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God’s Forgiveness

In the Word

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! (Psalm 51:1–2).

Of the Word

The great King David of the Old Testament wrote Psalm 51 after he had committed adultery with the beautiful, married Bathsheba. She became pregnant and David gave orders Uriah, her husband, was to be killed in battle (2 Samuel 11–12).

When we read David’s story we see that people caught in the grasp of sin are able to do deplorable things.

But wait! That’s not the end of the story. Was David punished? Yes. The sin he tried to cover up was made known to the nation, and the baby died. But David admitted his sin to God, asked for God’s forgiveness, and received it.

Did God forgive David because He loved him more than He loves us? No! Is our sin so gross that Jesus will turn away from us? No! Does Jesus even want us to bring our sin to Him? Yes! Will the Spirit forgive us and make us clean? Yes! How can this be? 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).

Walking with my Lord

Father, I thank You for allowing me to lay my sins before You. I ask for Your forgiveness. Help me to be what You would have me be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Comfort from the Psalms. Authors: Marcia Gomulka & Myrna Lou Meyer. 21/30 ©2009, revised 2026. 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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Rock Solid

In the Word

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! (Psalm 95:1).

Of the Word

Jesus ends His Sermon on the Mount with the parable of the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24–29). He likens those who hear His Word and obey it to the man who built his house on the rock. When battered by wind and rain, it stood firm because it had a solid foundation.

The foolish man was compared to those who hear Christ’s Words and choose not to obey them. This man’s house, built on the sand, was also battered by wind and rain. Having no foundation, it fell flat!

We, like the houses in Christ’s parable, also need a strong foundation. Learning, believing, and putting into practice the message of the Bible gives us the substance we need to withstand the storms of life. Through God’s gift of His Holy Spirit, we are able to put our full confidence in Jesus Christ, our Rock, our Lord, and our Savior. When the winds and rains of life come our way — as surely they will — we will still be standing solid. God will see to that! 

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, may I forever boldly proclaim “On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.” In His redeeming name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Comfort from the Psalms. Authors: Marcia Gomulka & Myrna Lou Meyer. 20/30 ©2009, revised 2026. 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.

“My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” words by Edward Mote, music by John Stainer. Public domain.

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Faith is … Trusting God to Hold Us Securely in His Outstretched Hand

In the Word

So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:29b–31).

Of the Word

It was dangerous that day on the Sea of Galilee when Peter walked on the water to Jesus. The waves and the stormy weather inspired fear, and the sea under him was deep.

When Peter began to look at himself, he took his eyes off of Jesus. When faith looks at itself it is no longer faith. Faith fixes our gaze on Jesus and trusts Him to save us with His outstretched hand. We all need the strong hand of Jesus to hold us up. It has crushed the devil’s power and broken the chains of death. Jesus has the power over the devil and death, so we can confidently entrust ourselves to His hand.

We need His hand always. It is the only true hope we have. The day is coming when we will need it most of all – the day when we must pass through the dark shadow of death.

When the waves of the river of death wash over us and we, in terror, begin to sink, Jesus has promised to stand. He will reach out His hand, and hold us securely.

Walking with my Lord

“Abide with me! Fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.” In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 20/30 ©2007 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.

“Abide with Me! Fast Falls the Eventide” words by Henry F. Lyte, music by William H. Monk –Public Domain.

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Faith is … Trusting God

In the Word

In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them (Psalm 22:4).

Of the Word

Trust is the foundation of every good relationship. Children trust and depend on their parents. Patients who submit to surgery rely on the doctor’s skilled hands. Couples count on one another for love and support.

So often our trust and confidence is misplaced, and then disappointments come. We may trust our physical strength, yet illness lays us low. We build our assets with investments, and then a recession comes to threaten our security. We confide our secrets with friends only to find their hearts are false.

We are reminded to focus our attention on God, who alone is trustworthy. We can rely on Him because we have proof that He has acted mightily for us. In Jesus Christ, God assumed the burden of our broken nature and paid the price for our sin.

On earth there is no sure and certain cure for all that ails us. No insurance policy will protect us against the evil around us. But the Lord has promised His presence even in the middle of our problems and crises. His promises are sure and certain. That is why we can trust Him!

Walking with my Lord

“I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus; Never let me fall. I am trusting Thee forever And for all.” In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 19/30 ©2007 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.

“I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus” words by Frances R. Havergal, music by Henry W. Baker – Public Domain.

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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.
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