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Continuing to Train — Do Not Stumble

In the Word

I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble (Proverbs 4:11–12).

Of the Word

Have you ever fallen flat on your face while running? It could have been the uneven terrain. Maybe you got tangled up with someone or something. Or you just simply tripped over your own feet. But it was one of those falls where you didn’t even think to look around to see if anyone else saw what happened. You were just so stunned to be on the ground in the first place.

We have those kinds of falls every day. Things are going great and suddenly something awful or surprising happens. We are stunned to find ourselves flat on the ground in pain or humiliation. This is when faith becomes more than just a word.

As we run the race of life, faith in the promises and work of God will keep us upright. Then when something awful or surprising happens, we will have God’s solid Word to hold onto as we pass through uneven terrain.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, guard my path and keep me upright. Through Your Holy Spirit, increase my faith so that I may have Your solid promises to hold onto when I begin to stumble. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Race of Faith. Author: Amanda Stacy, DCE. 13/28 ©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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A Church Grieves

In the Word

And the people of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days (Deuteronomy 34:8a).

Of the Word

The Holy Scriptures teach us that … we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1b). When one of those dearly beloved witnesses dies, grief and sadness sweep across the Christian community. This was evident at the death of Moses, a great man of God. After his death, the people of Israel were grief-stricken. They wept for Moses for thirty days.

At the passing of a beloved congregation member or church leader, weeping may continue beyond thirty days. Fond memories of loved ones, singing or hearing their favorite hymns, seeing others serve in the roles they once filled can cause tears to flow from both eyes and hearts. God promises that Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning (Psalm 30:5b). … thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57b).

Walking with my Lord

O Lord, surround my tears with joy. Surround my grief with hope. Surround me with Your witnesses in this mournful time. Console Your church with Your Spirit. In Your holy name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 15/30 ©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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A Family Mourns

In the Word

Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21).

Of the Word

The loss of a dear family member leaves a gaping hole in life. When a loved one is suddenly gone, emptiness follows. It fills the house, the schedule, even the heart. If only that dear one would not have died! This is what Martha was feeling. She would not be experiencing this void in her life if only the Lord had kept her brother from dying.

Dealing with death is tough. Emptiness and grief are tough. Jesus knows this and comes to us in those times. His temporary answer for Martha’s brother was to bring him back to life, only to die again. His answer for us lies in His enduring words to Martha — and to us, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25b). Even in grief, Jesus brings life, filling emptiness with resurrection hope day by day unto eternity. Present pain will be erased in heaven on reunion day.

Walking with my Lord

O Lord, help me in my time of grief. The emptiness and sorrow that I am feeling are difficult. Fill me with the hope of Your promise of life and resurrection. In Your holy name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 14/30 ©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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Dealing with the Shock of Death

In the Word

And there followed [Jesus] a great multitude of people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him (Luke 23:27).

Of the Word

As Jesus was being led away to be crucified, the community was in shock. Mourning and lamenting ensued. From triumph to tragedy, He was being led out of the city to die. Things had changed so quickly.

When news breaks of unexpected, often tragic, deaths in a community, the shock spreads rapidly. The lives of police officers, firefighters, public officials, even innocent children can be ended suddenly while going about their daily routines. Communities are shaken to the core in the wake of such deadly tragedies.

Coping with tragic community deaths is difficult. But Jesus understands such circumstances. He walked in them. He died for them. In the midst of mourning and lamenting He brings hope and consolation. St. Peter reminds us, Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7 NIV). Tragic times call for transcending faith in Jesus who overcame death so we can spend eternity with Him.

Walking with my Lord

O Lord, help me to cope with death and tragedy in my community, looking to You for hope and consolation because You went the way of the cross for me and for my salvation. In Your holy name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 13/30 ©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.

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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Unchanging in a Changing World

In the Word

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22–23).

Of the Word

In our modern world we pretty much take for granted that things eventually come to an end. Products we once used and liked suddenly are no longer available. Familiar buildings get torn down. In the technology world, phones, computers, and other devices are continually being replaced with something faster and better. Even loving relationships may come to an end.

But our great God never changes! His love never ends! His mercies go on and on and on! He is always faithful and is always with us! Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

God demonstrated His love for us when He gave Jesus as a sacrifice on the cross. By believing in Him we will forever bask in His love in heaven. God loves us so much that He gave us His Holy Spirit to live within us and guide us all of our days. These assurances are to be trusted; they will always stay the same.

A Point to Ponder: I will make time today to meditate on the great love God has for me. 

Walking with my Lord

Loving Lord, so many things in my life have changed. I rejoice that You are unchanging — the same today, tomorrow, and forever. In Jesus’ name I give You thanks. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 15/32 ©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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The Power of God’s Peace

In the Word

May the LORD bless his people with peace! (Psalm 29:11b).

Of the Word

In the hurry-up busyness of our world, the peace and quiet we seek is often impossible to find. The relaxation of a vacation ends and soon we are right back to the daily race. We go as fast as we can, but the to-do list we wrote for ourselves isn’t completed before the day ends!

The peace God offers to us is different from the calm and tranquility we seek in our everyday lives. God’s peace is an inner peace that assures us of His protection, the peace that promises He will be with us always, the peace of knowing God hears our prayers. It is the blessed assurance that through Jesus Christ we have eternal life. The peace we search for in the world will never be able to offer us that!

“Peace I [Jesus] leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).

A Point to Ponder: How can I make time each day for quiet, peaceful moments with Jesus?

Walking with my Lord

Father, please bless me with the peace that only You can bring into my life, the peace that comes from knowing I am under Your protection. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 14/32 ©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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It’s Time

In the Word

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: … a time to keep, and a time to cast away (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 6b).

Of the Word

Into everyone’s life comes the day when the realization hits that “stuff” has to go! It can be the attic, garage, kitchen, desk, wardrobe, or whatever else it is that has an overabundance of accumulation. The big decisions now are, “What shall I keep?” and “What shall I cast away?”

Our lives are somewhat the same with accumulated discouragements, resentments, regrets, or angers, all of which lead to spiritual sickness. This is the day to start casting them out of our lives for good. Our faithful Father is waiting to help us do just that because He knows we are helpless to do it on our own.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory… (Ephesians 3:20–21a NIV).

A Point to Ponder: How can I let go of what happened in the past and live in the present?

Walking with my Lord

Lord, through the help of Your Holy Spirit free me from any bitterness in my life. Help me to live with joy for today and trust for the future. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 13/32 ©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.

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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