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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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In Need of Forgiveness

In the Word

“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” (Hebrews 8:12).

Of the Word

Who has tried to outsmart their parents?
All of us!

A three-year-old was playing while his dad was trying to get some work done. When the father heard a suspicious noise, he called, “Cubby, whatcha doin’?” Quickly Cubby answered, “Nothing!” The father was not convinced. He waited for a moment, heard more stirring and asked again, “Cubby, what are you doing?” This time the boy quickly responded with the convicting words, “Not getting candy!”

Many of us probably tried to outsmart our parents when we were kids. Sometimes we may even have succeeded. Outsmarting God is different. God is all-knowing. He sees our actions and knows our very thoughts. We cannot fool Him or hide anything from Him.

No one loves us more than God. He wants us to trust Him with everything. He will not love us less when we confess our sins, but rather He promises to forgive all of them for Jesus’ sake. He says, “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” (Hebrews 8:12).

Walking with my Lord

Dear Heavenly Father, forgive my sins of thought, word, and deed. Help me trust in You for all that I need. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Mustard Seed: Simple Trust. Elaine Bickel, author. 13/29 ©2011 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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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O God, Our Help in Ages Past

In the Word

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God (Psalm 90:1–2).

Of the Word

O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home:

People seek security because they want to feel safe. Where do many try to find security? Some choices might be investments, property, savings accounts, power, or false beliefs.

The Christian who believes in Jesus as His Savior from sin knows that true security can be found only in the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The hymn ends with this prayer: “O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Be Thou our guard while troubles last And our eternal home!” God was our Helper in the past, and we can trust Him for the future — all the way to heaven.

Walking with my Lord

O God, You are my Helper, my Hope, my Security. Reassure me of Your presence when my world seems to be crumbling around me. Remind me of Your providence as You meet my needs. Help me to look to You first, last, and always. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Joyful, Joyful. Rev. Larry and Shari Miller, authors. 12/31. Hymn Text: LSB 733. ©2011  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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.
All hymns are public domain with the text reprinted from Lutheran Service Book, ©2006, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO.

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The Lord’s My Shepherd, I’ll not Want

In the Word

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want (Psalm 23:1 KJV).

Of the Word

The Lord's my shepherd, I'll not want;
He makes me down to lie
In pastures green; He leadeth me
The quiet waters by.

Psalm 23, a favorite of many people, is the basis for this hymn. In verse one, the Shepherd meets the needs of the flock by providing the nourishment of green pastures. Thirst is quenched at quiet waters where the sheep can drink their fill.

The psalmist and the poet remind us that the Lord, our Good Shepherd, is with us at all stages of our lives. He comforts us and restores us. He daily provides for us and watches over every facet of our days. He is with us even in our final days. He takes us to our forever home in heaven.

“Goodness and mercy all my life Shall surely follow me; And in God’s house forevermore My dwelling place shall be.”

Walking with my Lord

Loving Shepherd, I, Your wayward lamb, have too often gone my own way when I should have followed You. Please forgive and restore me. Give me faith to follow wherever You will lead. In Your trustworthy name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Joyful, Joyful. Rev. Larry and Shari Miller, authors. 18/31. Hymn Text: LSB 710. ©2011  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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are taken from the King James Version. Public domain.
All hymns are public domain with the text reprinted from Lutheran Service Book, ©2006, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO.

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How, Lord … can I adjust my life to Your Word?

In the Word

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path (Psalm 119:105).

Of the Word

Bumper sticker wisdom: a picture of an open Bible with the words, “When all else fails, read the instructions.” God did not create us and then leave us on our own to figure out how to get through life. The Bible really is a book of instructions — from the first page to the last.

Just as that bumper sticker subtly suggests, we frequently plow through life believing we can do it on our own. Too often we turn to God’s Word after worry, frustration, or when all else has failed.

God wants us to depend on Him. He gave us His Holy Spirit to lead us into understanding the Bible so we can apply its message to our lives. … the Holy Scriptures … have the power to give you wisdom so that you can be saved through faith in Christ Jesus. Every Scripture passage is inspired by God. All of them are useful for teaching, pointing out errors, correcting people, and training them for a life that has God’s approval. They equip God’s servants so that they are completely prepared to do good things (2 Timothy 3:15b–17 GOD’S WORD).

Walking with my Lord

God, make me willing to read Your Word every day and to wait for Your Spirit to guide me. Lord, I want to be obedient to Your will. In Your sovereign name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: How, Lord? Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 12/32 ©2011 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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (GOD’S WORD) are taken from GOD’S WORD ®, © 1995, God’s Word to the Nations. Used by permission of Baker Publishing Group.

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How, Lord … can I learn to be content?

In the Word

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have… (Hebrews 13:5a).

Of the Word

If only I had a better job, a bigger car, or different clothes I would be satisfied. If I could get new furniture or more jewelry or cosmetic surgery I would be content.

Why would we believe in the promises of the world that tell us if we had enough money we could buy whatever we wanted and we would be content?

Contentment comes when we focus on what God has already given us and forget about the things we want. “Life is not about having a lot of material possessions” (Luke 12:15b GOD’S WORD).

Contentment is realizing that when we have Jesus, we have all we need. Only He can satisfy us with things that won’t fade away as soon as the next worldly fad comes along. No earthly possession can compare with the richness of the spiritual blessings God has for us.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, fill me with Your Holy Spirit so my focus will be on You, for then I know I am blessed. Remind me that focusing on material possessions only brings me discontent. May my priorities always please and serve You. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: How, Lord? Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 11/32 ©2011 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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (GOD’S WORD) are taken from GOD’S WORD ®, © 1995, God’s Word to the Nations. Used by permission of Baker Publishing Group.

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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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