Comfort and Hope

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word (2 Thessalonians 2:16–17).

An 18-year-old 4-H member died in a vehicle accident. A friend’s 41-year-old son died of an accidental drug overdose. A relative’s 47-year-old daughter died from pancreatic cancer. A church member’s 48-year-old brother died unexpectedly from a stroke. My 91-year-old mother died this month from complications of her advanced age.

What do these deaths have in common? All were baptized, forgiven, redeemed children of the heavenly Father. We have assurance they rest in eternal life — forever praising Him, their beautiful Savior!

The LWML store has wonderful resources to uplift others in these situations. “Comfort and Hope” (pocketsize devotional booklet) and “Comfort from the Psalms” (Mustard Seeds) are beautiful, easy ways to share God’s Word and messages of His peace, comfort, and hope to those who are grieving.

Comforted! My hope is in Him!

Brenda Piester

Recording Secretary
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Staying Connected wherever you are!

After having “staycations” for the past couple of years, this Summer many of us are traveling to see God’s Creation, friends, and/or relatives. Thanks be to God, that we can attend our district conventions in person!

Whether we are at home or away, it’s comforting to know that Jesus is our Guide. He is always with us wherever we go and whatever we do. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).

LWML can help you stay connected to the Word wherever you are through the LWML App and social media. Check your LWML App every day to find Bible readings, daily devotions, Podcasts, and many other resources. Learn more about all the LWML online resources at https://www.lwml.org/online.

Kathy Pavelock

Vice President of Communication
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Beginning each day with the Lord

O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice; (Psalm 5:3).

My husband had hip replacement surgery in June. We were required to be at the surgical center by 4:30 a.m. Early by our internal clock. What a Friend we Have in Jesus was the Mustard Seed Devotion that popped up on my phone email as we drove to town. How appropriate to remind us to carry everything to God in prayer! And we did.

Often the Mustard Seed Devotion for the day seems like it was specifically picked for me. Do you think the same thing as you take a moment to read the daily devotion? If you do not receive the daily Mustard Seed Devotion, please sign up at www.lwml.org/stayintouch. Beginning each day with the Lord reminds us that we can take all our cares and concerns to Him.

Arlene Naasz

Meeting Manager
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Give it Free!

Some stories bear repeating and, as we celebrate our freedom this week, I believe this is one of those stories. A very good lesson about giving was shared by my grandson when he was about 3 years old. Each Sunday, before worship, he would ask me to help him write his name on the offering envelope found in the back of the pew. He’d carefully put his money inside and take great pains to make sure it was sealed properly. One Sunday, we forgot to get his offering envelope ready and as the ushers walked to the front of the sanctuary, I whispered to my grandson, “Hurry, Sweetie, let’s get your name on the envelope.” He held out his hand, palm facing up, and said, “No, Grandma, today I’m going to give it free!” Understanding warmed my heart. He didn’t want credit for his offering. He wanted to give it free — no strings attached, no thank you required. He just wanted to give something to Jesus.

Jesus suffered and died on the cross to save us from our sin. He did this freely, out of His love for us. Because of His great gift of redemption, we take joy in giving our mite offerings freely so others may hear of God’s mercy and grace.

You may give an offering here as you celebrate freedom — in this country and in Christ.

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, (Luke 6:35a).

Today, and always, we are surrounded by God’s grace,

Debbie Larson

President, 2019–2023
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Patriots for Christ!

The Fourth of July is next week! America will be celebrating with barbecues, parades, and fireworks. We will observe the founding of our nation in 1776 when the constitution was signed. Did you know that the Bill of Rights was not added until December 15, 1791?

Of critical importance to Christians, the first amendment states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” We are free to worship our Lord without restrictions or fear of persecution.

Let us use this freedom to put our LWML mission statement to work. Boldly proclaim Christ as you walk in His light, spreading the Good News. Be a patriot for Christ! This freedom is a gift from God and truly something to celebrate!

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7). Use this devotion about Christian patriotism as motivation.

Susan Donnelly

Public Relations Director 
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Be Jesus’ Servant

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).

Does your LWML group take a break in the summer months? Try a different approach this year. Organize two activities that involve families in service for their community. Start out with a short devotion from the LWML website, and then go out into your neighborhood. Here are some ideas:

• Join together to make a boxed lunch for your local firefighters, police officers, or nurses.
• Pass out popsicles at a laundry mat to children waiting on their parents to finish their clothes and possibly pay for a load or two.
• Take the children to a nursing home to sing VBS or camp songs to the residents.

What would make this different than any other social event? Share the reason you are doing it. Tell the people you are doing it to share the love of Jesus. Be the light. Be a servant.

Check out the Jesus, The Servant devotion from lwml.org.

Cheryl Mattil

Christian Life Committee
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Observing God’s Awesome Creation

June has arrived and in the Great Lakes states winter is finally behind us! For those in the Midwest, early crops are being harvested from your gardens. For those in warm coastal areas, the air conditioning makes the heat and humidity bearable.

No matter where we live, we have the wonderful opportunity to see God’s amazing beauty that is all around us. The devotion “God’s Everyday Treasures” (page 260-261 in Faith Building Help for Groups 2021–2023) offers a simple guide for observing God’s awesome creation. Scripture passages are interwoven with guided observations to help the participants rejoice in the beauty of nature.

If physically going out for a walk doesn’t work for you, check out the devotion “Let’s Take a Walk” (pages 227-228 in Faith Building Help for Groups 2021-2023). The author describes the different physical postures she observes from her window and connects them to our faith walk.

Leading devotions for your local group is easy when you have Faith Building Help for Groups 2021–2023. Download a copy today.

Deaconess Betty Knapp

Vice President of Special Focus Ministries
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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