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Continuing to Train — Stretch It Out

In the Word

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

Of the Word

Unfortunately, one of the most neglected parts of running is stretching. While there is some debate about whether stretching should be done before, during, or after running, one thing is clear: stretching your muscles is important. It can and does prevent many running-related injuries.

While running the race of faith, it is important to stretch spiritual muscles. In day-to-day life, it is easy to become complacent about what to do and how to do it. God’s Word is good for convicting believers in their sin, assuring them of forgiveness, life, and salvation in Jesus, and inspiring them to strive to live fuller lives of service.

So take time to stretch. Open the Bible and read God’s life-giving words. Then continue on your run with faith in Him, equipped with everything you need to finish the race.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Scriptures. With Your Word, equip me with everything I need to run the race of faith to its completion. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Race of Faith. Author: Amanda Stacy, DCE. 12/28 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40196

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Continuing to Train — Persevering

In the Word

… praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints … (Ephesians 6:18).

Of the Word

Running can be frustrating. Results of your hard work may not be seen right away. You may feel you have hit a plateau and you have gone as far and as fast as you’re going to get. But like most things in life, running takes perseverance. Do not give up. Be persistent. You can meet your goals!

God calls His people to persevere through prayer. Jesus taught a parable about a persistent widow who found herself at the feet of an immoral judge. After repeatedly begging the judge for justice, he finally granted it to her. To what did he attribute his change of heart? Her perseverance (Luke 18:1–8).

In this world of sin, constantly seeking God’s will without immediately seeing results can be frustrating. Do not give up! God hears the prayers of His faithful and rewards their perseverance.

Walking with my Lord

Dear God, sometimes the injustice and immorality of the world is just plain frustrating. Thank You for continuing to listen to the cries of Your people and granting both justice and hope to the world. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Race of Faith. Author: Amanda Stacy, DCE. 11/28 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40196

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Continuing to Train — Being Consistent

In the Word

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change (James 1:17).

Of the Word

In order to gain the most benefits from running, you must be consistent. If you run a few miles on Monday, but don’t run again until the next Monday, you will find that reaching your fitness goals will be hard. Work, family, illness, or weather may interfere with your plans, but carving out time to run consistently is important.

God knows something about consistency. In fact, from In the beginning, the first words of Genesis, to the last Amen in Revelation, God has been nothing but consistent. He always has and always will continue to condemn sin. He always has and always will continue to reach out with forgiveness and life to those stuck in sin. His words never change. And God sent Jesus, the Word made flesh, into the world demonstrating that He can be trusted because He always keeps His promises.

Walking with my Lord

Dear God, when I am frustrated by unfairness and injustice, help me to continue in prayer, knowing that You are just and good. Thank You for giving me hope. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Race of Faith. Author: Amanda Stacy, DCE. 10/28 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40196

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Finishing the Race

In the Word

“ … the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:6b–7).

Of the Word

When the Apostle Paul was facing the end of his earthly days, his words reflected his life in the Christian faith. Fighting the good fight, finishing the race, and keeping the faith pointed to a life of fulfillment as a Christ-follower. These same Christian markers summarize the lives of faithful Christians today who are facing their last earthly hours and serve as reminders of the Lord’s faithfulness in their lives.

Christian believers know that the Lord Who helped them keep the faith through Word and Sacrament during their earthly run will be there when they cross the finish line of this life. Crossing that line, they collapse in the arms of Jesus, the Finisher of faith and Giver of everlasting life. As Christian believers we encourage one another with these reminders of God’s past faithfulness and the assurance of His promise, Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life (Revelation 2:10b).

Walking with my Lord

O Lord, as You have empowered me to run the race of faith in this life, so prepare me to finish my race of faith in Your loving and everlasting arms. In Your holy name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 12/30 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40197

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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A Beautiful Thing

In the Word

Jesus said to them, “For she has done a beautiful thing to me. … In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial” (Matthew 26:10, 12).

Of the Word

One day as Jesus ate dinner, a woman approached Him and poured expensive ointment on Him. In this special moment, her anointing was preparing Him for His burial.

Jesus has also given us a special anointing to prepare us for death. Ours is a baptismal anointing in water and the Word. His sacramental grace prepares us and our loved ones for that final hour with the sure and certain hope of the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.

Upon this foundation of God’s grace, we have opportunity to offer special “ointments” to family members who are facing death. Hold them. Kiss them. Sing hymns. Read psalms. Pray the Lord’s Prayer. Remind them of Jesus’ love. Gentle touches and grace-filled words are beautiful ways to prepare family members and yourself for that last hour. These are special moments born from what Christ has done to prepare us for the hour of death. It is a beautiful thing.

Walking with my Lord

O Lord, as You have prepared me for my last hours on this earth, so enable me to do beautiful things for those I love. Fill those last hours with grace and peace. In Your holy name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 11/30 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40197

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Unknown, but not Alone

In the Word

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today” (Genesis 50:20).

Of the Word

It is hard to imagine how frightened the young Joseph was when his brothers threw him into that pit, or when they pulled him back out to sell him to those Midianite traders. He had no idea where he was going or what would happen to him. He was leaving the comfort and security of his father’s house and headed to places and circumstances unknown. Could he have even imagined how powerfully God would use him? Years later, after he had saved his entire family, Joseph recalled that even though his brothers had evil intent when they sold him as a slave, God used that to bring about a fantastic good. (Read more about Joseph in Genesis chapters 37–50.)

We all face unknowns in our lives but as followers of Jesus, we do not do so alone. Though we may not know what the future holds for us, we can confidently say, “I know Who holds my future.”

Walking with my Lord

Lord, thank You for saving me from sin and for being with me in all circumstances. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 10/30 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40197

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Use Your Nice Words!

In the Word

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body (Proverbs 16:24).

Of the Word

The industrious honey bee produces a natural sweetener that is good-tasting and is thought to have health benefits as well. But when angered, that little bee can inflict a painful sting that, in extreme cases, can cause illness or even death.

The words we use are much like that little bee. They can be soothing and kind, complimentary and loving, or filled with humor and happiness. But other words may sting, inflicting pain, killing good ideas, even diminishing someone’s self-worth.

Perhaps we should commit the sweet, good-tasting words of Colossians 4:6 to heart and allow them to flavor our speech in all situations: Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

A Point to Ponder: Today I will find at least one person to compliment, praise, or encourage.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, forgive me for the hurts my words have caused others. Help me to always speak graciously.
Also, grant me the wisdom to know when to keep silent. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 12/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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