Today’s Reflection
Where is my faith when I need it? I thought of the tiny globe on a gold chain in my jewel box, a mustard seed inside. A gift from Grandma Watrous. That’s what I need, I told myself, faith like Grandma’s. A mustard seed of stuff powerful enough to move this mountain.
—Jan Woodard, Texting Through Cancer: Ordinary Moments of Community, Love, and Healing (Upper Room Books, 2021)
Today’s Question
What encouragement do you find in remembering the mustard seed? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”
—Matthew 17:20 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
God of All,
In you I trust.
All will be well.
All will be well.
All will be well. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Meet some of The Upper Room’s International Publishing Partners at a free online event on Thursday, May 4, 8:30 a.m. (CT). You’ll meet Tarmo Lilleoja from Estonia, Manasi Mohanty (Odia edition) from India, Juan Gattinoni from Argentina, and Makgoshi Sindane from South Africa and learn more about their ministries. The good work they are doing for the Gospel will inspire you and strengthen your faith, and your support and prayers will be an encouragement to their ministry. Register here.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
5 Comments
A few years back, a young lady joined our cancer support group, as an encourager. A few meetings later she had bought mustard seeds and packaged the tiny things in a very small see through package and had the verse, along with a few thoughts, stapled to the package. She had enough for everyone in attendance. I still have it sitting on a shelf in my kitchen. I do believe that every time henceforth, I will be reminded of her gift to us.
We are doing state testing at our school – so our schedule is haywire. The students seem pretty resilient and have been coming in ready to work. Hopefully that will hold true this afternoon…it being a Friday and all.
My mom’s sister had two strokes over the weekend and came home from the hospital Wednesday afternoon. I spoke with her this morning. She still has slurred speech. My sister is taking over a pie this evening. I offered to bring by some pulled BBQ chicken – she said maybe in a week or so.
Julie, I am so glad you have found some people at your church and are making connections.
This is not a story that resonates with me. I think because it is words that mean little to me. I just don’t get as much from the statement as some other statements.
Took h to the dentist yesterday. They asked how he was doing and his immediate reply was that he can no longer drive. The poor hygienist looked at me and I whispered that he has dementia. She understood immediately. But obviously it bothers him greatly to have lost this ability.
I wish I had the faith of a mustard seed. I come close when I read the UR entries from countries where Jesus followers may not be the majority. Their faith in God is so vibrant and they demonstrate assurance that God is a good God and will act when we come to Him. I love the raw honesty in which they say talk about their lives. Lord, help your children to show their hearts to you and to others and not be afraid. Oh, for grace to trust you more.
David saw the nephrologist yesterday and got a good report. No decrease in kidney function. He goes back in June for an ultrasound and labs in July.
Jill, prayers for your students while they test and for peace in your community. Prayers also for your aunt as she recovers from the stroke.
Julie, I too am thankful for the connections you are making at church and for the start of the caregiver’s group. Prayers also for you as you continue to care for H.
My heart is heavy as I read the news and of the shootings of young people who knocked on the wrong door or pulled into the wrong driveway. This is heartbreaking. Prayers for Robert as well. I pray all is well. Good to hear this week from Lou and Rick.
My first comment vanished when I accepted cookies!
Prayers for Jill’s aunt. Hope students do well on the state exams. Yes, wonderful to know Julie has made connections at church. H is back and forth between reality and dementia. I don’t wish that on anyone. Amazing that he was able to go to the dentist. Continued prayers for Julie and h. Good news from Ally concerning David’s health. God knows what our faith is and Jesus saves. Thank You, Lord. I am thankful for NEM prayers. Waiting for delivery of the kitchen appliances, thankful we have been able to make do with the old ones thus far. Thankful too for nice weather and walks. Sports team wins bring joy as well.
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