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Designed as a Gift

In the Word

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, … (1 Peter 4:10a NIV).

Of the Word

When God created you, He designed you to be a gift to the people in your life! God then gave you specific talents and skills to be that gift. He gave you ears to be a listener and eyes to see the needs of others. Our Father gave you a heart filled with His hope so those around you could see His presence in your life.

Because we are aware of our own sins and shortcomings, it is not always easy to believe we are a “gift.” We may be hesitant to open ourselves up to others fearing they will see the “real” us – imperfect, sinful, a failure. Ah, but that’s when God can use us in spite of our weaknesses and imperfections. Because we have received His forgiveness, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit we can share His message of hope and salvation in both words and deeds.

Be a special gift to someone today by sharing the beautiful message of hope that the grace of God gives us through His Son, our Savior, Jesus. His gift to us is eternal life with Him. What a gift!

Walking with my Lord

Lord God, thank You for the gifts You have given me. Help me to use them to Your glory as I share Your love with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 4/28 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40195

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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Starting Out — Staying Motivated

In the Word

For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised (2 Corinthians 5:14–15).

Of the Word

Sometimes the enthusiasm to get up and start running just isn’t there. It’s too hard. It takes too much time. It’s too hard. (Yes, that excuse needed to be said again!) This is the time when a runner needs to examine the goals for running in the first place. Is it to lose weight, be healthy, or finish a race? Hopefully, remembering these goals and the need to reach them will motivate the runner to get up and run.

At times it’s hard to be a Christian. Going to church on Sunday and giving time to ministry takes too many hours out of our day. Sometimes being a Christian doesn’t seem like fun. If any of these excuses sound familiar, remember the Apostle Paul. He, too, had many hard times during his ministry. He may have had to remind himself of his goals and motivation.

Paul’s goal was to tell others of the salvation Jesus had earned for them by dying on the cross. Love for Jesus motivated him to share that story, and that same love motivates believers to run the race of faith today.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, thank You for the love Christ has shown to me through His death and resurrection. May that love motivate me to continue in my Christian faith, even when it’s hard. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Race of Faith. Author: Amanda Stacy, DCE. 6/28 ©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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Starting Out — Breath, Breathe

In the Word

And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22).

Of the Word

A few essentials are needed to run: water, food, clothes, shoes, and, of course, breath. Seems like a no-brainer, doesn’t it? You need to breathe when running. If you don’t breathe, you won’t go far.

After Jesus’ resurrection from the grave and before His ascension into heaven, His disciples learned that a few essentials were also needed to proclaim the Good News of salvation to the world. They needed living water (John 4:10), the bread of life (John 6:51), clothes of righteousness (Galatians 3:27), shoes (Ephesians 6:15), and breath. But this breath is different than the breath needed by a runner.

Jesus breathed on them the breath of life, the Holy Spirit. As the One who calls, gathers, and enlightens, the Holy Spirit was essential for the disciples to be able to complete the work Christ gave to them.

This life-giving breath is also essential for us. The Holy Spirit called us by the Gospel, gathered us into God’s kingdom, and enlightened us with His gifts. Only He can begin faith in one’s heart, and only He can equip us to share that faith with others.

Walking with my Lord

Father, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit. As I enjoy the gifts He gives to me, also equip me to complete the work You have assigned to me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Race of Faith. Author: Amanda Stacy, DCE. 5/28 ©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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Starting Out — Running Shoes

In the Word

… and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15).

Of the Word

The right shoes make a world of difference while running. Ill-fitting shoes with no support can cause discomfort, pain, and even injury. For this reason, many serious runners get their feet fitted with shoes that cater to their own special needs.

St. Paul encourages us to make the same considerations regarding our spiritual footwear. In order to stand firm in faith, we need the right shoes. The support these shoes give through the Gospel of peace will never cause pain. This peace will soothe and restore us and also equip us for whatever we encounter in life.

This equipping is important because Paul wants us to stand firm in faith and be ready to move. These shoes are part of the armor of God, preparing Christ’s followers to go into the world to preach, teach, and fight against evil. So let the peace of Jesus Christ help you stand firm in faith. And when it’s time, that same peace will support you as you take your faith into the world.

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Father, for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which gives me peace. Equipped with that peace, help me stand firm in my faith so I may share it with those around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Race of Faith. Author: Amanda Stacy, DCE. 4/28 ©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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In His Loving Hands

In the Word

… put your trust in the Lord (Psalm 4:5b).

Of the Word

The young woman sat on the examination table after hearing the doctor tell her, “You have cancer.” Her response: “Well, that stinks!” While some might consider that a rude way to say it, her reaction was an accurate assessment of her situation. Illness is a problem we all have to face, and we are almost never prepared for it. It can knock us down to the depths of despair.

Having the support of loved ones makes facing difficult situations easier than facing them alone. But it is even better to go to the One in control of everything: our loving God. And we can do just that. He invites us to come to Him with anything and everything.

The psalmist says, But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hand … (Psalm 31:14–15a). That is true in good times and in bad. We just need to be reminded of it more when things seem to be going wrong. He is in control. It is all in the loving hands of the One who was willing to die to pay for our sin. He’s got us and our situations in His hands. Trust Him!

Walking with my Lord

Lord Jesus, help me trust that my times are in Your loving and caring hands. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 6/30 ©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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Asking for Healing

In the Word

I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live (Psalm 116:1–2).

Of the Word

“Lord, have mercy!” is a common refrain spoken in worship. They are also words many people say in their daily prayers and they become especially meaningful when dealing with an illness. We ask God for His kindness and goodness, things we don’t deserve. But our loving God is in the habit of giving His people the good things they don’t deserve. There is nothing wrong in asking for God’s blessings. In fact, God expects it from us.

The Father lovingly sent Jesus to take the punishment our sins deserve so that we could instead receive the good gifts of forgiveness and salvation. Our faith has taken hold of the wonderful gifts He provides. As His faithful children we can ask Him to be merciful to us during times of sickness. He is listening. He wants us to come to Him. And He wants only the best for us, His children.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, I know You are listening to my prayer for Jesus’ sake. In Your mercy, please grant me the healing I need. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 5/30 ©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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Weary from Pain

In the Word

Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing; heal me, O LORD, for my bones are troubled (Psalm 6:2).

Of the Word

When dealing with a chronic illness, we pray for God’s grace just as the psalmist did. An illness that lingers can be all-consuming and before we know it, it may take over our life.

I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping (Psalm 6:6).

Not a fun situation! While an illness must be addressed and dealt with, remember that it does not define us. That is not who we are. By virtue of our Baptism, we are dearly loved children of God. Our faith in Jesus as our Savior has put us in a relationship with Him that assures us of forgiveness of sins and life everlasting where there will be no more sickness or pain.

It’s our relationship with Jesus that defines who we are, not our illness. As we deal with our illnesses, we take it to the Lord in prayer with this confidence: The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD accepts my prayer (Psalm 6:9).

Walking with my Lord

Father, I praise You for making me Your child. Remind me of that status as I face each new day, especially when illness tries to overwhelm me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 4/30 ©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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