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Honoring Our Shepherds

In the Word

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages” (1 Timothy 5:17 ̶ 18).

Of the Word

When I was a child, I thought that my pastor had a very easy job because he only worked on Sundays. Although pastors may have a day or two a week scheduled to spend with family and may take vacation time throughout the year, their responsibility for and service to their flock and to the Good Shepherd is a 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 52 weeks a year commitment. 

Pastors visit the sick, comfort the dying, and counsel the troubled. Many also attend numerous meetings, activities, and events within the congregation and surrounding community. Some supervise large staffs of called, lay, and volunteer workers while others are the sole pastor tasked with meeting a wide variety of needs within a congregation or congregations, including reaching out to the unchurched community members with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. All pastors — regardless of the congregation’s size, type, and expectations of their pastor — carry out the most important vocations of preaching, teaching, and administering the Sacraments. Christ uses pastors in His Church to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19b ̶ 20a). Thanks be to God for blessing us with pastors! 

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Lord, for faithful shepherds who preach and teach Your Word and administer Your Sacraments. Forgive us for our failure to give them the honor they are due and help us to support them as they carry out Your Great Commission. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
 

Mustard Seed: Honoring Our Shepherds by Ruth Badciong, Winona, Minnesota. Copyright © 2024 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. All rights reserved. lwml.org

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible unless otherwise noted. (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Finally, the Diploma!

In the Word

“I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come” (Isaiah 46:10a NIV).

Of the Word

After years of schooling, the classes and final exams are completed. What a sense of accomplishment and relief to hold that diploma! The goal is finally attained. And inevitably someone will ask, “So, what are your plans now?”

Some individuals have a job offer firmly in hand. Some might have further education planned. Others might not have the slightest idea what to do next. Confident or fearful, each person can be assured that our heavenly Father has the future in His hands.

The God who created each of us had our purpose in life planned even before we came into being. “I make known the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:10a NIV) is His faithful promise to all of His children. Whether our life path unfolds exactly the way it was envisioned or with surprising detours, the Savior who redeemed us is right by our side. We never need to worry about the details of the plan. We only need to pray for guidance in discerning Jesus’ purpose for each of us.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, fill me with the blessed assurance that my life is truly secure in Your hands. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 26/28 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40195

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 Next Step

In the Word

The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand (Psalm 37:23–24).

Of the Word

One of the lesser-known meanings of the word graduate is “to take a step.” Graduation is a step forward; a step into the unknown. Graduation is a day to celebrate, to look back on where one has been over the past years. It is a day to remember the best of times. It is also a day to look forward and wonder what is ahead. What is the next step? What will be encountered on that step?

While we never know for certain what the future holds, we do have God’s assurance that we can confidently take each step along the path knowing He is with us and in us. It means never stepping out alone. We have God’s promise, The steps of a man are established by the LORD … the LORD upholds his hand (Psalm 37:23a, 24b).

So as you begin a new phase of your life, hold fast to the promise that is yours through faith in Jesus Christ. The Triune God goes with you. Be confident that as you step out into the world with Him, He will hold you with His mighty hand. 

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, I am excited about graduating, but I know my life is going to be different from now on. Please help me to cling to You for strength. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 12/28 ©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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A Big Step

In the Word

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity (1 Timothy 4:12 NIV).

Of the Word

Confirmation is a special day! Many parents remember the day they brought their child to be baptized into the body of Christ. Now that child is making a personal promise to remain faithful to the Savior throughout life.

For some, confirmation is translated as, “Whew! That’s done!” The fact is, it is not the end. It is just the beginning of a journey of faith. Confirmation instruction provides the foundation of scriptural truths that enables a young person to truly begin the life God has planned. A life centered in the cross of Christ gives strength, courage, and joy to each day.

One’s service to God is not limited because of youth. Remember, Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example … (1 Timothy 4:12a NIV).There are opportunities to set an example at school as well as at church. People see faith in action whether it is in band or orchestra, playing sports, or participating in service projects. Confirmation is an important step in a Spirit-filled life. The adventure has begun!

Walking with my Lord

Lord, confirm my faith, trust, and hope in You every day! In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 24/28 ©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.

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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Philip, Pep in His Step

In the Word

So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him (Acts 8:30–31).

Of the Word

Either the chariot was stopped, moving slowly, or God gave Philip a little pep in his step as he ran and caught up to the chariot to hear the Ethiopian reading the scrolls of Isaiah. In any case, as Philip approached the chariot, he had the opportunity to explain Scripture to a searching soul.

How about you? Do you run toward witnessing opportunities or away from them? Or maybe just run a little slower so someone else gets there first?

It’s not always easy to share your faith. However, God didn’t just guide Philip to the chariot and leave. He provided Philip with the knowledge and the resources to tell the Ethiopian man about Christ. Trust that God will do the same for you. And do not be afraid to go where God will lead you.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, give me a little pep in my step as I notice and take advantage of witnessing opportunities all around me. Give me the knowledge and the resources to share Your Word with searching souls. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Race of Faith. Author: Amanda Stacy, DCE. 27/28 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40196

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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Words for the Wise

In the Word

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice (Proverbs 12:15).

Of the Word

Although it seemed right at the time, driving the wrong way caused loss of precious time. “Oh, if only I’d stopped to ask directions!” the driver moaned. Life can be much the same when we are spiritually lost because we have either not asked for, or have ignored, the good advice of others.

… a wise man listens to advice (Proverbs 12:15b), says the writer of Proverbs.

A lost driver can ask for directions or check a map or GPS. A lost soul can find direction in God’s Word. Jesus tells us, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6b).The psalmist reminds us, Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you (Psalm 55:22a). And we have the comforting promise that nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:39b).

How thankful we can be that God’s words have impact on our daily lives. They are the words of love and grace that take us into eternity with Him!

A Point to Ponder: What wise advice from God will guide my way today?

Walking with my Lord

Lord God, thank You for Your Word, which gives direction for my life. Help me to listen, understand, and follow the guidance that You have given to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 32/32 ©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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Bring on the Smiles!

In the Word

A glad heart makes a cheerful face … (Proverbs 15:13a).

Of the Word

Remember elephant jokes? Knock-knock jokes? Ole and Lena jokes? How about silly movies, crazy sit-coms, or goofy commercials? Some brought smiles and chuckles. Others brought genuine belly laughs! But a glad heart is more than smiles and chuckles, more lasting than any quickly-passing joke or drama. A glad heart is evidence of God’s presence in us and the sure knowledge of His love for us. The joy of His presence is reflected in a cheerful face.

Does that mean no sorrows, no troubles; no setbacks for His people? No, for we live in a world beset by them, a world filled with sin. But it does mean that, because of God’s presence, we can have joy in, around, and in spite of unhappiness. With the psalmist we can pray, Restore to me the joy of your salvation (Psalm 51:12a). We have Jesus’ promise, “I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you” (John 16:22b). His promise is no joke. It’s the reason for an eternal smile!

A Point to Ponder: How will my face reflect the joy of the Lord today?

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Lord, for being in me and with me. Help me to reflect Your presence as I go about my daily routine. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 31/32 ©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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