother Lazarus was ill, Martha sent for Jesus, believing that He could heal Lazarus. Even when Jesus arrived days after her brother’s death, she affirmed her trust in His power stating, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God“ (John 11:27b). A strong statement of faith even prior to the raising of Lazarus! Martha had, after all, heeded Jesus’ advice of hearing the words of God.

The last mention of Martha is a touching one. John records simply, Martha served (John 12:2a). No fanfare, no fuss — just faithful Martha, sharing her gift of hospitality in service to her Lord. That is a “Martha Syndrome” worth imitating.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, when my serving is a distraction from time spent in Your Word, help me balance my time to be in communion with You, my Savior. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 26/30 ©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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The End from the Beginning

In the Word

“… for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning …” (Isaiah 46: 9b–10a).

Of the Word

She wasn’t warned the book’s plot was so intense! It was 1 a.m., and the uncertainty of the outcome was more than she could handle. She flipped to the last few pages to read the ending. Relieved, she could now fall asleep. Some might regard her action as unthinkable! Others consider it the only sane solution.

In many of life’s decisive moments, we want to know the end in advance. Is it the right time to apply for the promotion? Or buy a house? Which daycare is the best one? It would be so much easier if God would tell us the outcome before we make the decision. We don’t want a sign. We want a billboard! How differently would we live if we truly trusted that our gracious God knows the end from the beginning? He does! God promises, I declare “… the end from the beginning …” (Isaiah 46:10b). God always keeps His word. We need only pray for His guidance, make the best decision we can, and surrender the outcome to Him. The blessed ending is assured.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, in moments of choice, grant me guidance and the peaceful assurance that You have prepared the glorious end to my beginnings. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 25/30 ©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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The Woman at the Well — Well Water or Jesus’ Water?

Her Story: John 4:4–42

In the Word

So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” (John 4:28–29).

Of the Word

Were you so glad to get through the checkout line that you grabbed your groceries but left your purse in the cart? Have you ever been so thankful to find a parking place that you jumped out, slammed the car door — and then realized the keys were locked in the car? Sometimes being in a hurry can make us do dumb things! But not always!

The Samaritan woman, water jar in hand, met Jesus at the city well. An interesting conversation followed. When she was totally convinced that He was no ordinary thirsty traveler but was indeed the Messiah, she left her jar and raced home. The townspeople listened; then went to the well with her. The living water of God’s love touched their hearts and changed their lives.

In our world, spiritual thirst is quenched in the same way — by the Word of God. No water jars are needed! Christians have Jesus’ command, “Go and tell” (Matthew 11:4b). The Holy Spirit empowers us to race to share the Good News of Jesus.

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Lord, for giving me Your Word of life. Take away my fears and give me a greater desire to share it with others. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 27/34 ©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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The Sinful Woman — Faith, Forgiveness, Freedom

Her Story: Luke 7:36-50

In the Word

… a woman of the city, who was a sinner, … brought an alabaster flask of ointment … (Luke 7:37).

Of the Word

Luke’s gospel tells the story of a sinful woman, a party crasher, who demonstrated her love for Jesus in surprising, controversial, and unexpected ways. First of all, she went to Jesus in tears. Her tears fell on His dusty feet, and she wiped them with her long, unbound hair. Then she opened a jar of expensive perfume and poured it on His feet. The strong aroma filled the room.

Guests were astonished; some were critical. After all, they knew her history: sinner, prostitute, outcast. But Jesus knew her heart — a loving and repentant heart, a forgiven heart. “Your faith has saved you; go in peace,” He said (Luke 7:50b).

His loving words are for us, too. No matter how terrible the sin, no matter how heavy the load of guilt, no matter how long or how far we’ve carried it, Jesus offers forgiveness. The sinful woman left the party free and forgiven. By God’s grace and through faith in Him, we, too, are free and forgiven.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Jesus, I have sinned against You in many ways. But I trust in You and in Your love and forgiveness. Now help me live for You. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 26/34 ©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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Peter’s Mother-in-Law — Healed to Serve

Her Story: Matthew 8:14–15

In the Word

He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him (Matthew 8:15).

Of the Word

Name. Address. Date of birth. Those important pieces of information are necessary for many business transactions. Without them, neither the doctor nor the car salesman will deal with us.

We know nothing about the woman Jesus healed in Matthew chapter 8 except that she was Peter’s mother-in-law and was sick with a fever. When Jesus came into the house, He went to her, touched her, and healed her. Her healing was complete and instantaneous. How do we know that? Matthew tells us that she arose and immediately began to serve Jesus and His friends. By her willing service, she expressed her thanks to Jesus. Her name, address, and date of birth are not important, but her loving actions set an example for God’s people. His gift of healing from the worst-possible disease — sin — comes to us by grace through faith alone. Our response to His gift is our loving and faithful service.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, thank You for all You have done for me, especially the gift of salvation. Help me dedicate my life to serving You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 25/34 ©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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Stress and Anxiety

In the Word

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:6–7).

Of the Word

I was very nervous to be a new mom. I sometimes wondered if I was doing the right thing at the right time in the right way. I assumed people were watching me, especially when I was out in public. I even went so far as to seek affirmation from my husband and mom on different occasions.

Maybe you deal with similar anxieties, or perhaps you have others that creep up on you from time to time. Life has a way of stressing us out, bringing us down, and putting us on edge. God, however, will do just the opposite.

When we are weak, God is strong and will lift us up. When we are worried, He promises peace. He replaces stress with strength. In all of life’s trials, God’s love for us is unconditional. We can confidently ask Him for anything we need, and He will never turn away from us.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, help me come to You with all of my anxieties knowing that You care for me and will see me through. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 27/30 ©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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