Listen to this devotion

Glory be … to Whom?

In the Word

It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory (Proverbs 25:27).

Of the Word

Everybody loves a feast, whether it is a church dinner, a family smorgasbord, or a restaurant buffet. Imagine all that delicious food — and then imagine eating only the desserts. Lots of them, nothing but the desserts!

Dessert is fine, but too much does not provide a balanced diet and can even make one physically ill.

Solomon compares eating too much honey with self-glorification. A honey overload can lead to stomach ache; self-glorification can lead to something worse: spiritual illness.

Jesus, God’s own Son, had all glory. Yet He stooped low, grabbed a towel, and washed the dusty feet of His disciples (John 13:4–5). He demonstrated no pride, no arrogance, only loving service. That is the example He set for His disciples, and it is the example He sets for His people today.

A Point to Ponder: How can I demonstrate a servant attitude like Jesus did?

Walking with my Lord

Lord Jesus, when I am tempted to “toot my own horn,” remind me that I am Your servant, redeemed by You, chosen by You, commissioned to serve You. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 26/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198

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.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

Cheerleaders

In the Word

… a word in season, how good it is! (Proverbs 15:23b).

Of the Word

Bright smiles, cute outfits, rousing chants, rhythmic dances, dazzling cartwheels! Who are they? The cheerleaders, of course! No matter what the score, they shout out their encouragement to both players and spectators.

Scripture has a few cheerleaders, too. Take Barnabas, for example. Former persecutor, newly converted Paul needed a cheerleader, and Barnabas rose to the occasion. He encouraged fearful, reluctant people to listen to Paul’s story. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus (Acts 9:27).

Is there a Paul among us today, someone for whom we can be an advocate; someone for whom we can speak a good word? No cartwheels, no pompoms, no high kicks are needed, just willingness to speak encouraging words to those who need them.

A Point to Ponder: Who needs my encouraging words today?

Walking with my Lord

Loving Lord, send me to someone who needs a word of encouragement today. Help me to share Your light. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 25/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198

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.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

New Life in Christ

In the Word

… and went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:39b).

Of the Word

When an adult is baptized in church, it draws the attention of the entire congregation. A mature person is receiving the Sacrament that many individuals received as babies and remember only through photos or videos.

Luke records for us an inspiring account of an adult baptism in Acts chapter eight. The disciple Philip encounters an Ethiopian official returning from worship in Jerusalem. Philip overhears the man reading from Isaiah and offers to discuss it with him. That discussion leads to the Good News of Jesus, which in turn leads to the Ethiopian’s Baptism. Filled with the Holy Spirit, the man … went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:39b).

To anyone caught in the pain and hopelessness of sin, the Good News of salvation through the death and resurrection of our Savior is life changing. The gift of Baptism, washing away of the “old self” and receiving the new life in Christ, is a true transformation by water and the Word. The adult recipient as well as those who witness it can go on their way rejoicing!

Walking with my Lord

Jesus, I rejoice daily in my Baptism and the new life it gives to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 23/28 ©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.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

The Heart of the Home

In the Word

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15b).

Of the Word

Think about the first home in which you remember living. If asked, most people could draw a “blueprint” of its design. Simple floor-plan or elaborate structure, it was home.

It is exciting to move into a new home. Maybe it is your first apartment or the dream house you have been saving for years to purchase. Whatever the size or style, it is your home. Your sanctuary. How fun it will be to make it your own by decorating the walls and arranging the furniture. It is even fun to clean … for a while!

More important than the appearance of the home, is the “heart” of the home. Joshua had a beloved homeland, but he also lived as a nomad. It did not matter where he lived as much as how he lived. He declared, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).

Any home with Christ as its center is a blessed place. We can celebrate the earthly residence we call home, and by faith we are assured of our heavenly home, too.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, thank You for being my Dwelling Place and the Cornerstone of my family. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 22/28 ©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.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

Witnesses — Jonah, You Can Run, But You Can’t Hide

In the Word

Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish, saying, “I called out to the Lord, out of my distress, and he answered me …” (Jonah 2:1–2a).

Of the Word

It’s never a good thing when your run ends in the belly of a big fish. How, you may be wondering, would that ever happen? Just ask Jonah (see Jonah 1:15–17). Unfortunately, unlike other runners you read about in Scripture, Jonah decided to run away from God. Jonah did not want to preach repentance and extend God’s mercy to Nineveh. So, he ran away — and ended up in the big fish.

Fortunately, there is no place to run that is out of God’s reach. God dealt with Jonah in the big fish’s belly, and God will meet you wherever you are as well. Let Jonah remind you there is no place you can run to be away from God. And also be reminded that there is no end to God’s loving patience, mercy, and forgiveness as He deals with His precious people.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your patience, mercy, and forgiveness. Help me to seek You and Your will instead of running away from You to do my own will. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Race of Faith. Author: Amanda Stacy, DCE. 24/28 ©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.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

The Race — Water Stations

In the Word

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters (Psalm 23:2).

Of the Word

For first-time race participants, making use of the water stations along the route can be a nerve-racking experience. Proper water station etiquette teaches the runner how to approach the water tables, what to say to volunteers, how to hold the cup so as not to spill the water while running, and how to dispose of the cup. Learning these things before a race is useful so that runners’ times aren’t compromised due to crowded water stations. Furthermore, these instructions help because people don’t normally drink water on the run.

Psalm 23 describes God, the Good Shepherd, giving His people, the sheep, what they need. He knows water is a necessity for keeping them healthy. But instead of water-on-the-go, He offers still waters, which make it easier for the sheep to drink. In the same way, God knows what we need and He knows how to provide for us.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, my Good Shepherd, thank You for providing me everything I need at the right time and in the right way. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Race of Faith. Author: Amanda Stacy, DCE. 23/28 ©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.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

The Race — Playlist

In the Word

And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” (Mark 10:21).

Of the Word

What’s on your running playlist? Chances are it’s something upbeat that gets your blood pumping and feet moving to the rhythm. Music keeps a runner occupied and interested, but it can be distracting. For this reason, the rules of many races will not let you listen to music because you may not be able to hear traffic or the instructions of race volunteers.

Many things distract believers as they run the race of faith. Money, lust, and status are just a few of the things that keep minds busy and off the race. Take, for example, the rich young man in Mark 10. This young man asked Jesus what he needed to do in order to gain eternal life. Jesus told him to sell all of his possessions and then follow Him. The man went away sad because he had great wealth.

Unfortunately, earthly possessions kept the rich young man from following Jesus. Even today, distractions can rob people of heavenly treasures. Leave your distractions behind and instead follow Jesus. He will lead you to life everlasting!

Walking with my Lord

Father, help me not be distracted by worldly things. Lead me on Your path of righteousness that I may receive eternal life through Jesus Christ, Your Son. In His name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Race of Faith. Author: Amanda Stacy, DCE. 22/28 ©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.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email