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Looking Over Your Shoulder

In the Word

Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided (Exodus 14:21).

Of the Word

Driver’s education instructors are constantly reminding their students to look in the rear view mirror. In doing so, the driver is able to see what’s going on behind the car.

While the Israelites were crossing the Red Sea, they were constantly looking over their shoulders. Whenever they looked back, they saw Egyptians approaching quickly. Once they were safely across, there was no need to keep looking back. When they crossed the Red Sea, they left behind their old lives as slaves. They were free!

Like the Israelites, we no longer need to keep looking over our shoulders to see if our sins are following us. We can be confident that, … as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us (Psalm 103:12).

Just as the Israelites crossed through waters of the Red Sea, we have crossed through the waters of Holy Baptism. This means our old life of sin and death is left behind, and we need not look back. We are free from the burden of sin.

Walking with my Lord

O Lord, in my Baptism You removed my sins as far as the east is from the west. Remind me of this so that I no longer keep looking over my shoulder. In Your holy name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 12/28 ©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 Problems

In the Word

He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?” (Luke 8:25).

Of the Word

Do you ever have trouble controlling the temperature of the water while taking a shower? If you turn the knob too far one way the water is scalding, and if you turn it the other way the water is freezing. We might have problems controlling just a little bit of water, but in the Gospel of Luke we read of the One who has control over all of the wind and the water.

The disciples marveled at the fact that when Jesus rebuked the winds and the water, they immediately became still.

For the disciples, the storm was real. But what are the storms in your life? Doubt about the present? Anxiety over the future? Concerns from your past? The apostle Peter, who endured this storm, writes, Humble yourselves … casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:6a, 7). The One who has command over wind and water will calm the storms in our lives, too.

Walking with my Lord

All Powerful Savior, just as You calmed the storm on the sea, You calm the storms in my life. Remind me of Your presence and lead me to trust in Your goodness. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 11/28 ©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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Quenching a Thirst

In the Word

“Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink.” And Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel (Exodus 17:6).

Of the Word

As soon as their drinking water ran out, the Israelites quickly began to grumble and complain. Who could blame them? It was hot in the desert and they had been walking a lot. God heard the cries of Moses and the Israelites. Through His miraculous hand, water flowed from the rock God instructed Moses to strike. From this rock the Israelites were able to drink their fill.

But after a while the Israelites would once again become thirsty, and it is the same for us. We take a drink of water and are satisfied, but after a while we drink again because our thirst is only satisfied for a short time.

Jesus’ blood satisfies for eternity. It is the satisfaction for our sins. For the Israelites water flowed from a rock; for us the blood flowed from Jesus. We are assured, the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7b). The blood that flowed at the cross saves us.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, the blood of Your Son Jesus is the satisfaction for my sins. Remind me that, unlike water, His blood will satisfy for all of eternity. In His name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 10/28 ©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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“Do-Over” Moments

In the Word

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32).

Of the Word

You cannot believe what you just said! Although not intentional, it was still hurtful. As the old saying goes, “You put your mouth in drive before your brain was in gear.” Every fiber in you desperately wants to yell, “Do over!” Everyone has moments we wish could be erased. Without thinking, we say the wrong thing and upset someone. Making excuses or pretending ignorance only increases the offense. We cannot retract the behavior, but we need to take responsibility and humbly ask for forgiveness. When we are on the receiving end of such a faux pas, we are to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving.

Asking for forgiveness and forgiving are marks of our Christian life. How blessed we are to be forgiven by God in Christ. We are declared righteous in His sight because of Christ’s sacrifice for our sins. In gratitude for this undeserved grace, we are to be “little Christs” to one another. No superficial “do overs,” but instead the gift of genuine, joyfilled forgiveness.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, even when I unintentionally sin, help me seek forgiveness from You and the person I hurt. Help me offer forgiveness to those who hurt me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 12/30 ©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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Divine Connection

In the Word

“Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24).

Of the Word

Long-time friends, the two ladies knew each other well. Still, it was rather uncanny when it happened. One would be in a troubled mood, and the friend would phone. Or, one would barely start a sentence, and the other would finish the thought. Some considered it weird, while others were amazed at how in-sync they were.

We share just such a relationship with God, our Creator. He promises … “Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24). The Creator’s deep love for us provides an unbreakable connection. He knows our every thought, concern, question, and need before it can even be voiced. What comfort it brings to realize how well our Lord knows and treasures each of His children.

The purpose of prayer is not to inform God of our situation, but to praise Him as the sole source of our being, salvation, and guidance. Knowing our Father is ready and waiting to hear our every prayer brings us immeasurable peace and joy.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, how amazing to have such a God whose love for and attention to me are never “ on hold.” Thank You! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 11/30 ©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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Dead End

In the Word

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).

Of the Word

There were few houses left on the rural road to the church. Once part of a prosperous farming community, it had served a large congregation. Now the road ended near the cemetery. County officials had erected a large sign: DEAD END. The sign generated moments of laughter, and some of deep thought.

Perhaps that sign should be placed in every cemetery as a reminder of St. Paul’s words … the wages of sin is death … (Romans 6:23a). God’s perfect law demands perfect obedience. The life of each sinner is a dead end. Thank God those words are not the end of the verse.

St. Paul goes on to write, … the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23b). Jesus’ willing sacrifice on the cross has given us a free gift with no fine print included — eternal life in a heavenly home filled with unspeakable joy.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Son, whose death and resurrection assures that my last moment on earth will truly be a “living end.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 10/30 ©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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Hannah — Promise Made, Promise Kept

Hannah’s Story: 1 Samuel 1:1–28

In the Word

For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:27–28a).

Of the Word

How good are you at keeping promises? We all have the best of intentions when promises are made, but sometimes “stuff” gets in the way: an unexpected appointment, an illness, even a traffic jam.

When tearful Hannah went to the house of God, she earnestly prayed for a son. And she tacked on a promise, “I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life” (1 Samuel 1:11b). Imagine a childless woman making such a promise!

In due time, God blessed Hannah with a son. As she nursed him and cared for him, she must have pondered her promise. We can only guess whether or not she had second thoughts. But when young Samuel was weaned, she took him to Eli the priest. God gave her the strength to leave the young child there, thus keeping the promise she had made.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, guide my thoughts and words as I serve You. Help me make and keep promises that bring glory to You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 12/34 ©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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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