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Faith is … Trusting Jesus to Take Us to Our Heavenly Father’s Open Door

In the Word

“In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2).

Of the Word

On the sandy seashore under a low hanging cliff, a boy sat playing. He was building a city in the sand. He built streets, houses, stores, churches, and banks with a big wall enclosing all of them. He was so intent on his work he failed to notice the incoming tide.

Waves rose higher and higher until suddenly one wave washed away all that the lad had carefully built. The boy himself was pulled into the sea as well. On the cliff above him, the lad’s older brother was watching. When he saw his younger brother swept away, he jumped into the raging water and pulled him to safety. Arm in arm, the two walked together to their father’s house.

We, too, build our houses, stores, and churches here and there on the sands of time, sometimes unaware that danger is at hand. But above us and around us, watching patiently and tenderly, is our loving Savior. In faith we trust Him to take us to the open door of our Father’s house.

Walking with my Lord

I thank You, Jesus, for the promise of the open door into my Father’s house. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 3/30 ©2007 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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Humble Praise

In the Word

Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness (Psalm 115:1).

Of the Word

Many of us pray long and hard to discover the work God would have us to do. We earnestly desire the particular job, profession, or state in life that would let us serve God with a lifetime of good works. In a way, we’re asking God, “What can I do to please You?”

When followers asked Jesus, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” they wanted to know what work they could do to please God. God, however, doesn’t want anyone coming back to Him saying, “Hey, I did it!” No. Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent” (John 6:28b, 29). But we can’t do this on our own. Belief in Jesus as Savior is a gift from the Holy Spirit. And so is everything else that follows.

You know where your “good works” come from — not from your own desire, but from the gift of faith and His Spirit working in and through that faith. Rejoice in the work He would have you to do — and to His name be the glory!

Walking with my Lord

Lord, let Your gift of my faith make the work that I do
An expression of love and a gift back to You.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 26/32 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations 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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Joy in our new life with God

In the Word

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24).

Of the Word

The Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah tell of the Israelites’ return from exile to Jerusalem. They had been forced from their homeland and separated from God. Now they were returning, hoping to rebuild their ruined city.

As they resettled, Ezra assembled them and read the Word of the Lord to them. As they listened, they were convinced that they had sinned; they felt shame and despair. But Nehemiah’s words brought comfort to their sad, repentant hearts. “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10b). Their sorrow turned to joy as they celebrated the beginning of a new life.

Our lives are new each day because of God’s love and forgiveness through Christ. May we, too, learn to rejoice in the blessings God has bestowed on us, especially the gift of salvation given to us through faith in Jesus.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, when daily struggles pull me away from You, send the Holy Spirit to bring me closer. Help me to find peace, joy, hope and strength in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 3/30 ©2005 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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Joy in God’s promised protection

In the Word

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20b).

Of the Word

When King David experienced threats of conspiracy and war, he confidently wrote, The Lord is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1).

Sometimes we feel threatened, persecuted and fearful. Then we have two choices: Will we allow ourselves to be consumed by fear, or will we boldly believe God’s promises? Satan wants us to abandon hope, but St. Peter invites, Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). And our mighty God promises, I will never leave you nor forsake you (Joshua 1:5b).

We can draw strength from God’s Word and promises, knowing that no attack, no fear, no foe is more powerful than our loving God.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Father, be with me when I am anxious and fearful. Help me to trust Your promises and hold tightly to You, remembering that my help and comfort come from You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 2/30 ©2005 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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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The joy of being loved by God!

In the Word

For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies (Psalm 108:4).

Of the Word

The mother’s eyes never strayed from her child. A soft smile played across her lips as she watched him play. She was attentive to every move he made. Although the child was unaware of the attention she focused on him, yet her tender love was obvious to any observer.

As wonderful as the love of a parent can be, it cannot compare with God’s loving care for His children. His love is boundless, timeless, unfailing, unending. What earthly father or mother could presume to claim even one of our awesome God’s attributes?

As God’s people, we can pray Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love (Psalm 31:16). Knowing that God’s answer to us is a resounding “Yes!” we can say with utmost confidence, Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:6).

Walking with my Lord

Dear loving Father, thank You for all of the people You have provided to give me love and care. Thank You most of all for the love You have given to me in Jesus Christ my Savior. In His name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 1/30 ©2005 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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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What’s Your Name?

In the Word

He calls his own sheep by name …  (John 10:3b).

Of the Word

Walking into social situations where I don’t know many people isn’t easy for me. Shy by nature, I am especially concerned when I think no one will know me. On one occasion, I went to an event intending to stay only as long as obligation required. Soon after I arrived someone called my name. Suddenly I no longer felt like an outsider. I was known. Likewise, I am known by God. “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1b). I’m not an outsider; I am an insider!

Because of our human nature we sometimes feel distant from God. In our sin we fall short of His expectations. What then? God forgives. Through Jesus Christ He calls us to Himself, to a life in His kingdom. By the power of the Holy Spirit we hear His voice calling to us and we follow.

He calls his own sheep by name … and his sheep follow him because they know his voice (John 10:3b, 4b).

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Lord, for calling me by name, for knowing and loving me. Thank You for placing me into the family of faith where I am one with You for eternity. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Nancy Nemoyer. 1/32 ©2009 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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Faith is … Trusting Our Savior

In the Word

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me” (John 14:1).

Of the Word

“Just trust me! I know what I am doing!” Dave’s wife was afraid his decision to change careers would only result in financial hardship for the family. But Dave insisted he knew what he was doing. If his family would just trust him!

“Just trust Me” is what Jesus said to His disciples on the night before His crucifixion. Their hearts were deeply troubled that night and the future looked bleak. We can understand how they felt. We, too, sometimes wonder where God is leading us. Does He know what He is doing? Why is life in such turmoil? Where is God? Can He be trusted?

In contrast to the troubled disciples, Jesus was remarkably calm that evening just before going to the cross. Jesus was fully aware of the anguish and turmoil of His beloved disciples. He knew what He was doing. He was in complete control. “Just trust,” He said, “you can depend on My leading.” This is still true. Don’t be afraid — just trust Him! He loves you, too!

Walking with my Lord

Lord Jesus, help me to trust You more fully in my life and for my salvation. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 2/30 ©2007 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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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