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Have you lost this sweet assurance? Hang on to the promises of God.

In the Word

For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life (John 3:16 GNT).

Of the Word

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” So begins Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s famous sonnet to her beloved. Perhaps her list included all the superlative qualities she thought made her husband, Robert, worthy of her love.

Yet, in our relationship with God, nothing we are, nothing we have done, is truly worthy of His love. We have no list of “superlative qualities” at all. Still, … God has shown us how much he loves us — it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us! (Romans 5:8 GNT). See how much the Father has loved us! His love is so great that we are called God’s children … (1 John 3:1a GNT). But that is not all; we rejoice because of what God has done through our Lord Jesus Christ, who has now made us God’s friends (Romans 5:11 GNT).

God loves sinners and has sacrificed His own Son to draw us back to Himself as His children, His friends. 

Walking with my Lord

Father, thank You for Jesus, my Savior. Thank You for Your constant love. Help me love others as You love me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Walking with My Lord. Author: Donna Streufert. 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.

Scripture quotations marked GNT are taken from the GOOD NEWS TRANSLATION — Second Edition, American Bible Society, New York, NY. Copyright © 1992.

Sonnet 43, Elizabeth Barrett Browning as printed in Familiar Quotations, John Bartlett, 14th edition, Little, Brown & Co., Boston, MA, 1968, page 618

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Life with God is good!

In the Word

You will show me the path that leads to life; your presence fills me with joy and brings me pleasure forever (Psalm 16:11 GNT).

Of the Word

“Where’s your walk taking you?” The headline splashed across the magazine cover caught Deb’s eye. “To your best body ever!” read the next line. “Melt fat, boost metabolism, burn calories!” The article outlined the benefits of regular walking. Deb was motivated to give it a try. Maybe she could convince her neighbor to walk with her.

While walking leads to a healthier life, nothing compares to walking with our Lord throughout our Christian life. Close, daily companionship with Jesus yields the greatest joy! St. Paul urged the Philippian Christians, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:4–7).

Jesus has shown us the path that leads to life. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

Walking with my Lord

Jesus, my walk with You leads to life. The journey gives me joy! Bring me to my heavenly home where there is pleasure forever. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Walking with My Lord. Author: Donna Streufert. 1/30  ©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.

Scripture quotations marked GNT are taken from the GOOD NEWS TRANSLATION — Second Edition, American Bible Society, New York, NY. Copyright © 1992.

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I want to listen to you, Lord!

In the Word

Speak, for your servant is listening (1 Samuel 3:10b).

Of the Word

“Mom, you’re not listening to me!” “Son, you didn’t listen when I told you.” “Class, listen carefully as I read.”

Our days are filled with listening — the jangle of the morning alarm clock, the buzz of the dryer, the ding of the microwave, the voice of the newsman, the shouts of neighborhood children, the roar of traffic. Samuel’s nighttime visit from God came at a quiet time, and yet Eli had to remind him to listen for God’s voice. (1 Samuel 3) In the bustle of day-to-day activities, it’s sometimes hard to stop and listen for the quiet voice of our loving God.

Is your listening time early in the morning or late at night? Is it at a desk or in a garden? Is it at a stoplight or in a checkout line? Wherever and whenever it is, God is speaking words of love, words of direction, words of comfort. Listen to Him. 

Walking with my Lord

Lord, help me to take time to listen to You today. When I am busiest, I need You most of all. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Prayer. Written by 2003-2005 LWML Christian Life Committee. 23/31 ©2005 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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I pray — but only God can make it happen!

In the Word

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly (Acts 4:31).

Of the Word

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors few open, and everybody’s chains came loose (Acts 16:25–26).

Can you imagine the reactions of the other prisoners when the chains fell off and the doors flew open? Shock, elation, puzzlement would be a few — but Paul and Silas had a different response. They didn’t move. They had prayed boldly, and they knew God would handle the situation. It wasn’t their place to break the chains and run for it. They had done all that was necessary by praying boldly. Now they awaited God’s magnificent answer and continued their work of telling others of Christ’s love.

Why does an answered prayer surprise us? God does answer prayer! That shouldn’t surprise us. Rather, it should give us courage to continue to pray boldly. 

Walking with my Lord

Lord, You are a faithful God. What You promise You deliver. Make us bold to bring before You our petitions, thanksgivings and pleadings. Then help us to listen to Your will and direction for our lives. In Your holy name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Prayer. Written by 2003-2005 LWML Christian Life Committee. 20/31 ©2005 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Ask! Seek! Knock!

In the Word

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you (Matthew 7:7).

Of the Word

Ask … seek … knock … it all sounds simple. Bringing our prayers before our good and gracious Lord is just that simple. Have you ever listened to the sincere prayers of a child? For a child, praying to God is like asking for help from a friend in the next room. We could learn the fine art of “simply praying” from a child. The psalmist knew the importance of praying earnestly when he wrote: In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation (Psalm 5:3).

When we turn to the Lord in prayer, He promises to respond. His answer may not be what we were expecting, but we know that His good and perfect will is being worked out in us daily.

Walking with my Lord

Father, help me lift my eyes to heaven each day as I lay my requests before You. Help me also to be open to Your leading so that I may live my life in accordance with Your will. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Prayer. Written by 2003-2005 LWML Christian Life Committee. 18/31 ©2005 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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When Peace, Like a River

In the Word

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ … (Romans 5:1).

Of the Word

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way;
When sorrows, like sea billows, roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well with my soul. It is well, it is well with my soul.

At times life can be calm and peaceful, but at other times trials and tribulations may come our way. No matter what happens, Christ gives us the ability to say, “It is well with my soul.”

Satan wants to disrupt our peace, ruin our calm. God the Father sent His Son Jesus to be our Savior from all sin, death, and the power of the devil. Jesus gave His life so that our sins are forgiven. By His resurrection He conquered death and defeated Satan. “He lives — oh, the bliss of this glorious thought; My sin, not in part, but the whole, Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more. Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!”

The Lord will return at the trumpet’s sound, and the resounding refrain will continue for us: “It is well with my soul.”

Walking with my Lord

I praise You, my Savior. All that You have done for me makes me shout joyfully, “It is well, it is well with my soul.” In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Joyful, Joyful. Rev. Larry and Shari Miller, authors. 31/31. Hymn Text: LSB 763. ©2011  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.

All hymns are public domain with the text reprinted from Lutheran Service Book, ©2006, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO.

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Worshipful Praise

In the Word

Praise God in his sanctuary … (Psalm 150:1b).

Of the Word

What can you expect when you enter church for worship? It’s a fair question, and God answers it.

In God’s House, you can expect God to minister to your deepest needs. In the reading of His Word, He speaks to you of His Law and His Gospel. In the preaching of His Word, He instructs, inspires, and encourages you in your Christian walk. In the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, you witness another person whose name is added to the Book of Life. In the Sacrament of Holy Communion, you touch and taste His presence and grace.

In God’s house, you can expect other believers to minister to you. One look tells you you’re not alone in discipleship. The sound of voices raised in song proclaims that you’re part of a living, joyful, and worshipful community. Hands reaching out to you in times of sorrow and in times of celebration express the unity of faith and oneness in the hearts of all believers.

Yes, God expects to see you in His house … and you can expect with certainty to find Him and His people there.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, thank You for the gift of worship and community;
Accept my praises, Lord, both here and in eternity. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 1/32 ©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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