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Chase

In the Word

Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith (1 Timothy 6:11b–12a).

Of the Word

After my daughter learned to walk, one of her favorite games became “Chase.” She would peek her head through the doorway of the kitchen wanting me to chase her saying, “I’m gonna get you!” When I “got” her, I would pick her up, tickle her, and start the game over again.

When playing “Chase” with newly-walking toddlers, you don’t have to be very fast in order to catch them. Scripture, however, instructs us to vigorously chase the things of God.

St. Paul tells us to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. On our own, we can trip and fall as we chase after these things. But through Christ’s death and resurrection and with the help of the Holy Spirit, these attributes are attainable for us.

Keep your eyes fixed on God by reading His Word, engaging in constant prayer, and taking hold of the victory over sin and death Christ has won for us. Because of His victory, we can be victorious in our pursuit of that which pleases Him.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, send Your Holy Spirit to lead me in my pursuit of righteousness. Forgive me when I chase after the meaningless things of this world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 11/30 ©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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Nightlight

In the Word

… Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Of the Word

I was a heavy sleeper until the baby came. Now I wake up to every whimper, cry, or movement. Like many new parents, I also wake up every so often just to check on the baby. If I didn’t have a nightlight in every hallway and room, I would never be able to make the trip from my bed to the crib without stubbing a toe.

In the Scriptures, darkness is associated with sin and evil. It is impossible to find our way through the darkness of the world because we are surrounded with our own sin. But Jesus shows us a way out of the darkness. He provides us with a light. Jesus is the way and the light.

Jesus is the light because there is no sin or darkness in Him. Jesus is the way because only through faith in Him can we be reconciled with the Father. So abide in the light and Jesus will show you the way and keep your feet from stumbling. Abide in the light, and He will illuminate the path to eternal life. Abide in the light, and others will see in you a reflection of His glory.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Jesus, I am grateful You are Light in this dark world. Keep my feet sure and steady as I follow You. Enable me to share Your light with the world around me. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 10/30 ©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 Dangers of Water

In the Word

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen” (Exodus 14:26).

Of the Word

A gentle stream or a quiet waterfall can be peaceful, even mesmerizing. But the waters of a flash flood or a riptide can very quickly turn dangerous. Just ask the Egyptians! After God parted the waters of the Red Sea, the Israelites crossed on dry ground. Then God commanded Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea, and the waters flowed back, killing the Egyptian army and their horses.

Looking back at our own lives, do we have any proverbial Egyptians chasing us? Maybe it’s a recurring sin, guilt over sins, or a lingering doubt. God has promised us that all these things have been covered by the waters of our Baptism, covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. By God’s grace, they are covered and wiped from His memory. He promises, “… I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more” (Jeremiah 31:34b).

Walking with my Lord

Only Son of God, through Your death and resurrection all my sins have been covered. Lead me to repentance so I may receive Your loving forgiveness. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 9/28 ©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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Did You Wash Your Hands?

In the Word

So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves” (Matthew 27:24).

Of the Word

In William Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth, Macbeth killed the king of Scotland. In an attempt to relieve his guilty conscience, Macbeth tried to wash the king’s blood off his hands but realized not even all the water in the ocean could wash away the blood. Instead, he was convinced the whole ocean would be turned red by his hands.

Pontius Pilate attempted the same thing by washing his hands at Jesus’ trial. He told the crowd that he was innocent of Jesus’ death. Like Pilate, we try to evade responsibility and justify sin. Hand washing cannot do that!

The crowd shouted, “His blood be on us and on our children!” (Matthew 27:25b). And it was — but not in the way they were intending. The blood of Jesus is indeed upon us and our children; not in a condemning way, but in a saving, restoring, sanctifying way. Jesus paid the price for our sins; we have been washed clean; we have been declared innocent.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, Jesus’ blood has washed away my sins. Give me the assurance that through faith and Baptism, I am declared innocent. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 8/28 ©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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Drinking the Discipline

In the Word

He took the calf that they had made and burned it with fire and ground it to powder and scattered it on the water and made the people of Israel drink it (Exodus 32:20).

Of the Word

Children — even adults — are often disciplined for bad behavior. The greater the sin, the more severe the discipline. At the foot of Mount Sinai, the sinful behavior of the Israelites brought about a severe discipline. When Moses returned from talking with God, he saw the golden calf they had made and was furious. He burned the idol, ground it up, scattered it on their water, and made them drink it.

The sins of the Israelites had polluted their whole being. The same is true for us: sin has polluted us. The psalmist says, there is none who does good (Psalm 14:1b).

But thanks be to God, His only Son, Jesus Christ, is good! By His death and resurrection, He has cleansed our sin-polluted bodies. In Baptism our sins are washed away and we are made pure and clean. By faith, we are righteous in His sight.

Walking with my Lord

Righteous One, You have given Your blessings to me through Baptism. Even though I still sin, remind me that I am forgiven and righteous because of the saving work of Jesus, my Savior. In His name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 7/28 ©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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Clear Direction

In the Word

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths (Psalm 25:4).

Of the Word

Driving some streets and roads can be confusing. At some intersections, turning left is illegal. The driver is required to turn right, go a short distance, and then make a u-turn to head in the desired direction. Or, there might be a round-about — a marvel of traffic flow that sends all vehicles in a left-handed circle until the sought after exit is reached. “Who designed this?” is a common reaction.

Sometimes our life feels as frustrating. We think we know exactly where we should or need to be. However, circumstances seem to be forcing us in the wrong direction or trapping us in endless circles. We stubbornly focus on the destination we are certain is best for us.

Thankfully, our gracious Father has the path already planned for our journey. We can trust Him to lead us even when the route is difficult to understand. Our frustrations can turn to peace and joy when we daily ask God to direct our way. He loves us and wants to bring us safely home to Him.

Walking with the Lord

Lord, You are my Loving Father. Help me follow Your path for my life in each deciding moment. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 9/30 ©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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Choosing Contentment

In the Word

… for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content (Philippians 4:11).

Of the Word

“Time for bed,” his mom called. Rushing into his room, he piled four pillows on the bed along with five books, twelve stuffed animals, seven toy cars, and two blankets. Just as his parents entered the bedroom for prayers, he gathered three action figures into his arms. “Now I have enough!” he sighed.

Do we struggle to obtain enough in life to be satisfied? If only I had this job … house … brand-name clothing … amount of money, then I would be able to rest. The apostle Paul experienced both abundance and need in life, yet proclaimed … for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content (Philippians 4:11). He trusted God to supply his every need, and accepted each circumstance with gratitude.

We will face situations and circumstances that are not as we had hoped. We can fret and fuss, or we can choose to accept the present for what it truly is — a gift. The gift of God’s grace through Jesus Christ’s death on the cross is more than sufficient. It is what we need. It is enough! We can be content.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, may I always find contentment at the foot of the cross, trusting that You will provide all I truly need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 8/30 ©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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