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New Life in Christ

In the Word

… and went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:39b).

Of the Word

When an adult is baptized in church, it draws the attention of the entire congregation. A mature person is receiving the Sacrament that many individuals received as babies and remember only through photos or videos.

Luke records for us an inspiring account of an adult baptism in Acts chapter eight. The disciple Philip encounters an Ethiopian official returning from worship in Jerusalem. Philip overhears the man reading from Isaiah and offers to discuss it with him. That discussion leads to the Good News of Jesus, which in turn leads to the Ethiopian’s Baptism. Filled with the Holy Spirit, the man … went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:39b).

To anyone caught in the pain and hopelessness of sin, the Good News of salvation through the death and resurrection of our Savior is life changing. The gift of Baptism, washing away of the “old self” and receiving the new life in Christ, is a true transformation by water and the Word. The adult recipient as well as those who witness it can go on their way rejoicing!

Walking with my Lord

Jesus, I rejoice daily in my Baptism and the new life it gives to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 23/28 ©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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The Heart of the Home

In the Word

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15b).

Of the Word

Think about the first home in which you remember living. If asked, most people could draw a “blueprint” of its design. Simple floor-plan or elaborate structure, it was home.

It is exciting to move into a new home. Maybe it is your first apartment or the dream house you have been saving for years to purchase. Whatever the size or style, it is your home. Your sanctuary. How fun it will be to make it your own by decorating the walls and arranging the furniture. It is even fun to clean … for a while!

More important than the appearance of the home, is the “heart” of the home. Joshua had a beloved homeland, but he also lived as a nomad. It did not matter where he lived as much as how he lived. He declared, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).

Any home with Christ as its center is a blessed place. We can celebrate the earthly residence we call home, and by faith we are assured of our heavenly home, too.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, thank You for being my Dwelling Place and the Cornerstone of my family. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 22/28 ©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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Witnesses — Jonah, You Can Run, But You Can’t Hide

In the Word

Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish, saying, “I called out to the Lord, out of my distress, and he answered me …” (Jonah 2:1–2a).

Of the Word

It’s never a good thing when your run ends in the belly of a big fish. How, you may be wondering, would that ever happen? Just ask Jonah (see Jonah 1:15–17). Unfortunately, unlike other runners you read about in Scripture, Jonah decided to run away from God. Jonah did not want to preach repentance and extend God’s mercy to Nineveh. So, he ran away — and ended up in the big fish.

Fortunately, there is no place to run that is out of God’s reach. God dealt with Jonah in the big fish’s belly, and God will meet you wherever you are as well. Let Jonah remind you there is no place you can run to be away from God. And also be reminded that there is no end to God’s loving patience, mercy, and forgiveness as He deals with His precious people.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your patience, mercy, and forgiveness. Help me to seek You and Your will instead of running away from You to do my own will. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Race of Faith. Author: Amanda Stacy, DCE. 24/28 ©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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The Race — Water Stations

In the Word

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters (Psalm 23:2).

Of the Word

For first-time race participants, making use of the water stations along the route can be a nerve-racking experience. Proper water station etiquette teaches the runner how to approach the water tables, what to say to volunteers, how to hold the cup so as not to spill the water while running, and how to dispose of the cup. Learning these things before a race is useful so that runners’ times aren’t compromised due to crowded water stations. Furthermore, these instructions help because people don’t normally drink water on the run.

Psalm 23 describes God, the Good Shepherd, giving His people, the sheep, what they need. He knows water is a necessity for keeping them healthy. But instead of water-on-the-go, He offers still waters, which make it easier for the sheep to drink. In the same way, God knows what we need and He knows how to provide for us.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, my Good Shepherd, thank You for providing me everything I need at the right time and in the right way. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Race of Faith. Author: Amanda Stacy, DCE. 23/28 ©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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The Race — Playlist

In the Word

And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” (Mark 10:21).

Of the Word

What’s on your running playlist? Chances are it’s something upbeat that gets your blood pumping and feet moving to the rhythm. Music keeps a runner occupied and interested, but it can be distracting. For this reason, the rules of many races will not let you listen to music because you may not be able to hear traffic or the instructions of race volunteers.

Many things distract believers as they run the race of faith. Money, lust, and status are just a few of the things that keep minds busy and off the race. Take, for example, the rich young man in Mark 10. This young man asked Jesus what he needed to do in order to gain eternal life. Jesus told him to sell all of his possessions and then follow Him. The man went away sad because he had great wealth.

Unfortunately, earthly possessions kept the rich young man from following Jesus. Even today, distractions can rob people of heavenly treasures. Leave your distractions behind and instead follow Jesus. He will lead you to life everlasting!

Walking with my Lord

Father, help me not be distracted by worldly things. Lead me on Your path of righteousness that I may receive eternal life through Jesus Christ, Your Son. In His name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Race of Faith. Author: Amanda Stacy, DCE. 22/28 ©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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My Worries or God’s Peace?

In the Word

… do not be anxious about anything … (Philippians 4:6a).

Of the Word

Worry is such an easy thing to do when it comes to family. It can swoop in from so many directions. “Am I giving the kids every advantage they’ll need to make it in life?” “Am I spending enough time with my parents, especially now that they’re getting older?” “Does the love I have for my spouse show? We seem to fight so often. Are we drifting apart?”

But worry does not solve anything. It simply directs us away from the certainty of God’s love.

With all the uncertainties that surround us, how can such a statement not to worry be real? Isn’t worry just part of family life? Paul finishes his statement to the Philippians with … but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6b).

When challenges within the family arise, God, Who has given us salvation in Christ, invites us to bring everything to Him in prayer. He offers us peace.

Walking with my Lord

Lord Jesus, what peace I have when I remember I can bring everything to You. When I am tempted to worry, remind me of Your peace. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 24/30 ©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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God’s Authority

In the Word

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God (Romans 13:1).

Of the Word

It’s easy to complain about politicians. It’s easy to complain about taxes. It’s easy to complain about the ineptness of government. Often times, it may seem like such complaints are well-earned. Yet, our Lord never calls on us to complain about those He has set in authority. In Romans, God reminds us that He has established governing authorities. Giving respect and honor to those in authority over us glorifies the Lord Who set them in these positions.

Even when the burglar pops the screen on the bedroom window, when the drug dealer persuades another child to give drugs a try, or when the terrorists hatch their evil plot, we know that our Lord has placed governing authorities over us.

We can take comfort in the fact that He has a plan to keep us safe and to provide justice when evil occurs.

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the people who serve as leaders among us. Guide them to work in ways that please You and benefit Your people. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 23/30 ©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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