Listen to this devotion

Joy in God’s Precious Gift of Heaven

In the Word

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).

Of the Word

What is the best gift you have ever received? A beautiful doll, a diamond ring, a handmade quilt? What is the most precious gift you have received? Your loving spouse, a child, a special friend? Christians would undoubtedly say that the greatest gift of all is the promise of eternal life given by God Himself. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

The Apostle Paul recognized the promise of eternal life with Jesus to be a gift of God, indeed the best gift we could receive. He wrote, By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you (1 Corinthians 15:2a). We cannot keep silent about this wonderful news!

Walking with my Lord

Dear Father, I know that because of sin I deserve death. But I also know that You sent Jesus to take away my sin and to give me life and salvation. Help me to share the faith in my heart by telling of Jesus, Your most precious gift to me. In His name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 13/30 ©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

Problem or Purpose?

In the Word

Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again … (Psalm 71:20a).

Of the Word

“Rain, rain go away,” the nursery rhyme begins. Rain can spoil a summer picnic, a baseball game, or a leisurely walk. But rain also has a purpose. It waters crops, keeps lawns beautiful, and fills lakes and rivers.

Do troubles have a purpose? They can weigh us down and wear us out. They can make us lose focus on the One who created us. That is certainly not God’s plan. The Apostle Paul, like the psalmist, had troubles, many and bitter, but he was inspired to write: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

When surrounded by trouble and frustrations mount, the Adversary uses our doubt to make us ask, “Do I still love God? Do I have any faith at all?” The Holy Spirit hears our cries and assures us that the faith He planted in our hearts is still there. God has not left us alone in our frustrations. He continually works in us, working for the good of those who love him. That is His promise and He will do it.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, when my life seems to be filled with the stormy clouds of trouble remind me that You are working all things for my good. Forgive my weakness and show me the sunshine of Your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Comfort from the Psalms. Authors: Marcia Gomulka & Myrna Lou Meyer. 15/30 ©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

Listen to this devotion

Why, Lord?

In the Word

But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand (Psalm 10:14a).

Of the Word

Why, Lord? Why did that beautiful young mother die? She had so much to live for! Why did the cancer treatment — long and harsh — fail in the end? The family is devastated. Why did disease rob the father of the joy of playing with his sons? He will never play catch with them. Why, Lord?

We seek answers from God. We may listen, hoping for words like Jeremiah heard when he was called to be God’s prophet. “Do not be afraid … for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord (Jeremiah 1:8).

God does speak to us in His Word. He reminds us that He has made us His own. “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1b). Jesus promises to be with us. … I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20b).

Trouble and grief will come, for we live in a sin-filled world. But God the Father will see us through. All who are His children by faith in Christ will live with Him in heaven where “Why, Lord?” will never be asked again!

Walking with my Lord

Holy Spirit, help me to see beyond my questions and to rely on Your love and grace. Forgive my doubts and my worries. Help my faith to grow stronger through them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Comfort from the Psalms. Authors: Marcia Gomulka & Myrna Lou Meyer. 14/30 ©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

Listen to this devotion

How Long?

In the Word

How long, O Lord? … How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? (Psalm 13:1a, 2a).

Of the Word

“Are we there yet?” Everyone who has traveled with children has heard that question multitudes of times. No matter how many games, snacks, and breaks parents provide, little tykes are impatient to arrive at the destination.

The psalmist’s question isn’t much different. How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? (Psalm 13:2a).

What are those thoughts? Fear of the future? Divorce or separation? Addiction?

What are those sorrows? Illness or death? A wayward child? Miscarriage?

No matter what the trouble, God’s Word is true. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom (2 Timothy 4:18a).

Walking with my Lord

Gracious Father, when I long for relief from all that troubles me, wrap me in Your love and remind me of Your promises. Keep me safe until the day Your kingdom comes. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Comfort from the Psalms. Authors: Marcia Gomulka & Myrna Lou Meyer. 13/30 ©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

Listen to this devotion

Faith is … Trusting that God’s Time is the Best Time

In the Word

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time (1 Peter 5:6).

Of the Word

We all experience days, even weeks, when everything in life seems to be going our way. But then suddenly, altogether unexpectedly, everything shifts into reverse. One day the sun is shining brightly; the next day all is dark and overcast. One week we are actively carrying out our responsibilities; the next week we are lying helpless in a hospital bed.

God is Lord. He rules His creation and His children with a mighty hand. When we pray to our God in our time of need, we may do so with confidence, knowing that the God who sent His Son to die for us certainly will also … lift [us] up in [His] time.

It has been said there are two ways to open a flower bud. You can force the petals apart and, in doing so, destroy the flower; or you can leave it alone until slowly but surely, God unfolds it. God’s ways are not our ways. Nor is His time our time. But our comfort lies in the fact that His time is based on the true wisdom and knowledge of a God who not only knows us, but loves us.

Walking with my Lord

Help me, O Lord, to patiently bear all things and trust that Your timing is always best. For Jesus’ sake and in His name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 15/30 ©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 … Trusting in God’s Care

In the Word

… casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7 NKJV).

Of the Word

The mother knew her daughter’s badly-infected finger needed a doctor’s attention. She seemed hard-hearted when she gave permission for him to use the knife. Only after the girl’s finger healed was it evident that the mother had acted out of love.

Likewise, we may think that God is hard-hearted when He permits adversity and hardship. Later we understand that concern for our welfare was behind all He did. “Why, Lord?” we ask so often. “What is the purpose of all this?” It is not given us to understand God’s ways. His ways and thoughts are hidden from us. He simply asks us to trust in His care.

To be in God’s care is to be secure in the midst of all dangers because He will never abandon us. He asks us to cast all our worries and cares upon Him, for He will carry them with us and for us. Do not bear alone thy burdens, A single one too much for thee; I will bear them, I alone, Thou shalt only rest in me. (Author unknown)

Walking with my Lord

Lord, help me to trust in Your care each day. Thank You in my Savior Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 14/30 ©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.
Scripture notations marked NKJV are from the NEW KING JAMES BIBLE, © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

Yes! Praise

In the Word

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Of the Word

“We’re never quite sure what you’re saying,” staff members told their manager. The manager, eager to please everyone, rarely uttered an outright “yes” or “no” to employees’ questions. Her failure resulted not in a pleased staff, but employees left to guess what she wanted.

Christianity is clearly a “yes” religion. It doesn’t leave us wondering what it offers or where we stand with God. Jesus came not as “perhaps” the Messiah, but as “I am” the Messiah, the Christ. His “yes” to death on Calvary and His resurrection from the grave gives us certainty in our relationship with God, the Father. Jesus’ “yes,” His unchangeable and eternal “yes,” means His answer is still “yes” today. Yes to His Word. Yes to His forgiveness. Yes to His promise to remain with us, to work all things according to His will, to give us every spiritual blessing we need for this life.

Our Spirit-inspired response leads us to wholeheartedly respond “Amen” to His “yes.” “Amen” — yes, yes, it is so! — lets the lips of believers return glory and praise to God, the everlasting and unchanging “Yes.”

Walking with my Lord

Your “yes” gives me my confidence.
Your “yes” is my secure defense.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 14/32 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations 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.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email