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Persistence

In the Word

… pray without ceasing … (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Of the Word

I think it’s safe to say that babies are born with little patience. They want to eat … NOW. They need a diaper change … NOW. They want to be picked up … NOW. And when they don’t get what they want NOW, they are very persistent in letting you know about it.

Jesus approves of persistence. In his Gospel, Luke recorded a parable Jesus told His disciples about always praying and not giving up. In the parable, a widow kept approaching an unrighteous judge to demand justice against her adversary. Because of her persistence, the judge granted her the justice she was seeking. (Luke 18:1–8)

The lesson of Jesus’ parable is this: if an unrighteous judge will listen to the persistent cries of a widow and give to her what she asks, how much more will our loving, righteous God listen to the persistent prayers of His people?

The apostle Paul encourages us to be persistent as we learn to pray without ceasing. We have God’s assurance that He will hear us and He will answer us.

Walking with my Lord

Gracious God, I am thankful I can, with confidence, approach You in prayer, knowing You will always hear and answer me. In Your holy name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 5/30 ©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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Quiet Time

In the Word

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed (Mark 1:35).

Of the Word

Life with a newborn can be overwhelming! After time spent diapering, feeding, playing, and sleeping when the baby sleeps, I still need to go to work, clean house, make meals, and spend time with my husband. With only twenty-four hours in a day, I find that my priorities needed to be reevaluated.

There is no question Jesus had plenty to do, but He gives us a great example of putting first things first. One day Jesus spent until well after sundown healing people in Capernaum, yet He rose early the next morning and went alone to a place to pray privately to his heavenly Father.

Although Jesus was busy doing good things for deserving people, He never lost focus on His highest priority: accomplishing His Father’s will to save the lost. But in order to do that, Jesus needed to spend time in prayer.

Even though, as a new mom, you may find yourself much busier now than you were before your child was born, make it your priority each day to spend quiet time with God.

Walking with my Lord

Loving Savior, forgive me when I have been too busy to spend quiet time with You. Help me reevaluate my priorities so You are first in my life. In Your blessed name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author.  4/30 ©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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Look Into My Heart

In the Word

As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man (Proverbs 27:19).

Of the Word

What beauty there is in sitting by a body of water — stream, lake, river, or ocean — and watching the sun set. The sky is filled with wonderful shades of reds, oranges, and yellows. The water reflects these brilliant colors, making what seems like a double sunset.

The author of Proverbs says that our hearts are just like water. Just as objects and light are reflected by water, the heart of man reflects his whole being. Looking into our own heart can be a scary thought. We are quickly made aware of our sins, faults, and evil actions when we compare what we carry in our heart to God’s expectations of us.

But the heart of a believer also shows the evidence of God’s redeeming work of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. God promises us “… I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you” (Ezekiel 36:26a). Through the waters of Baptism and faith in Jesus Christ, God has taken away our stony heart filled with sin, faults, and evil actions. He gives us a new heart filled with the Holy Spirit and faith.

Walking with my Lord

Faithful God, through Baptism You have given me a new heart. Guide me so my heart and actions will always reflect Your love and goodness. In Your holy name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 3/28 ©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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 Out in Faith

In the Word

And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus (Matthew 14:28–29).

Of the Word

Have you ever been on a search when someone said, “Keep your eyes peeled”? You did not literally peel your eyes, but you stayed focused on the task at hand.

When Jesus came walking on the water, Peter wanted to join Him. Peter responded to the Lord’s invitation and in faith stepped out of the boat, walking on the water toward Jesus. But all too soon the winds were a distraction and taking his eyes of faith off Jesus, Peter began to sink.

How often do we look away from Jesus and focus on our problems? When we do, we may feel like we are sinking in over our head. Jesus lovingly rescued Peter asking him, “ … why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31b). Through the Holy Spirit Jesus guides us to keep our focus on Him. His words are for us, too. “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27b).

Walking with the Word

Holy Savior, only in You am I able to step out in faith. Help me keep my eyes fixed on You so that I may find comfort in Your peace. In Your saving name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 2/28 ©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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A River Divided

In the Word

A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and there it divided and became four rivers (Genesis 2:10).

Of the Word

Many have attempted to find the exact location of the Garden of Eden because they believe finding it will enable mankind to return to perfection. Locating the four rivers mentioned in Genesis 2 — Pishon, Cush, Tigris, and Euphrates — would certainly be the key, but only two of them are identifiable in this modern era. We will never know for sure where God placed the garden that was home to Adam and Eve.

Our God’s presence is not merely limited to a singular earthly location. Jesus tells us, “My kingdom is not from the world” (John 18:36b). We do not have to go out looking for the Garden of Eden or search for God’s presence in our lives. Through the waters of Holy Baptism and the words of the Bible He has already come to us.

God comes to us, His children, so that by His grace we would believe in His holy Word. By His grace through our faith in Jesus Christ we will one day be with Him in heaven … God’s perfect Kingdom of Glory.

Walking with my Lord

Creator God, You have come to me with love, grace, hope, and peace. Guide, guard, and protect me as I await the coming of Your Kingdom of Glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 1/28 ©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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Bad Hair Moment

In the Word

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14a).

Of the Word

The one thing worse than a bad-hair day is a bad-hair week! Not one piece of clothing fits, our hair-do has become a hair-don’t, and nothing about us meets our expectations. Everyone has had those times when looking in the mirror is unthinkable. Not one redeeming feature is visible.

That is very true. No amount of change to our outward appearance can make us right under God’s Law. We are sinful creatures and can never redeem ourselves. Thanks be to God that He sees us through the sacrifice on the cross of His Son, Jesus. He sees us as He created us — fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14b). We are righteous through Christ’s resurrection and beautiful in His sight. The bad-hair days will still happen, but reading Psalm 139 will remind us that our outward appearance does not determine who we are. We are precious children of God! Because of the grace of Jesus Christ, we can be renewed in this truth and be a mirror of God’s love to others.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, in moments when I am very critical of myself, assure me that through Jesus my Redeemer I am a new person, created in Your image. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 3/30 ©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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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This is the Express Lane?

In the Word

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2).

Of the Word

Holding five items, you scan the store’s crowded check-out lanes and strategically plot your choices. An express lane opens! You triumphantly out-maneuver several shoppers and become the second one in line. Only then you notice the brimming cart ahead of you — the thrill of victory becomes the agony of defeat. Although tempted to count aloud the woman’s items, you ponder the options. What if … she is a single mom, rushing to purchase needed groceries before picking up children at daycare? What if … you prayed for her instead of grumbling? What if … you prayed for the tired-looking cashier, or the upset people behind you, or those who cannot afford to buy even five items?

Continue steadfastly in prayer, … (Colossians 4:2a). We often overlook opportunities to pray. Sitting at a long traffic light gives us time to pray for family and friends. Delayed by the after school surge of walkers and bicyclists, we can pray for students and teachers. Thank God for the possibilities to be in prayer for others. They are not interruptions. They are invitations to be in conversation with Him.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, thank You for the many opportunities You give me each day of my life to continue steadfastly in prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 2/30 ©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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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