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The Next Step

In the Word

The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand (Psalm 37:23–24).

Of the Word

One of the lesser-known meanings of the word graduate is “to take a step.” Graduation is a step forward; a step into the unknown. Graduation is a day to celebrate, to look back on where one has been over the past years. It is a day to remember the best of times. It is also a day to look forward and wonder what is ahead. What is the next step? What will be encountered on that step?

While we never know for certain what the future holds, we do have God’s assurance that we can confidently take each step along the path knowing He is with us and in us. It means never stepping out alone. We have God’s promise, The steps of a man are established by the LORD … the LORD upholds his hand (Psalm 37:23a, 24b).

So as you begin a new phase of your life, hold fast to the promise that is yours through faith in Jesus Christ. The Triune God goes with you. Be confident that as you step out into the world with Him, He will hold you with His mighty hand. 

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, I am excited about graduating, but I know my life is going to be different from now on. Please help me to cling to You for strength. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 12/28 ©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.

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Out of Sight

A devotion for Ascension Day
 

In the Word

And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight (Acts 1:9).

Of the Word

The disciples had watched their hope die as the One they thought was their Savior was crucified. At that moment, they were left with nothing. However, the disciples’ deep despair on Good Friday was soon replaced by the unbridled joy of the resurrection.

But what would happen now? A short forty days later, Jesus was gone again, taken out of their sight with a promise to return. Would their joy endure? Would they once again turn to despair? 

We, too, know the heartache of being separated from loved ones and the longing for Jesus to return. Despite this, despair can have no true hold on us. We have Jesus’ sure promise. He is coming back. Though He is out of sight, He is never out of mind. He is with us and gives us His joy which is stronger than the strongest despair that may surround us. We need not fear. He will come again. 

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord Jesus, we long for Your return. Strengthen us with Your joy until the day when we can see You face to face. In Your eternal 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: Out of Sight by Deaconess Joanna Lee, McDonald, Pennsylvania.
Copyright© 2025 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. All rights reserved.
lwml.org

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The Queen of Sheba — Seeking Answers

(The Queen’s Story: 1 Kings 10:1–9)

In the Word

Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions (1 Kings 10:1).

Of the Word

The queen of Sheba had heard of King Solomon’s wisdom, and she came loaded with tough questions. If he was as wise as she had heard, no riddle would remain unsolved and no question would be too difficult. The queen asked, and Solomon poured out answer after answer. He left her absolutely speechless!

Our world, unfortunately, has no Solomon. But we do have the One who endowed Solomon with his great wisdom. His name: the Lord God. He invites us to ask for His help, and He promises to give it. “… call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me” (Psalm 50:15).

How many questions can we ask? The psalmist says, … I will call on him as long as I live (Psalm 116:2b). The queen went home thinking of Solomon’s wisdom. We can live in the certainty of God’s love, His wisdom, and His care for us.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Heavenly Father, like the queen, I have questions that trouble me. Help me find answers in Your Word. Surround me with people who will help me stay close to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 15/34 ©2013 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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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The Widow of Nain — From Tears to Joy, Pain to Praise

(Her Story: Luke 7:11–17)

In the Word

And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother (Luke 7:15).

Of the the Word

In Luke 7, we read of a widow, first left alone at her husband’s death, then doubly alone after her son’s death. She wept as the body of her son was carried away.

And then Jesus came! His feelings: compassion and sorrow. His words: “Don’t cry” (Luke 7:13b CEB). His action: He restored her son’s life and gave him back to her. The Gospel writer tells nothing about her life before or after the miracle. But it is certain the widow’s life changed when her son, once dead, walked home beside her that day. She went from pain to praise, from tears to triumph!

And that is what our loving God does even today. In the midst of sadness and tears, He says, “Don’t cry” (Luke 7:13b CEB). He urges, “Come to me” … He promises, … “I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). His heart is full of compassion, and His arms are open wide. Come!

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord Jesus, when my load is heavy and my troubles are huge, help me remember that Your love is wider, bigger, and stronger than all of them. Thank You! In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 14/34 ©2013 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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

Scripture quotations from the COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE. © Copyright 2011 COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE. All rights reserved. Used by permission. (www.CommonEnglishBible.com)

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Sorry

In the Word

For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Of the Word

My daughter is such a little mimic. I can say just about anything and she will attempt to say it too if she is in the right mood. Recently she said the word “sorry” just as clear as day. While “sorry” is a comparatively easy word to say, we know it can often be a difficult word to speak.

Admitting we are wrong isn’t easy. As we examine our lives in light of the Ten Commandments, it is clear we do have things to be sorry about. In his letter to the Corinthians Paul talks of godly sorrow which brings repentance that leads to salvation and worldly sorrow which brings death.

Because we have much to be sorry for, it would be easy to wallow in guilt and despair. But when we approach our gracious God, sincerely repenting of our sins, He is quick to assure us, “Your sins are forgiven” (Luke 7:48b) because of the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for us on the cross and His triumphant resurrection three days later.

We are forgiven because Christ overcame all sin so we may have life eternal.

Walking with my Lord

Loving Father, I am sorry for my sins, and I ask You to forgive me. Thank You for Your gifts of grace and salvation. In the blessed name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 15/30 ©2013 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, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Mother's Day

A devotion for the second Sunday in May
 

In the Word

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her (Luke 1:38).

Of the Word

Certainly, Mary, the mother of Jesus, is the most famous mother of all time. We marvel at how God used this young woman to bring our Savior Jesus into this sin-filled world. She knew there would be trials and tribulations, yet she humbly accepted her circumstances.

Since the angel Gabriel brought God’s message to Mary, countless women have responded in much the same way as Mary. They have considered the vocation of motherhood as true servanthood. They have carried out the promise to raise their children according to God’s Word as stated in Proverbs 22:6: Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Most of us have been blessed with mothers who “trained us up” by taking us to Sunday school and teaching us that Jesus is our Savior and our friend in time of need. However, we all know mothers who themselves need to hear of the promise of salvation through faith in Christ. Let us resolve to not only befriend these mothers but to also become “extra aunts” to their children, perhaps by offering to bring the children to Sunday school. It truly does “take a village”!

Walking with my Lord

Dear Father, thank You so much for mothers who were steadfast in their promise to serve You and to train us up to know Your Son Jesus as our best friend. Help us to follow their example and to serve not only our own children but also children in our community. We pray in Jesus’ precious name. 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: Mother’s Day by Candy Habich, Blountville, Tennessee
Copyright© 2024 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. All rights reserved.
lwml.org

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Abigail — Peacemaker

(Abigail’s Story: 1 Samuel 25:2–42)

In the Word

When Abigail saw David … She fell at his feet and said, “On me alone, my lord, be the guilt” (1 Samuel 25:23a, 24a).

Of the Word

Poor Abigail! Her husband Nabal was rude and crude, rich but unrighteous and unruly. His name even means “fool.” What kind of woman would be his wife?

When faced with the repercussion of Nabal’s foolishness, Abigail opted to step in and take the blame even though she was not guilty. She became the peacemaker. She went to David, made apology, and asked forgiveness. Abigail even brought gifts. Though David had planned to wipe out Nabal’s company, he listened to Abigail. Convinced that God had intervened by sending her, David abandoned his plan and left in peace.

Do you know of a peacemaker who willingly, unflinchingly walks between opposing forces? Has God ever called you to be such a peacemaker? He has a promise for you: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). As He was with Abigail, so He is with you as you do His will!

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, peace is lacking in the world and in my life. Give me courage to seek the truth and to be an instrument of Your peace. Give me words that are quiet and loving so others may also have Your peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 13/34 ©2013 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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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