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Forever Clean

In the Word

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3–4).

Of the Word

Imagine being buried in the sand at the beach. It sounds like fun until the weight of the sand becomes oppressive. When your friends pull you out, your first inclination is to jump into the water to be washed clean of all that sand. But getting clean on a sandy beach is nearly impossible. No matter how many times you dunk under water, the sand still clings somewhere on your body.

Without the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, our lives would be buried in sin. No matter how hard we tried, no amount of washing would make us clean. Sin would cling to us like that beach sand. But through His sacrifice on the cross we have been given a new life.

What a gift we have in Baptism! Through the water and God’s almighty Word we have been washed clean. Christ died to remove the filth of sin forever. We remember our Baptism daily as we enjoy the new life we have been given. We will never be hopelessly buried in sin again!

Walking with my Lord

Lord, thank You for cleaning my life in this powerful, mysterious, and effective way. Thank You for daily walking with me in my new life. In Your precious name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 11/28 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40195

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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Calamity or Celebration?

In the Word

“Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now” (John 2:10).

Of the Word

In ancient times, table wine was usually prepared by adding water to thick, syrupy wine. The last wine served at Cana’s wedding feast, however, was made from water only! How could this be? The servants filled jars with water. However, when it was served, it was wine! The wedding celebration continued because Jesus had performed a miracle. (Read about this in John 2:1–11.)

When we stay close to Jesus and follow His direction, we have the privilege of seeing His power and His miracles close up. We can best serve God and each other when, like the wedding servants, we simply do what He asks of us. He turned water into wine, and He will supply our needs in His own unique way.

God attends our wedding celebrations. He is with us long after the party ends. We have reasons to celebrate every day as we present our needs to Him, do as He directs, and then watch for the marvelous ways in which He uses His power to bless us. 

Walking with my Lord

Gracious Lord, remind us You are always near and You will be with us in our marriage. Help us as husband and wife to faithfully do what You ask. In Your blessed name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 10/28 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40195

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 — 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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