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Fragrance Free

In the Word

For we are the aroma of Christ to God …  (2 Corinthians 2:15a).

Of the Word

The baby wipes box boasts that the wipes are fragrance free. If only there was a guarantee that the used baby wipe was also fragrance free! Like, me, you’ve probably had a couple gagging, eye-watering moments when duty calls!

Before we judge our babies by what they sometimes produce, we need to take a whiff of ourselves. Scripture tells us that we were dead in our transgressions and sins, and dead things tend to be very smelly.

In contrast, the apostle Paul wrote about a pleasant aroma, the Gospel of Christ, which makes us alive by His grace. The stinking, rotting self was left behind. We have the sure hope of eternal life, and that is news that must be shared!

You may think you are not up to the task of spreading this fragrant Good News. Paul also wrote that our sufficiency does not come from us, but from Christ alone. The Holy Spirit empowers us, making us bold in our witness to others.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, help me spread the pleasant aroma of Your Gospel to the world around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 18/30 ©2013 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, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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What Were They Thinking?

In the Word

… but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

Of the Word

While I watched my daughter move food from her plate to the highchair tray and back again, I thought to myself, “What in the world is she thinking?” Sometimes I wonder what possesses my daughter to do what she does.

We might also ask ”What were they thinking?” about some Bible characters. What were Adam and Eve thinking when they dressed in leaves and tried to hide from God? What possessed Jonah to board a ship to Tarshish rather than going to Nineveh? Did Pilate really believe he proved his innocence by simply washing his hands? Martha was in a cooking and cleaning frenzy while God was literally sitting in her home. What was she thinking?

But have we done the same kinds of things? Yes, but God doesn’t throw up His hands, shake His head, and walk away. While we were still sinners, Jesus died for us. Now we are reconciled to God through Jesus Christ, and we can rejoice in the love and forgiveness He offers.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me enough to send Your Son Jesus to live, to die, and to rise for me. In His name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 17/30 ©2013 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, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Traveling Light

In the Word

“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock” (Isaiah 26:4).

Of the Word

There is no such thing as packing light when you have a baby. My diaper bag contains all I need for emergencies: diapers, extra clothes, snacks, toys, creams, powders, lotions. Now if I can find any of that stuff quickly when I need it, I’m in good shape.

Jesus instructed His disciples to travel light, taking only the clothes on their backs. He sent them out ahead of Him to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. They did not take a staff, a bag, food, or money. Jesus sent them with only one thing: the Gospel. They were successful as they shared God’s promises of forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. Luke recorded, And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere (Luke 9:6).

Jesus would like us to travel light also by relying on Him and His Gospel. When we fully rely on God and His promise of the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation, we are equipped to share that Gospel with others.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, help me rely fully on You. Equip me to share the Gospel message with all whose lives touch mine. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 16/30 ©2013 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, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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A Break in the Road

In the Word

… and as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest), the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away … (Joshua 3:15–16a).

Of the Word

No matter how carefully we plan, we will probably encounter obstacles on a long trip. On their way to Canaan, the Israelites ran into a large obstacle — the Jordan River. During its flood stage, the Jordan can be up to a mile wide, twelve feet deep, and very swift. But almighty God stood up the waters so the Israelites could cross over on dry ground.

With the Ark of the Covenant at the head of the procession, God led the Israelites safely across the Jordan.

There is no longer a physical Ark of the Covenant to lead us when we face the raging rivers of this world, but Jesus is always there to be our guide. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6b). When our way is dark He is the Light who leads the way. His way is the only way to eternal life.

Walking with my Lord

O Great Guide, You lead me in the way You have planned for me. Help me to follow, trusting always in You amidst the raging rivers of this world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 15/28 ©2013 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, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Called By Name

In the Word

And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (Mark 1:10–11).

Of the Word

Jesus’ public ministry began after His Baptism in the Jordan River. When He came up out of the water, God declared Him as His Son.

By Baptism, we have been made sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. He says, “I have called you by name, you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1b). Saint Paul writes, … for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith (Galatians 3:26).

Immediately after His Baptism, the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. We, too, are tempted every day — tempted to doubt our faith, tempted to disobey God, tempted to follow the ways of the world. Temptations are all around us and are hard to escape, but because we have been joined with Christ, Satan has no power over us. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8b).

Walking with my Lord

Dear God, You are my Father and I am Your child. Guard and protect me from temptation and help me live my life as one who belongs to You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 14/28 ©2013 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, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Bitter Water Face

In the Word

When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter; therefore it was named Marah. … And he cried to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a log, and he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet  (Exodus 15:23, 25).

Of the Word

Taking a drink of water that ends up not having the taste we expected may cause us to make a bitter face. The Israelites probably had that same bitter water face when they drank from the water in Marah.

The water was not like the water they were used to in Egypt, and the Israelites quickly began to complain. The Lord answered their cries for help. He showed Moses a log and instructed him to throw it into the water, making it sweet and good to drink.

The tree Moses used represented life, showing the Israelites they would not die of thirst. Another tree represents life, too: the tree of the cross of Calvary. Through Jesus’ death on that tree and through His resurrection three days later, we have the promise of eternal life. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness (1 Peter 2:24a).

Walking with my Lord

Jesus, You are the Tree of Life through whom I receive eternal life. When my life seems bitter, remind me of the sweetness of the Gospel. In Your holy name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 13/28 ©2013 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, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Guaranteed for Life

In the Word

“Thy will be done, …”  (Matthew 6:10a KJV).

Of the Word

“Money-Back Guarantee!” “New Results — Guaranteed!!” “Guaranteed for Life!!!” Seldom is there a product advertisement without the promise of absolute perfection. This absolute perfection only lasts until their next new and improved version hits the market.

What about prayer? Does prayer guarantee my concerns will be heard? “Too good to be true,” we mutter. But Jesus teaches us to pray, “Thy will be done, …” (Matthew 6:10a KJV). When we pour out our hearts and hurts in prayer, our loving God listens. He knows what is best for our lives. His will is to keep us in His grace until we arrive safely home in heaven.

We can pray “Thy will be done, … ” with confidence that God never fails to give us what we truly need. Many times it is even more than we could have imagined! Our prayer journey is filled with joy and peace — guaranteed!

Walking with my Lord

Lord, in times of fear and uncertainty, send the Holy Spirit to assure me of the prayer that never fails, “Thy will be done, …”. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 15/30 ©2013 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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are taken from the King James or Authorized Version of the Bible. Public domain.

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