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Let all that is in me adore Him!

In the Word

Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise (Psalm 48:1a).

Of the Word

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.”

How easily the words flow from our mouths; how easily we sing the beautiful harmonies of the majestic Old Hundredth; and how easily we take for granted God’s daily care and blessings. God deserves and desires our praise. Selfish attitudes disappear when we selflessly praise Him. I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he (Deuteronomy 32:3–4).

God smiles when we praise His name! Because of Jesus‘ atoning sacrifice for our sins, Old Testament animal sacrifices are no longer offered. Instead we offer God the “sacrifice of praise.” Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that confess his name (Hebrews 13:15).

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, we praise Your holy name! Help us continually praise You as we live our lives for Your glory! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Prayer. Written by 2003–2005 LWML Christian Life Committee. 5/31 ©2005 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.
“Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow” words by Thomas Ken, music by Louis Bourgeois. Public domain.

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Exercising Our Right to Vote

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

As United States citizens, we have the right and privilege to vote for candidates running for various national, state, and local offices. Those elected will serve in a position of authority in their respective offices which have been instituted by God.

Just as Christ willfully submitted to His Father by coming to earth to save us from our sins, we should willfully submit to the authorities God has put in place to help provide order in a world plagued by sin and disorder. We submit to the governing authorities until they command us to do something against God’s Word.

We cannot do this on our own. It is only through the Holy Spirit working in us that we strive to submit to our heavenly Father and the governing authorities He places over us. When we fail, we can repent, and He promises to forgive. Through prayer, the Holy Spirit can, and will, strengthen our resolve to honor those in authority. 

Walking with my Lord

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for a government that provides order and protection for us. Help us to respect those who serve in positions of authority. Amen.
 

Mustard Seed: Election Day by Pam Wiederkehr, Enid, Oklahoma. Copyright © 2024 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. All rights reserved. lwml.org

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible unless otherwise noted. (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Honoring Our Shepherds

In the Word

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages” (1 Timothy 5:17 ̶ 18).

Of the Word

When I was a child, I thought that my pastor had a very easy job because he only worked on Sundays. Although pastors may have a day or two a week scheduled to spend with family and may take vacation time throughout the year, their responsibility for and service to their flock and to the Good Shepherd is a 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 52 weeks a year commitment. 

Pastors visit the sick, comfort the dying, and counsel the troubled. Many also attend numerous meetings, activities, and events within the congregation and surrounding community. Some supervise large staffs of called, lay, and volunteer workers while others are the sole pastor tasked with meeting a wide variety of needs within a congregation or congregations, including reaching out to the unchurched community members with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. All pastors — regardless of the congregation’s size, type, and expectations of their pastor — carry out the most important vocations of preaching, teaching, and administering the Sacraments. Christ uses pastors in His Church to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19b ̶ 20a). Thanks be to God for blessing us with pastors! 

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Lord, for faithful shepherds who preach and teach Your Word and administer Your Sacraments. Forgive us for our failure to give them the honor they are due and help us to support them as they carry out Your Great Commission. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
 

Mustard Seed: Honoring Our Shepherds by Ruth Badciong, Winona, Minnesota. Copyright © 2024 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. All rights reserved. lwml.org

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible unless otherwise noted. (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Finally, the Diploma!

In the Word

“I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come” (Isaiah 46:10a NIV).

Of the Word

After years of schooling, the classes and final exams are completed. What a sense of accomplishment and relief to hold that diploma! The goal is finally attained. And inevitably someone will ask, “So, what are your plans now?”

Some individuals have a job offer firmly in hand. Some might have further education planned. Others might not have the slightest idea what to do next. Confident or fearful, each person can be assured that our heavenly Father has the future in His hands.

The God who created each of us had our purpose in life planned even before we came into being. “I make known the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:10a NIV) is His faithful promise to all of His children. Whether our life path unfolds exactly the way it was envisioned or with surprising detours, the Savior who redeemed us is right by our side. We never need to worry about the details of the plan. We only need to pray for guidance in discerning Jesus’ purpose for each of us.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, fill me with the blessed assurance that my life is truly secure in Your hands. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 26/28 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40195

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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The Next Step

In the Word

The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand (Psalm 37:23–24).

Of the Word

One of the lesser-known meanings of the word graduate is “to take a step.” Graduation is a step forward; a step into the unknown. Graduation is a day to celebrate, to look back on where one has been over the past years. It is a day to remember the best of times. It is also a day to look forward and wonder what is ahead. What is the next step? What will be encountered on that step?

While we never know for certain what the future holds, we do have God’s assurance that we can confidently take each step along the path knowing He is with us and in us. It means never stepping out alone. We have God’s promise, The steps of a man are established by the LORD … the LORD upholds his hand (Psalm 37:23a, 24b).

So as you begin a new phase of your life, hold fast to the promise that is yours through faith in Jesus Christ. The Triune God goes with you. Be confident that as you step out into the world with Him, He will hold you with His mighty hand. 

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, I am excited about graduating, but I know my life is going to be different from now on. Please help me to cling to You for strength. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 12/28 ©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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A Big Step

In the Word

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity (1 Timothy 4:12 NIV).

Of the Word

Confirmation is a special day! Many parents remember the day they brought their child to be baptized into the body of Christ. Now that child is making a personal promise to remain faithful to the Savior throughout life.

For some, confirmation is translated as, “Whew! That’s done!” The fact is, it is not the end. It is just the beginning of a journey of faith. Confirmation instruction provides the foundation of scriptural truths that enables a young person to truly begin the life God has planned. A life centered in the cross of Christ gives strength, courage, and joy to each day.

One’s service to God is not limited because of youth. Remember, Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example … (1 Timothy 4:12a NIV).There are opportunities to set an example at school as well as at church. People see faith in action whether it is in band or orchestra, playing sports, or participating in service projects. Confirmation is an important step in a Spirit-filled life. The adventure has begun!

Walking with my Lord

Lord, confirm my faith, trust, and hope in You every day! In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 24/28 ©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.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Candlemas: The Middle of Winter

Most of us mark February 2 as the day we jokingly put our trust in a little ground hog (Ground Hog Day). In jest, we call upon this furry little fellow to predict our winter fate, and like many other things that we might falsely rely on, the ground hog certainly cannot be trusted. While we know Ground Hog Day will come and go without any real hope concerning the arrival of spring, we do have a Savior whose light and promise of new life in Him is always certain.  

This second day of February, situated right in the middle of winter, is also celebrated by many Christians as “Candlemas.” Candlemas is 40 days after Christmas and marks the Feast of the Purification of Mary and the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. It is in the second chapter of Luke that we hear how Mary presented herself and the Christ child in the Temple according to the Law of Moses. Luke also presents to us these certain words of salvation in Christ Jesus proclaimed by faithful Simeon:

Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation
that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel (Luke 2:29–32).

Historically, Candlemas is also the day that the candles of the church are blessed. Candles give us light and remind us of Christ our Savior. Through the Word of God, we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit who creates faith in our hearts to believe in Christ and proclaim Him as our true source of light and salvation. This same Holy Spirit was upon Simeon as he proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah there in the Temple. 

We never really know what that groundhog will do as February 2nd rolls around. However, when Candlemas comes, we hear and can be certain of Simeon's proclamation. This day, positioned right in middle of winter and spring, shines the light of hope, a hope that truly breaks the cold darkness of our sin and false winter hopes. Candlemas brings us a true and trustworthy proclamation of what is and what is to come. Only Christ Jesus breaks the darkness of sin and uncertainty and shines His everlasting light of salvation for all people! 

Prayer: Dear Father in Heaven, you reveal to us Your light found in Mary’s Child. Thank you for sending this Light of salvation for all people. May Simeon’s proclamation also be ours as we fully put our trust and hope only in Jesus. Amen. 

The Middle of Winter by Patti Miller, St. Louis, Missouri
Copyright © 2022 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. All rights reserved.
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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