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Mary Magdalene — He Knows My Name!

Mary Magdalene’s Story: John 20:1–18

In the Word

Jesus said to her, “Mary” (John 20:16a).

Of the Word

Hearing your name in a busy airport or across a crowded room usually brings relief or pleasure. And for some, nothing is better than a phone call that begins with a cheery, “Hi, Mom!”

When Mary went to the tomb on that Sunday after the crucifixion of Jesus, she was in mourning. She believed that her master, her teacher, her healer, her friend was dead. Angels voiced their concern, and she tearfully explained, “I don’t know where His body is.” Turning away, she thought she saw the caretaker of the garden. The angels had no answers; perhaps he could help. And He did! He spoke her name, “Mary.” Tears evaporated. Mourning ended. Joy blossomed.

God’s promise showers us with the same joy Mary felt. “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1b). Our God is alive. He knows us by name. He calls us His very own!

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Lord, for giving me life, for redeeming me, for knowing my name. Forgive my fears and tears and help me live for You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 28/34 ©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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Leaving

In the Word

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” … he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight (Acts 1:8, 9b).

Of the Word

Leaving my baby with someone else for the first time was rough. I knew eventually I would need to get out of the house for an afternoon, go on a date with my husband, or go back to work and I would need to place her in someone else’s care. Having a helpful and understanding husband, caring family members, and a trusted babysitter helped make it easier to walk out that door for the first time.

After His resurrection, Jesus told His disciples that He was leaving the earth to return to His Father’s right hand. He also gave them quite a daunting task; they were to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching all that He had taught them during their time together. He promised that the Holy Spirit would come to help them spread the Gospel message to others.

We, too, can rely on this trusted Helper to call, gather, enlighten, and keep us in the one true faith. And the Spirit gives us the same power the disciples had, the power to complete the Great Commission to go and tell.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Make me bold to share my faith with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 30/30 ©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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Milk: The Perfect Food

In the Word

Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation — if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good (1 Peter 2:2–3).

Of the Word

Babies need milk. Whether from their mothers or from a bottle, milk is much more nutritious and digestible than a hamburger. Being awakened every two hours when my daughter was an infant proved to me just how much babies crave milk!

The apostle Peter urges us to crave spiritual milk, the pure Word of God. That Word provides nourishment for our souls, assuring us of God’s love and salvation. Through it we are able to read the sweet words of the Gospel, which make us wise to salvation.

In addition, God’s Word comforts us when we mourn. It heals us when we hurt. It convicts us of our sin but lifts us up through the message of forgiveness. And it gives us the words to sing when we rejoice.

Try the spiritual milk Peter wrote about. Just as milk satisfies an infant, God’s Word has answers to satisfy every need.

Walking with my Lord

Dear God, thank You for the words of the Scriptures which satisfy all my needs. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 29/30 ©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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Meeting Together

In the Word

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another … (Hebrews 10:24–25a).

Of the Word

It’s sometimes hard to go out in public with a little one. I found church services with quiet times for confession, reflection, and prayer to be especially difficult. It was usually during those times at church when my daughter decided to add her thoughts on the matter.

The author of Hebrews implores us not to give up meeting together even when it might seem like the “easy” thing to do when our children are little.

Instead of staying away, God wants us to hear His Word, partake of the sacraments, and have fellowship with other Christians. In addition, participating in worship and Christian education will also provide a firm foundation for your baby.

We should not neglect meeting with other Christians. We need the encouragement Christian fellowship provides; and our love and faithfulness may be just the encouragement another mother needs.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, I thank You for the encouragement of other Christians, and I ask that You would help me provide the same blessing to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 28/30 ©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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Quenching My Thirst

In the Word

Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13–14).

Of the Word

Television programming is filled with commercials advertising products that supposedly will help us live a more fulfilled life. The problem is — they never do! Many of us jump from one product to another, thirsting for happiness, never finding it. We are left thirsting for more.

The Samaritan woman spoke of earthly water from the man-made well. The living water Jesus promised was entirely different! In Holy Baptism the water and God’s Word bring new life, satisfying our spiritual thirst. By God’s grace through the work of the Holy Spirit, we become His children, forsaking the desires of the world and living instead for Him.

… you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:11b).

Walking with my Lord

Gracious Son of God, You have given me Your living water and in it I am satisfied. When I am distracted by the desires and pleasures of this world, remind me of my Baptism and of all You have given me. In Your holy name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 26/28 ©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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Water for My Thirst

In the Word

O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water (Psalm 63:1).

Of the Word

David, on the run from his enemies in the wilderness of Judah, was quite literally experiencing a dry and weary land. While in hiding, David was away from Jerusalem and may have felt he was distant from God.

Though we might be sitting in a comfy chair in our living room, we may be experiencing a similar spiritual or emotional wilderness. At times we may feel that God is far from us — times of loneliness or loss, times when we question God’s plan for our lives.

Just as our flesh yearns for water in a drought, our soul longs for the Lord’s presence. Even when it seems we are all alone in this world, we are confident that God will never forsake us. He will never leave us. He will never take His eye off us.

So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6).

Walking with my Lord

Ever Present God, through faith I am confident that You will never leave me nor forsake me. In Your Son’s holy name I pray. Amen. 

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 25/28 ©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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The Master’s Makeover

In the Word

… and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:23–24).

Of the Word

A popular television program features women who receive a fashion makeover. A haircut, cosmetic tips, and a new wardrobe produce dramatic changes. But surprisingly, the recipients are most vocal about the internal changes: attitude, confidence, self-esteem.

Christians sometimes forget they have been given a spiritual makeover. When Christ gave His life on the cross to redeem us, our old self died with Him. Although our salvation is now assured, we often live with the old clothing of guilt, shame, and fear. We attempt to camouflage ourselves with perfection and good works in order to earn God’s mercy. We are living with old messages that cheapen the gift of grace.

The apostle Paul encourages us to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God … (Ephesians 4:24). Because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross we have been transformed. We wear His robes of righteousness and holiness. We are never the same after the Master’s makeover!

Walking with my Lord

Lord, when I look into life’s mirror, let me rejoice in the robe of righteousness that Jesus has given me to wear. In His name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 27/30 ©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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