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Listen Up!

In the Word

“And now, O sons, listen to me: blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it.” (Proverbs 8:32–33).

Of the Word

“Turn. That. Thing. Down!” came Dad’s sharp words when the radio blared. “Change the channel! Now!” was Mom’s direction when the TV show was too steamy for young minds. Today’s noises come from more sources — movies, video games, and social media. Some noises are so loud they even cause ear damage. How can the world’s noises be turned off before they cause even more damage: heart and mind damage?

God’s instruction is … listen to me (Proverbs 8:32). He directs His people to think of … whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable… (Philippians 4:8b). When these good things fill hearts and minds, God promises His blessings. … the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

A Point to Ponder: What noises are interfering with my time for listening to God?

Walking with my Lord

Dear Heavenly Father, help me to avoid the noises and distractions that pull me away from You. Give me wisdom to choose what is good and right for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 20/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198

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 Heart Full of Trust

In the Word

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

Of the Word

With the shot clock ticking down, player #9 heaved the ball to #35, who swished it into the basket for a 3-pointer. Hours of practice had built the trust that each man would be in position for the play.

Do God’s children “practice” trusting in Him? King Solomon gives the directive, Trust in the LORD … (Proverbs 3:5a). Not in a teammate, a spouse, a friend, an employer — but in the Lord. How much trust? A little bit? Enough to get me through the mess? No, trust … with all your heart. All!

But what else? Surely there’s something I can do. Yes, get the facts, make evaluations; assess the situation, all the while asking for God’s guidance. Trust His promise, “… I know the plans I have for you … plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). What more could we ask than to be blessed with a hope and a future from the One Who loves us best?

A Point to Ponder: What special circumstance do I face today for which I need to hear these words, Trust in the LORD with all your heart?

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, help me to trust in You for every decision, great or small. Fill my heart with the gifts of peace and understanding. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 19/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198

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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Celebrate Families

In the Word

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV).

Of the Word

Families used to live in close proximity and came together on a regular basis. Now families are scattered around the country and sometimes even around the world. Although technology allows for daily written or visual contact, nothing can replace a family gathering.

Hugs are shared, laughter flows, conversations continue through the night. Being in the presence of those you love, and who love you, can certainly lift your spirits. These folks have seen your struggles and your triumphs. Family celebrates with you, cries with you, and inspires you.

Paul understood the importance of family gatherings, especially for the early church. Sometimes the joy of our salvation through Jesus’ death and resurrection can be dimmed by responsibilities and concerns. Our gracious Father gives us families as a reminder of His personal love for us. Whether with relatives or friends in the faith, God wants us to encourage each other. Families share. Families pray. Families forgive. Celebrate families!

Walking with my Lord

Lord, thank You for placing me in a family. Help me to love them as You love me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 18/28 ©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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Happy Anniversary!

In the Word

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12b NIV).

Of the Word

At the 50th anniversary celebration the husband was asked, “What is the secret of your long marriage?” “Well,” drawled the gentleman, “I never tried to hold things together with a thread when I needed a rope.” After the puzzled laughter subsided, he added, “Handling life’s problems alone would have been tough. My wife gave me added strength. But the Lord held us together.”

After God created Adam, He said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him” (Genesis 2:18 NIV). God formed Eve to be Adam’s earthly partner, a strand of two woven into one flesh.

However, the heart of any marriage is truly defined as A cord of three strands is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12b). Christ, the Third Strand, gives strength to husband and wife. A shared faith in Him sustains us in the challenges of life and multiplies the joys of our blessings. The Creator desires to be the center of every marriage.

Walking with my Lord

Jesus, we daily celebrate our marriage union in You. Help us to always look to You for strength and guidance. In Your loving name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 17/28 ©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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Belly Laughs

In the Word

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them” (Psalm 126:2).

Of the Word

There are few things more contagious than the laughter of a young child. That unselfconscious, from-the-toes giggle that expands into a full-blown belly laugh. The cause does not matter because the action takes on a life of its own. Soon, everyone in the room has gotten caught up in the laughter.

Perhaps adults should experience one good belly laugh a month, especially with another person. It could become the next fitness rage! Think of the worries and stress that might be eliminated without a prescription.

Christians have the best reason to express such total joy. Helplessly lost in our sin, we face only sorrow and death. Our merciful God sent Jesus to redeem us from the debt we owed by His death on the cross and glorious resurrection. We experience Easter joy every day, a joy so contagious that those whose lives we touch will say, “The LORD has done great things … ” (Psalm 126:2b).

Walking with my Lord

Jesus, thank You for the laughter You have put into my life. Let my joy in You as my Savior overflow so others may know You, too! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 16/28 ©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 Race — First Place

In the Word

And He sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35).

Of the Word

Imagine what would happen if the last runner to cross the finish line was declared the winner of the race. There would be some laughter, questions of sanity, and a reality check at the awards ceremony. The truth is, the last runner in is never the winner.

So imagine the disciples’ confusion when Jesus declared that for anyone to be first in His kingdom, he must, in fact, be last. How is this possible? Jesus placed a “winning” status on those who serve others with humility. Need an example? Jesus humbly served His creation by being born into our midst, feeding us through His Word, healing us, and saving us. By humbly serving our neighbors we follow Jesus’ example.

Walking with my Lord

Christ Jesus, in humility You served all of creation and made the supreme sacrifice by giving Your own life on Calvary’s cross. Help me to follow Your example and humbly serve my neighbor. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Race of Faith. Author: Amanda Stacy, DCE. 18/28 ©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 — Encouragement

In the Word

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Hebrews 10:24–25).

Of the Word

Having a hard time remaining consistent with your runs? Want to meet more runners like yourself? You may want to consider joining a local running club. Increasingly popular, these clubs serve to support, encourage, and motivate members while training.

The author of Hebrews directs us to meet together and give encouragement to each other. Today’s Christians call it “going to church.”

Where else will you consistently hear the Word of God preached and receive the Sacraments? Where else can you join with other Christian voices to pray, praise, and give thanks? As you run your race of faith, meet together in worship and Bible study to support, encourage, and motivate each other.

Walking with my Lord

Dear God, thank You for Your Church on earth where I learn of Your faithfulness. Through Your Holy Spirit motivate me to reach out to others with encouragement as they run their race of faith. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Race of Faith. Author: Amanda Stacy, DCE. 17/28 ©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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