Listen to this devotion

Joy in our new life with God

In the Word

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24).

Of the Word

The Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah tell of the Israelites’ return from exile to Jerusalem. They had been forced from their homeland and separated from God. Now they were returning, hoping to rebuild their ruined city.

As they resettled, Ezra assembled them and read the Word of the Lord to them. As they listened, they were convinced that they had sinned; they felt shame and despair. But Nehemiah’s words brought comfort to their sad, repentant hearts. “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10b). Their sorrow turned to joy as they celebrated the beginning of a new life.

Our lives are new each day because of God’s love and forgiveness through Christ. May we, too, learn to rejoice in the blessings God has bestowed on us, especially the gift of salvation given to us through faith in Jesus.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, when daily struggles pull me away from You, send the Holy Spirit to bring me closer. Help me to find peace, joy, hope and strength in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 3/30 ©2005 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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

Joy in God’s promised protection

In the Word

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20b).

Of the Word

When King David experienced threats of conspiracy and war, he confidently wrote, The Lord is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1).

Sometimes we feel threatened, persecuted and fearful. Then we have two choices: Will we allow ourselves to be consumed by fear, or will we boldly believe God’s promises? Satan wants us to abandon hope, but St. Peter invites, Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). And our mighty God promises, I will never leave you nor forsake you (Joshua 1:5b).

We can draw strength from God’s Word and promises, knowing that no attack, no fear, no foe is more powerful than our loving God.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Father, be with me when I am anxious and fearful. Help me to trust Your promises and hold tightly to You, remembering that my help and comfort come from You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 2/30 ©2005 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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

The joy of being loved by God!

In the Word

For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies (Psalm 108:4).

Of the Word

The mother’s eyes never strayed from her child. A soft smile played across her lips as she watched him play. She was attentive to every move he made. Although the child was unaware of the attention she focused on him, yet her tender love was obvious to any observer.

As wonderful as the love of a parent can be, it cannot compare with God’s loving care for His children. His love is boundless, timeless, unfailing, unending. What earthly father or mother could presume to claim even one of our awesome God’s attributes?

As God’s people, we can pray Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love (Psalm 31:16). Knowing that God’s answer to us is a resounding “Yes!” we can say with utmost confidence, Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:6).

Walking with my Lord

Dear loving Father, thank You for all of the people You have provided to give me love and care. Thank You most of all for the love You have given to me in Jesus Christ my Savior. In His name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 1/30 ©2005 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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

View the printable PDF of this devotion, The Joy of Being Loved by God

Listen to this devotion

What’s Your Name?

In the Word

He calls his own sheep by name …  (John 10:3b).

Of the Word

Walking into social situations where I don’t know many people isn’t easy for me. Shy by nature, I am especially concerned when I think no one will know me. On one occasion, I went to an event intending to stay only as long as obligation required. Soon after I arrived someone called my name. Suddenly I no longer felt like an outsider. I was known. Likewise, I am known by God. “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1b). I’m not an outsider; I am an insider!

Because of our human nature we sometimes feel distant from God. In our sin we fall short of His expectations. What then? God forgives. Through Jesus Christ He calls us to Himself, to a life in His kingdom. By the power of the Holy Spirit we hear His voice calling to us and we follow.

He calls his own sheep by name … and his sheep follow him because they know his voice (John 10:3b, 4b).

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Lord, for calling me by name, for knowing and loving me. Thank You for placing me into the family of faith where I am one with You for eternity. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Nancy Nemoyer. 1/32 ©2009 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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

Faith is … Trusting Our Savior

In the Word

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me” (John 14:1).

Of the Word

“Just trust me! I know what I am doing!” Dave’s wife was afraid his decision to change careers would only result in financial hardship for the family. But Dave insisted he knew what he was doing. If his family would just trust him!

“Just trust Me” is what Jesus said to His disciples on the night before His crucifixion. Their hearts were deeply troubled that night and the future looked bleak. We can understand how they felt. We, too, sometimes wonder where God is leading us. Does He know what He is doing? Why is life in such turmoil? Where is God? Can He be trusted?

In contrast to the troubled disciples, Jesus was remarkably calm that evening just before going to the cross. Jesus was fully aware of the anguish and turmoil of His beloved disciples. He knew what He was doing. He was in complete control. “Just trust,” He said, “you can depend on My leading.” This is still true. Don’t be afraid — just trust Him! He loves you, too!

Walking with my Lord

Lord Jesus, help me to trust You more fully in my life and for my salvation. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 2/30 ©2007 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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

Faith is … Resting in the Comfort of God’s Power

In the Word

“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all” (1 Chronicles 29:11).

Of the Word

Close to Lake Michigan, a “weather rock” hangs by a rope. A sign near it tells how to use the rock to determine the weather. “If the rock is wet, it’s raining. If the rock is white, it’s snowing.” The wonderful thing about this ‘weather rock’ is that it is not affected by the weather. We, on the other hand, are affected and influenced by many things around us, including the weather.

The words of 1 Chronicles 29:11b bring great comfort: … everything in heaven and earth is yours. God the Creator loves us and cares for us. He knows that we are not “weather rocks” unaffected by the storms and troubles of life. God reminds us that He governs all things by His power. We can rest in that promise.

We praise our God for the comfort of His power which He lovingly uses for our eternal good. 

Walking with my Lord

O Lord, You assure me everything in heaven and on earth is Yours. I know I can trust in You for my refuge in this sinful world. By Your great love and mercy, show me Your power and protection so I may learn to walk with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 1/30 ©2007 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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

Phone a Friend

In the Word

I call on you, O God, for you will answer me … (Psalm 17:6a).

Of the Word

A popular TV show allowed contestants to “phone a friend” for help with difficult questions. The friend at the end of the line could give advice which the contestant could follow or ignore.

We, too, can “phone a Friend” — our loving heavenly Father. The lines are never down; the lines are never busy. “This office is closed today. Please call back,” is never heard.

With the psalmist we can say with certainty, … you will answer me … (Psalm 17:6a). The answer will not be a guess about our needs nor a piece of politically-correct advice. It will be an answer from the Friend who knows our needs, our hopes, our hurts, our fears.

God’s answer may be a resounding “Yes,” a loving “No,” or a patience-building “Wait.” But His answer is always the right one, given at the right time for the right reasons.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, thank You for hearing my call. Help me to listen for Your answers and to know that they are perfect for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Comfort from the Psalms. Authors: Marcia Gomulka & Myrna Lou Meyer. 3/30 ©2009 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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email