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Peter and John, Racing to the Tomb

In the Word

“They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him” (John 20:2b).

Of the Word

After Mary stated Jesus’ body was gone, Peter and John raced to the tomb. There was no jogging, no stopping to put their hands on their knees to catch their breath, no chatting to make the time go by faster. It was most likely a full-on sprint with arms pumping and feet barely touching the dirt. And when they arrived at the empty tomb, they didn’t understand what had happened. The journey back home was probably much more subdued.

You have also heard the words of Mary. When you get to the entrance of the tomb, do you turn around and follow Peter and John’s perplexed footsteps back home? You shouldn’t. The Risen Christ isn’t there. He is alive. So after you race to the tomb, keep running. Run to tell your family, your friends, your neighbors. And don’t stop running until you cross that finish line He won for you in the empty tomb.

Walking with my Lord

Christ Jesus, thank You for the empty tomb. In it, I see victory over death and the promise of life everlasting at the end of my race. Help me to share this victory with those around me. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Race of Faith. Author: Amanda Stacy, DCE. 26/28 ©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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Faith is Living Life as a Procession of Triumph

In the Word

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere (2 Corinthians 2:14).

Of the Word

When the opponents of 17th century British author, John Bunyan, were trying to silence him, they offered him the choice of renouncing his faith or serving a term in prison. He chose the latter and spent twelve years in the Bedford jail. Of that experience he said, “I have determined, the Almighty God being my help and shield, yet to suffer … rather than violate my faith and principles.” Out of Bunyan’s imprisonment came the great literary work Pilgrim’s Progress. What a blessing!

That was what the Apostle Paul meant when he wrote, But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession … (2 Corinthians 2:14a). That was the spirit of Paul. His life was a series of hardships, but he regarded them as blessings. He was able to remain thankful because he knew that God was leading him.

We may be facing all kinds of hardships, yet because of our faith we can be content in spirit. Our reward: God is with us. Our life becomes a triumphal procession when it is lived in Christ.

Walking with my Lord

O Lord, in all situations and circumstances, give me faith that is stronger than steel and more durable than diamonds. In Christ’s name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 21/30 ©2007, revised 2025 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 

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Now Thank We All Our God

In the Word

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! (Psalm 105:1–2).

Of the Word

Now thank we all our God With hearts and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done, In whom His world rejoices;
Who from our mothers’ arms Has blest us on our way
With countless gifts of love And still is ours today.

One essential part of our worship is thanksgiving. This hymn reminds us to thank our God “With hearts and hands and voices.” We offer our whole selves in thanking Him for all His blessings.

Those blessings include life, home, health, peace, grace, and guidance. Most importantly, we thank God for a new life in Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer. We thankfully acknowledge His work of salvation in our lives and look forward to living with our Savior God in heaven forever.

“All praise and thanks to God The Father now be given, The Son, and Him who reigns With them in highest heav’n, The one eternal God, Whom earth and heaven adore; For thus it was, is now, And shall be evermore.”

Walking with my Lord

I give You hearty thanks, gracious God, for Your innumerable gifts to me! Thank You for all the people You have given as blessings in my life. Most of all, I thank You for the gifts of forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life in Jesus. In His bountiful name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Joyful, Joyful. Rev. Larry and Shari Miller, authors. 11/31. Hymn Text: LSB 895. ©2011, revised 2024 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Romance: Keeping the Spark Alive

In the Word

He: O you who dwell in the gardens, with companions listening for your voice; let me hear it. She: Make haste my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices (Song of Solomon 8:13–14).

Of the Word

“Let the wife make the husband glad to come home, and let him make her sorry to see him leave.” This quote by Martin Luther was written at a time when husbands left the house to work and wives stayed home. Even though this scenario may be less common today, the intended advice is still excellent. It takes two to keep romance alive!

A romantic interaction is not determined by location, food, clothing, or ambiance. These things can certainly add to the experience, but they don’t necessarily add up to romance.

Care for your spouse throughout the day. Speak as the Lover and Beloved did in the Song of Songs, and romance is in the air wherever you are. What makes your mate feel special? How can you show your love? Be intentional in giving those things and watch your romance flourish!

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, You created marriage as a relationship of love. Help me to show love to my spouse in meaningful ways throughout the day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 6/28 ©2008, revised 2024 Lutheran Women's Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Martin Luther quoted from Proverbia.net.

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Regardless and Forever: Living happily ever after

In the Word

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity (Colossians 3:13–14 NIV).

Of the Word

If you haven’t figured it out yet, you will very soon: you’re married to a sinner. If that isn't bad enough, your spouse is married to one, too! You may be perfect for each other, but you’re both a long way from being perfect.

How are spouses supposed to live “happily ever after” when sinners cannot be in one another’s presence without hurting, disappointing, or annoying each other on a fairly regular basis? The same way we are allowed to be in God’s presence: through forgiveness. Your wedding vows probably included a phrase similar to, “’til death do us part.” That means you have promised to love your spouse until you die, regardless of the injuries that sin will bring to your relationship.

Determine to love each other even when you don’t feel like it. Talk through your grievances. Seek help if your struggle becomes too great. Love each other — regardless and forever — the way God loves you!

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, thank You for loving us regardless of our sin. Please teach us to love each other the same way, with patience and forgiveness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 10/28 ©2008, revised 2024 Lutheran Women's Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

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 of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

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He is Creator

In the Word

Who made us?

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13 NIV).

Of the Word

The Bible tells us that God created everything in heaven and on earth. That includes us! But we are not like trees, rivers or stars. We love and laugh, care and sigh. We nurture others and have a need to be nurtured by them.

"Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand" (Isaiah 64:8 NIV).

Unbelievably, no two of us are exactly alike. God created us just to be us! What does He want in return? He wants us to call Him Father because He likes having us in His family. The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children (Romans 8:16 NIV).

No one will ever know us better or love us more than God.

Walking with my Lord

O God, I praise You for I realize I am fearfully and wonderfully made. You have made me special and unique. You not only created me, You loved me and sent Your Son, Jesus, to die for me. May my life praise You out of gratitude for Your love in giving me life here and in eternity with You. Help me to always remember these truths. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 2/28 ©2007, revised 2024. Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

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 of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

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He is Supreme

In the Word

Who is God?

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1 NIV).

Of the Word

Who is God in your life? Is He a loving Father who created you and watches over you with love? Is He a stern judge who sits on high, keeping a record of everything you have done?

The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion (Numbers 14:18a NIV).

For your Father knows what you need before you ask him (Matthew 6:8b NIV).

I the Lord do not change (Malachi 3:6a NIV).

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1 NIV).

Scripture also tells us God is an unchanging God of love and mercy. He created each of us to be His own and He desires that we come to Him for strength, forgiveness, and our daily needs. We can come to God at any time and in any place through prayer and His Word. He is always present, waiting to hear our concerns and wanting to send His comfort and peace.

Walking with my Lord

Dear heavenly Father, I am grateful to learn about You through Your Word. I am comforted to know You do not change. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. You know my needs and I trust You to work out all things for my good. You are my strength. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 1/28 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

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 of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

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