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Faith is … Setting Our Minds on Things Eternal

In the Word

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2).

Of the Word

Eternity has little reality for many people of our day. They have forgotten about it and live as if it does not exist. Yet nothing is more certain. One day we shall meet eternity face to face.

Set your mind on [the things that are] above, says the Lord in His Word. Yes, there is something above us. Heaven is above us, and Jesus is the Way. No one is more impoverished than that person who does not believe in the things above.

When the prodigal son in the far country came to himself, his mind was occupied with one thought: “How can I get home to my father?” He arose, went to his father, and said, “Father, I have sinned.” He trusted in his father’s love and mercy. (Luke 15:11–32)

Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can set our minds on our Heavenly Father and the things that are above. Without His guidance we focus on earthly and temporal things. With it, we can set our minds on things above, which are eternal.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, help me daily to set my mind on things eternal so I may be of service to You in Your Kingdom. In Christ’s name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 23/30 ©2007 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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Faith is … Resting in God’s Lasting Peace

In the Word

“… the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:26).

Of the Word

An artist was asked to paint a picture that would express the idea of peace. The finished painting showed a roaring waterfall with a large tree hanging over it. On a limb of that tree, bending over the churning waters and almost touched by the rising spray, a sparrow calmly sat on her nest. Amid the roar and danger of the waterfall, the tiny bird was at peace.

God gives a special kind of peace. Like that bird, we are surrounded by danger and troubles. But in the middle of all life’s turmoil the Lord gives us peace. We can be at rest. This is a special peace that only God can give. The original Hebrew language uses the singular for “you.” God’s peace is not just for “you” as a large group of people. It’s for “you” as a priceless individual. You might be a woman or a man, dark-skinned or light, living in America or across the seas. It doesn’t matter; you can still have peace. God’s peace is for you! Best of all it is a peace that will last — yes, even into eternity.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Jesus, I want the peace which no person or circumstance can take from me. Call me finally into Your eternal peace. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 22/30 ©2007 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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Decisions, Decisions

In the Word

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5–6).

Of the Word

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). How wonderful it is to know that God has a plan for my life!

When I am faced with important decisions, I know the Lord has a plan for me. I may spend hours or even days agonizing over what to do when what I really need to do is spend more time in prayer and reading God’s Word, which will guide my decisions.

Although I may not be sure of where He is sending me, I can be certain that He is my Guide. In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps (Proverbs 16:9). The Father hears my prayer for wisdom, and the Holy Spirit guides my actions. I can trust that God will make my path straight.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, please guide me through my days and help me to stay on the path You have chosen for me. Through Your Word, give me the wisdom to make decisions in accordance with Your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Dianna Jenkins. 21/32 ©2009 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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Comfort and Witnessing

In the Word

Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! … He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble (2 Corinthians 1:3a, 4 CEV).

Of the Word

We were in the hospital waiting room — two women who had nothing in common except that our husbands were in surgery. We were of different ages and different backgrounds, and we could have sat silently waiting and praying. Instead, we struck up a conversation and found that we did have something in common — our faith in God and the knowledge that God would give us strength for the coming days.

As we talked together, others in the waiting room started listening and then joined in the conversation. “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20). This was not a religious setting, but God was present. He was with us as we professed our faith and encouraged each other to look to God for guidance. Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens (Psalm 68:19).

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord Jesus, You have given me hope, strength, and encouragement. Help me to share those gifts with others so that they, too, may experience Your help and comfort. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Dianna Jenkins. 20/32 ©2009 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 “CEV” are taken from the CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH VERSION by American Bible Society. Copyright © 1995. All rights reserved.

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Prayer

In the Word

The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer (Psalm 6:9).

Of the Word

I stayed by his side. Many tubes snaked from the still figure on the bed. Machines beeped and hummed. He barely looked alive now, his face slack, his body so still except for the breath of life being pumped from the machines into his chest.

The hours passed in that dream state so common in hospitals. People came and went as I sat there, thinking and praying. What should I pray for? For life? What kind of life would we have?

Did I dare ask God to relieve him from his pain and suffering? Was I ready to let go of him? … the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express (Romans 8:26b).

Even when we don’t know what to pray for, God knows our thoughts and our unspoken prayers. The Holy Spirit guides our hearts and minds even when we aren’t sure of what to ask of God.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Father in heaven, my life is in Your hands. Please help me in my hour of uncertainty and give me the strength to deal with the answer to my unspoken prayer. May the Holy Spirit continue to reside in me and guide my ways. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Dianna Jenkins. 19/32 ©2009 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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Joy in God’s protection

In the Word

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” (Psalm 91:2).

Of the Word

The deer dashed headlong into the path of the car. But God was there. The machines blinked and beeped beside the hospital bed. But God was there. A narrow escape; a long wait. Almost everyone has a story to tell, a story that can end with thanks for God’s presence and protection.

The scriptures are filled with stories of narrow escapes, long waits, and God’s protection. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego faced a fiery death with the certainty that God could save them. They added, “But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up" (Daniel 3:18). God did choose to save them in a miraculous way.

Does God always rescue in such amazing ways? No. He may have another plan, a better plan. But no matter what the outcome, His presence is just as sure. We can trust Him to provide love, mercy and grace exactly as His people need them.

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Lord, for being my refuge and fortress. Help me to remember that, no matter what I face in life, You are beside me. Help me to trust in You completely. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 21/30 ©2005 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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Joy in God’s omnipotence

In the Word

Is anything too hard for the Lord? (Genesis 18:14a).

For nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37).

Of the Word

How do you face your problems? Because we are human, we are tempted to dwell on them, wallow in self-pity, and blame others for them. Guilt, revenge, anger and despair can result.

The Bible gives us some examples of people who chose better ways to handle their problems. Hannah took her biggest problem, barrenness, to the Lord in prayer. (1 Samuel 1:10–12) Elijah asked God to send fire to consume the waterlogged sacrifice. (1 Kings 18:36–38) Gideon trusted that the small army of God could defeat the enemies. (Judges 7:15–22) Mary simply accepted the angel’s amazing message that she was to be the mother of the Messiah. (Luke 1:38)

In these and many other instances, God has proved that what seems impossible to us is entirely possible for Him. Our God is able to handle any problem because He is God!

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, You know about all the “impossibles” in my life. Help me to turn them over to You, knowing with faith-filled certainty that You can and will turn them into “possibles.” When I weaken, help me cling tightly to Your promises. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 20/30 ©2005 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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