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Shaped by God

In the Word

Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out (Romans 12:2a MSG).

Of the Word

St. Paul exhorts the Romans not to be conformed to this world. Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within … (Romans 12:2a Phillips). The world around us exerts its influence upon us in many ways, both subtle and obvious. Today’s moral values are often empty inside while shiny on the outside. God, not the world, is the potter. As God’s children we are the clay. We are formed by His hands. The prophet Isaiah said it clearly: O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand (Isaiah 64:8).

How can we as God’s children hold firmly to His high principles and resist being squeezed into the mold of worldliness? St. Paul says let God re-mould your mind from within (Romans 12:2b Phillips). Daily reading of God’s Word helps us focus on what is God pleasing. The Holy Spirit helps us grow in faith and spiritual strength.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, keep me from being as weak as clay. With Your Word, mold me, making me strong to resist the false values of the world. Thank You for being my Strength. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Marilyn Sagehorn. 18/32 ©2009 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

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

Scripture quotations marked MSG are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

The New Testament in Modern English by J.B Phillips copyright © 1960, 1972 J. B. Phillips. Administered by The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England. Used by Permission.

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Caring for the Caregiver

In the Word

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith  (Galatians 6:10).

Of the Word

Who takes care of the caregivers when they are weary and physically worn? … when they are emotionally exhausted? … when they are spiritually challenged? Who is to be sensitive to caregivers’ needs?

God commands us to Bear one another’s burdens … (Galatians 6:2a). He gives us opportunities to carry out this command by speaking understanding words or listening patiently. Phone calls, notes of encouragement, or personal visits can brighten the caregiver’s day. Bringing a hot meal or providing respite care so the caregiver can take a break is appreciated. A spontaneous act of kindness can lift the caregiver’s spirit.

Even caregivers who try to hide their weariness or downheartedness need the warmth of God’s love shown through Christian care and concern. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other … (Colossians 3:12–13a NIV).

Walking with my Lord

Gracious Father, bless me with the gift of sensitivity so that I might see the needs of others and offer sweet refreshment to the weary. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Marilyn Sagehorn. 17/32 ©2009 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

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

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

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Ashes

A devotion for Ash Wednesday
 

In the Word

As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust (Psalm 103:13–14).

Of the Word

The flames shot hundreds of feet high, lighting up the night sky. At 3 a.m. the bright-as-day sky woke us up. Our neighbor’s house was on fire! Thankfully, no one was living there; the owner had moved away.

The fire was frightening in its ferociousness. The century-old home built with resin-filled heart pine seemed to explode with red-hot flames. Firefighters blasted the blaze with water, but the fire burned out of control. We stood there powerless, watching the beautiful home burn to the ground. For days, wiry tendrils of smoke rose from the wet pile of acrid ash.

Smelly, dirty ash will be smeared on our foreheads today in the sign of the cross. As we begin our Lenten journey, we remember those repugnant, smelly sins we are powerless to extinguish. We look in faith to our sin-bearing Savior, whose Lenten journey led to the cross and to final victory over death. Jesus saves us with His life-giving, love-flowing, sin-quenching water (John 4:14).

Walking with my Lord

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy (Psalm 103:2–4). We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
 

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

Mustard Seed: Ashes by Christine Weerts, Selma, Alabama.
Copyright© 2025 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. All rights reserved.
lwml.org

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Mardi Gras — A Day for Cleansing

A devotion for Shrove Tuesday, the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday
 

In the Word

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

Of the Word

Today is Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), the last day of the season of Epiphany. The name is likely a reference to the way Christians used up their cooking fat and other perishable ingredients, cleansing their homes in preparation for the Lenten fast. Today some celebrate by making and eating donuts or pancakes. For others, it is a day for partying and even debauchery, but for Christians, the festivities of this day are a reminder of the forgiveness we have in Christ.

Another name for Mardi Gras is Shrove Tuesday. On this day, penitents confessed their sins and received absolution. We have the clear promise of God in 1 John 1:9 that when we confess our sins to Him, He not only forgives us but cleanses us completely. Mardi Gras celebrations and preparations are temporary; God’s grace, forgiveness, and cleansing through Christ’s sacrifice are eternal!

Walking with my Lord

Lord, You are faithful and forgiving. Lead us to repent of our sins and receive Your forgiveness and perfect cleansing through faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. In His precious name, we pray. Amen.
 

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

Mustard Seed: Mardi Gras – A Day for Cleansing by Ruth Badciong, Winona, Minnesota
Copyright© 2025 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. All rights reserved.
lwml.org

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A Peaceful and Quiet Life

A devotion for Presidents’ Day
 

In the Word

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way (1 Timothy 2:1–2).

Of the Word

Today is a day when we can remember with thanksgiving former leaders of our country who served faithfully in their vocations. It is also a day when we remember to pray for our current leaders. It can be tempting at times to agonize over what our leaders will or will not do. It can also be tempting to think that our safety, security, and future are subject to the right or wrong decisions that our leaders make. This is not true.

God is the one we trust with our safety, security, and future. God uses godly and wicked leaders alike to care for His people. This sets us free to live peaceful and quiet lives while we pray for our leaders. We have no need to worry over what our leaders will or will not do. We can commend them to God’s care and direction and live the lives into which God has placed us. We can serve in our vocations peacefully because Jesus has put us at peace with God through His death and resurrection. 

Walking with my Lord

Dear God, thank You for the leaders You have given to care for us. Guide them to do Your will and guide us to live peacefully in the vocations in which You have placed us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
 

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

Mustard Seed: A Peaceful and Quiet Life by Deaconess Joanna Lee, McDonald, Pennsylvania
Copyright© 2025 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. All rights reserved.
lwml.org

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Strength for the Caregiver

In the Word

I can do all things through him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

Of the Word

The psalmist asks, From where does my help come? As a caregiver I frequently come to a low point and wonder the same thing as the psalmist: What next? The psalmist answers his own question, My help comes from the Lord … (Psalm 121:1b–2a). My courage returns when God reminds me that He is my Help.

Staying immersed in God’s Word buoys my spirit as a caregiver because of the surety of God’s promises. God assures me, “call upon me in the day of trouble,” then promises “I will deliver you” (Psalm 50:15a). God is not promising us that trouble will go away, but He is promising His help. I can accomplish even the most difficult tasks with Him by my side.

The words of the psalmist were the hymns of his day. Today’s hymns and spiritual songs flow with words of trust, confidence, and praise. I am comforted as I read them, sing them, or pray them. I hold them dear because they remind me that God does indeed promise to give me strength.

Walking with my Lord

Loving God, You are my Help and Strength. I call upon You in every need. May I always be anchored to the truth of Your Word that assures me I will, with Your help, be able to accomplish what I must do. May my actions reflect Your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Marilyn Sagehorn. 16/32 ©2009 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®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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This is Love

A devotion for Valentine's Day
 

In the Word

In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:10).

Of the Word

Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14, is a day to show love to others. Thoughtful gifts, candy, flowers, cards, or a romantic dinner are often part of our Valentine’s Day celebration. Confusion results from investigating facts from the third century BC since there seems to have been multiple Saint Valentines. The commonly held theory is that Roman Emperor Claudius II thought more men would volunteer for his army if they were not married, so he outlawed marriage. In sympathy with the love-struck soldiers, Saint Valentine was known to conduct weddings secretly at night. All these stories end with Saint Valentine being executed on February 14. This is not exactly what we associate with love and Valentine’s Day today!

Thankfully, we have clear descriptions of love in the Bible. 1 John 4:10 tells us the one true God is full of love for us. He sent His Son to resolve His anger with man by being the perfect sacrifice for our sins. In Baptism, we have put on Christ’s death and resurrection making us God’s beloved children. As His children, we will spend eternity with Him in heaven. That is love!

Walking with my Lord

Dear God, we thank You for showing us Your love by forgiving our sins and welcoming us as Your children. Help us to love others by sharing Your plan for salvation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

Mustard Seed: Valentine’s Day by Martha Hartwig, Robins, Iowa.
Copyright© 2025 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. All rights reserved.
lwml.org

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