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Belly Laugh Moments

In the Word

“God will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy” (Job 8:21 NCV).

Of the Word

It happened at the most inappropriate times! The two sisters would catch each other’s eye, and a fit of uncontrolled giggles would ensue. The more their father gave them his warning look, the worse the laughter grew. And what was the most embarrassing part? The sisters were both in their forties!

Not only are belly laughs contagious, they are quite healthy. Studies show laughter can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and lessen chronic pain. This shouldn’t be surprising, because God is the creator of laughter. “God will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouts of joy” (Job 8:21 NCV). Laughter in Job? Yes! Our Lord wants us to know that, even in difficult times, His desire for us is total joy in Him.

When we fully grasp our deliverance from sin and sorrow, the unmerited gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, what other response is there? Uncontained shouts of gratitude, delight, and laughter! Exactly the way the God of Joy designed it.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, thank You for the gift of uncontrolled laughter as I celebrate Your grace and mercy with the fellow redeemed. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 6/30 ©2013 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations marked (NCV) are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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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Becoming Family

In the Word

God places the lonely in families … (Psalm 68:6a NLT).

Of the Word

Some people live within a few miles of their family members; others measure the distance in time zones. Some consider the proximity too constrictive; others ache to be closer to home. In each situation, there are those who are lonely. Surprised? Our God is not, and He understands. We are a very mobile society, and it is evident in our churches.

It is quite common for our membership to include transplants from other towns, states, or countries. Even in smaller congregations individuals may feel excluded. Our caring Father understands our need to be connected and accepted. His compassion is obvious in the words, God places the lonely in families (Psalm 68:6a NLT). Think how often Jesus reached out in compassion to the solitary and isolated.

We can all learn to be more welcoming. When opportunities arise, talk to someone new at Sunday coffee hour. Introduce yourself to an unfamiliar person. Invite someone to Bible study or choir. Expect delightful consequences! This spirit of love might change an ordinary Sunday into a true family reunion!

Walking with my Lord

Lord, fill me with the courage and compassion to reach my hand out in Christian friendship to someone I don’t know. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 5/30 ©2013 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation. Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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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Be Still Moments

In the Word

“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10a).

Of the Word

Our lives can become ones of perpetual motion and sound. Work, school, church, sports — sometimes we’re convinced we just passed ourselves on the road! Add to the mix the racket of noises surrounding us and we yearn for a bubble bath in a sound-proof room.

Our Lord understands how demanding the lives we lead are, yet He wants to be connected to us; He wants to spend time with us. So He calls us to “Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10a). Not just silent but subdued. We need a location and time when we are fully in His presence, listening for His voice.

This quiet time with our Lord requires planning and perseverance. We can’t just squeeze in a visit; we must schedule the time and place. Morning scripture, lunchtime prayer, or family devotions at supper are life-giving times with our Father. Then we can be still in refreshing fellowship with God.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, some relaxations I choose provide a temporary respite, but time spent with You gives unending joy and peace. Thank You for times when I choose to be still in Your arms. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 4/30 ©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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Miriam — Leader

(Miriam’s Story: Exodus 15:20–21)

In the Word

“For I brought you up from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery, and I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam” (Micah 6:4).

Of the Word

Gifted by God, Miriam the prophetess accompanied her brothers Moses and Aaron in the great exodus out of Egypt. When there was celebrating, Miriam picked up her tambourine and led the women in singing and dancing. But being a leader wasn’t enough. Wanting equal billing with Moses, envy reared its ugly head and Miriam spoke out against him.

God’s anger was swift … Miriam was struck with leprosy. And Moses cried to the Lord, “O God, please heal her — please” (Numbers 12:13). With mercy, God answered that plea. Not always satisfied with the gifts God gives us, we, like Miriam, may seek more: more credit where credit is due, more glory. But our God calls us to serve Him; to use the gifts He gave us according to His will. In doing so we must remember the glory goes to Him alone.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves (Philippians 2:3).

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Father for showing mercy when I make it all about me. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 6/34 ©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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Puah and Shiphrah — Who Will We Obey?

(Puah and Shiphrah’s Story: Exodus 1:15–21)

In the Word

But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live (Exodus 1:17).

Of the Word

If you were asked to name two favorite women of the Bible, Puah and Shiphrah might not make the list. Yet God inspired the writer of Exodus to name those Hebrew midwives who courageously disobeyed the Egyptian ruler’s demand to kill all Hebrew baby boys. (By the way, the ruler’s name was not recorded!)

The writer states … the midwives feared God … (Exodus 1:17, 21). They trusted in Him. The powerful king did not rule their hearts; the all powerful Lord God did!

Are we ever tempted or even required to lie, cheat, or steal? Our circumstances may involve making many choices, but one thing is certain: “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). God promises, “When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him” (Psalm 91:15). Knowing that our loving, all-powerful God is with us, we can face our challenges with faith and courage.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil. Keep me strong to will and to do what is right in Your sight no matter what the world may ask or think. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 5/34 ©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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Leah — Loved by God

(Leah’s Story: Genesis 29 and 30)

In the Word

… and he [Jacob] loved Rachel more than Leah … (Genesis 29:30b).

Of the Word

Jacob’s family gives dysfunctional a new meaning! Jacob loved Rachel, but was tricked into marrying her older sister Leah first. Leah knew she was never the love of Jacob’s life yet her love for him was genuine, and she remained loyal to him until she died. Though not Jacob’s favorite, God remembered Leah, blessing her with six sons and a daughter. King David and God’s Son Jesus were born of the descendants of her son Judah.

We, too, may have times of feeling unloved. Perhaps we have been overlooked for a promotion or we weren’t recognized for a great idea. Angry or estranged children and divorce take love away from us. Love we thought we had in friends may not be lasting. Others may fail us in love, but God’s love is forever.

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are (1 John 3:1a).

Walking with my Lord

Lord, when I am feeling unloved, remind me that You love me so much You gave Your life for me. Thank You, for no other love matches Yours. In Your loving name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 4/34 ©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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Building Blocks

In the Word

Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” … he was speaking about the temple of his body. When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken (John 2:19, 21–22).

Of the Word

Don’t try to make a tall block tower in my house. According to my daughter, blocks are meant to be scattered all over the living room floor. She takes great delight in making sure not one block is left on another.

As the disciples admired the architecture of the temple in Jerusalem, Jesus reminded them that earthly things do not last. (Matthew 24:1–2) Unfortunately, forty years later the Romans did destroy that same temple and it was never reconstructed.

There is one destroyed temple that was raised up again: Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose three days later. God’s Word, manifested in the incarnation of Jesus, promises us that through faith in Jesus Christ, we, too, will last into eternity with Him.

Put your hope and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you, too, will stand firm to the end.

Walking with my Lord

Redeemer God, I have great joy knowing nothing can destroy Your words of salvation. Thank you for the gift of Your Holy Spirit to keep me close to You. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 6/30 ©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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