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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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Giving It Up

In the Word

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32).

Of the Word

She loved the dress from the moment she purchased it. The fabric, the color, and the shape were perfect; unfortunately, that was two dress sizes ago. So she placed it in the box destined for the resale store. Just as her husband picked up the donations, she snatched up the dress. She just could not give it up!

Regrettably, this can also describe our prayer life. Our petition may be fervent, but it is attached to elastic. We give it to the Lord only for a moment before we snap it back to our control. Whether due to impatience or fear, we refuse to completely surrender. We fail to remember, He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32).

God the Father willingly gave up His Son Jesus as the sacrifice for our sins. Yet, we cling to our rebellious belief that we deserve the control. How can we refuse to completely give up our concerns and requests to such a merciful and gracious God? Each time we lift our hearts in prayer we humbly place our faith and trust in His will in our lives.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, when I struggle to fully surrender to Your will, remind me of all that Jesus gave up for me. In His name. Amen.

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Face to Face Moments

In the Word

Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete (2 John 12b).

Of the Word

Your cell phone rings as you read emails. In the midst of the call, several beeps announce the arrival of a text in which your niece invites you to video chat on your laptop. Some call it instant connection while others worry human interaction is suffering.

The apostle John realized the importance of talking in person. He hoped to meet fellow believers … face to face, so that our joy may be complete (2 John 1:12b). Nothing compares to the joy of personal fellowships. The wife reuniting with her military husband knows. Parents welcoming a child home from college know. Families at reunions know.

Why do we gather for worship, Bible study, and fellowship? Because we gain hope and strength by sharing our faith. Nothing replaces the comfort that comes from praying together, discussing scripture in a small group, or sharing the peace of Christ with a handshake. We meet — face to face — to praise our Lord and share His love.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, thank You for the technology that allows us to share the Gospel with more people, but help us also cherish the moments we spend face to face with fellow believers. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 13/30 ©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.

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