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The Right Name

In the Word

I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever (Psalm 86:12).

Of the Word

Even though my husband and I picked out our daughter’s name without much trouble, that’s not always the case. Some parents put much study into the origin of a name, its meaning, and even alternate spellings. Others test the initials to avoid an embarrassing spelling, or they check to make sure an awkward rhyme doesn’t result from the name choice.

Unfortunately, these days the meanings of names are not quite as important as they were in biblical times. There was a reason Abram’s name was changed to Abraham and why Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter. Abraham was the father of many nations, and Peter’s faith was solid. Their names told people a lot about who they were.

We know a lot about Jesus for the same reason. His name means “the Lord is salvation.” And we are thankful that He lives up to the meaning of His name. Now by His grace and through faith we can take hold of the salvation Jesus won for us on the cross. For this it is only fitting that we should thank and glorify Him with our whole hearts.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, thank You for the salvation won for me through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me glorify His name forever. In His name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 25/30 ©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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Against the Grain

In the Word

It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it … (Isaiah 2:2).

Of the Word

One unique property of water is its capillary action in soil. Capillary action is the ability of water to flow into narrow places without any assistance and often times in opposition to natural forces, such as gravity. This is how water can defy gravity, moving upward from the roots of a tree to all of its branches.

The prophet Isaiah speaks of a river of people, acting like water, flowing up the mountain of God. People of all nations are flowing to the house of the Lord.

This is how things will be on the Last Day in the kingdom of heaven. All believers in Christ as Savior will flow to the house of the Lord. And we will do so without any of the toil and trouble, pain and hurt, grief and loss of our sinful world. “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water’ ” (John 7:38).

Walking with my Lord

Eternal Father, as I look forward to the Last Day when I will be with You and all believers on Your holy mountain, keep my eyes focused on You so that I will follow the path You have laid out for me. In Your Son’s name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 24/28 ©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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Riddle Me This

In the Word

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).

Of the Word

Scientific studies show that activities such as solving riddles greatly decreases one’s chance of memory loss. When Nicodemus came to Jesus, he thought Jesus was speaking in riddles, for how could a grown adult enter his mother’s womb and be born again?

Jesus was not referring to our physical entry into this world. Instead, He was talking about Baptism, our spiritual birth through the water and the Spirit. In this new birth, faith is created. We are made children of God and are assured of eternal life. … he saved us, … according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit … (Titus 3:5).

A physical rebirth, or even a hundred of them, could not wash away our sin. Only the water of Holy Baptism along with God’s Spirit can purify us from our sin. And this is no riddle!

Walking with my Lord

Savior Jesus, through my Baptism I have been reborn as a child of God. Strengthen my faith and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, may I always confess You as Lord. In Your holy name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 23/28 ©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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Life in the Blood

In the Word

Thus says the Lord, “By this you shall know that I am the Lord: behold, with the staff that is in my hand I will strike the water that is in the Nile, and it shall turn into blood”  (Exodus 7:17).

Of the Word

Dye can quickly change the color of water. Though the outward appearance may change, the chemical makeup never does. Even after adding dye, water is still water.

When Moses struck the Nile River with his staff, God did not just change the color of the water. He actually changed the water into blood. The Egyptians had no water for their crops or livestock. They could not use the blood for drinking or cleaning.

Unlike the blood of the Nile, which brought discomfort and death, the blood of Jesus brings life and salvation. Unlike dye poured into water or even water changed into blood, Jesus’ blood changes our whole being. His sacrifice changes both our hearts and our lives.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace … (Ephesians 1:7).

Walking with my Lord

God of all miracles, in Jesus’ blood I now have a new life as Your child. Change me, mold me, and use me in Your service here on earth. In Your Son’s name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 22/28 ©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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Thanks in Advance

In the Word

… in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6).

Of the Word

The four-year-old was literally bouncing with excitement. He could barely contain himself. His mother handed him the first birthday present with the reminder, “Can you say thank you to Grandma for the gift?” “Not yet,” the little boy innocently responded, “I don’t know what it is!”

Isn’t that just like a kid? The grandmother, who knows him well, chose something just perfect for him. He should have trusted her and thanked her before opening the gift. But wait a minute! Haven’t we responded to our Heavenly Father in the same way?

The apostle Paul tells us to take every request to God by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6a). We can trust His loving response. Our generous Father, who sacrificed Jesus to make us His own again, most assuredly knows what we need. We need not wait to see what we get before we express our gratitude. It will be the perfect gift from the Perfect Giver.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, every time I come to You with a request, help me acknowledge Your compassion and grace by thanking You in advance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 24/30 ©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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Surrounded Every Moment

In the Word

You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me (Psalm 139:5).

Of the Word

It was the little girl’s first trip to the state fair, and she was excited when her father offered to buy funnel cakes. There were hundreds of people in the way, and each one towered over her. She pushed forward on her own. Then, overwhelmed by the crowds, she cried out in panic, “Daddy!” She felt his hand on her shoulder, and heard his reassuring voice, “I am right here.”

There are many moments in our lives when the world is crushing us. Each worry or problem seems to loom so large. We struggle to find our own solution, but finally — in desperation — we pray “Abba” (Daddy). As promised, we feel His hand of peace on us.

Yet, God provides even more! The psalmist states, You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me (Psalm 139:5). God surrounds us with His presence; we don’t make a move without His protection. In moments of fear and panic, what blessed assurance it is to know we are never alone. God’s love and grace shield us from every danger.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, in the moments when my fears try to crush me, give me the firm assurance that I am surrounded by Your grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 23/30 ©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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One Day at a Time

In the Word

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life …” (Matthew 6:25a).

Of the Word

“The family is healthy, my new job is good, and I actually have a positive balance in my checkbook,” muttered Heather. “Then why the sour face?” responded a friend. Without hesitation, Heather wailed, “I’m worried because there is nothing to worry about!”

If worry was an Olympic sport, some of us would win a medal every day. Constant anxiety robs us of sleep and peace of mind. Most importantly, it is a reflection of our lack of trust in God’s care. Jesus spoke about worry at great length, assuring us that the Heavenly Father generously provides for all His creation. God values us so much He sent His only Son Jesus to die on the cross for our redemption. We can never worry our way to a solution! Instead, we must place our trust in God’s loving provision.

Jesus tells us we cannot serve two masters — worry and trust. The old saying is true: “If you pray, why worry? If you worry, why pray?” With the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can learn to trust in God every day.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, help me let go of my worries and place my cares into Your tender hands one day at a time. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 22/30 ©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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