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Do You Have the "What Ifs"?

In the Word

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1).

Of the Word

“Fear” is a four-letter word that can wreak havoc on a person’s life! The fear of the unknown, the fear of the unseen, the fear that comes from the “what ifs.” These fears can turn a person from a believer into a doubter, or an optimist into a pessimist. Fear turns people into victims.

What do we fear? Often, we fear failure, heights, disease, rejection, war, death, what others may think about us, and on goes the list. Fear in our minds, it seems, lurks around every corner.

The Lord is my light. How often have I repeated the first verse of David’s Psalm 27 when I have encountered fear! The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? He’s the light that shines in the darkness, the light that acts as my guide in times of trouble, my beacon as I go along life’s path.

The Lord is my salvation. Isaiah 12:2a says, Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and will not be afraid. There is no need to fear as our salvation has been secured through Christ shedding His blood on the cross for us. His resurrection assures me that someday I will rise and be with Him forever.

The Lord is my strength. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). He holds me in His strong hands whenever I feel weak and afraid. He strengthens me as I put my trust in Him. 

Light. Salvation. Strength. The Lord is all of these and more — so why am I so afraid?

I began to ask the Lord to free me from my fears and to trust Him. God’s Word from Romans 8:38–39 became my powerful weapon against fear: For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. God will do away with our fears and the “what ifs” in life. We need only to trust Him. Draw upon Scripture to help chase away fear!

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, help me chase fear away. I know You are my light when my world seems so dark, frightening, and depressing. You are my strength when I am weary and feel I cannot go on. Most importantly, You are my salvation and my hope for eternity. Help me to trust You at all times. In Your Son’s name I pray. Amen.

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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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What Seems Right

In the Word

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death (Proverbs 16:25).

Of the Word

Sin looks pretty good — sometimes even tasty, exciting, glamorous, or handsome. The forbidden fruit in Eden looked delicious, but what catastrophic repercussions followed that first bite!

Like he talked to Eve in the Garden, Satan is still talking today. “Did God actually say…?” he asks. Does God actually say anything about the sanctity of human life? Does He actually say anything about marriage? Does He actually have guidelines about getting along with others?

When confronted by Satan (Luke 4:1–12), Jesus used Scripture to refute him. We, too, can use the Word to show us not just what seems right, but what is right for the people of God. King David advised, Seek the LORD and his strength (1 Chronicles 16:11a).

We can hold fast to this promise, The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life (Psalm 21:7).

A Point to Ponder: What is Satan’s favorite way to tempt me? How do I resist him?

Walking with my Lord

Lord Jesus, when temptations come — and I know they will come — keep me focused on You. Send the Holy Spirit to make me strong. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 23/32 ©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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God’s Forgiving Grace

In the Word

And he [Adam] said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself” (Genesis 3:10).

Of the Word

“Wait ‘til your father gets home!” When a child hears that, fearful clock-watching often begins. When dad’s footsteps are heard, the child, anticipating the wrath to come, may hide from the father. Ever since Adam tried to hide from God in the Garden of Eden, it has been our nature to hide from Him when we sin.

People will often try to stay far from their Lord, thinking that He only draws near to lay them bare in their guilt and punish them for their sins. Yet, in love, Jesus came into this world and allowed Himself to be laid bare on the cross and die for us all.

Because of Christ’s sacrifice there is no more wrath for those who trust in Him. Instead, the Lord draws near to us to grant us forgiving grace in the waters of Holy Baptism and in the body and blood of Holy Communion. These gifts are given in the Father’s house.

Walking with my Lord

Father, always remind me that in Your house, there is forgiving grace because of Jesus. In His name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 22/30 ©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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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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Firstfruits or Leftovers

In the Word

Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; … (Proverbs 3:9).

Of the Word

How do you like leftovers? Most people don’t like yesterday’s soggy pasta, overcooked steak, or mushy vegetables. Even when leftovers are doctored up, they’re still leftovers.

What does God say about leftovers? When it comes to gifts, He wants our firstfruits, not leftovers!

Stories are told about families who made conscious decisions to give their offerings to the Lord first and then pay their monthly bills. God blessed their firstfruits, offerings given with love and in faith.

God gave His Firstfruit, His one-and-only Son, Jesus Christ. His death on Calvary’s cross assures us of life and salvation, and those gifts are ours through His Spirit’s gift of faith.

Because He gives us His best, can we offer Him our leftovers? No, in faith-filled response to His love, we want to give Him our best.

A Point to Ponder: What time, talent, and treasure firstfruit gifts can I offer today?

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, I give You thanks for the gift of salvation that is mine through faith in Jesus. Fill my heart with such love and praise for You that I will willingly serve You with all that I am and have. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 22/32 ©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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Working for His Glory

In the Word

… whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31b NIV).

Of the Word

Do you remember receiving your first paycheck? Maybe it was received for lawn mowing, snow shoveling, or babysitting. That money was so special some have framed the first dollar ever made!

It is exciting to be chosen for a new job. From flipping burgers to fixing computers, from grocery bagger to store owner, from mail clerk to director of marketing, each job is special. For some, a first job continues until retirement. Others change jobs and careers in their search for fulfilling work. Some use their skills in a high-rise office and some in the family home.

God has given us the talents that we use in our work. Each person’s skill set may be different, but the Creator of our gifts wants us to do it all for the glory of God … (1 Corinthians 10:31b NIV). When we give our best at our job, we are honoring the Lord of our salvation and life, and can give witness to our Savior Jesus Christ who gave His all for us on the cross of Calvary. No matter the nature of our job, we can perform it for His glory and with the strength He provides.

Walking with my Lord

Giver of all things, I thank and praise You for my current employment. May what I do give glory to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 21/28 ©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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