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Living in the Spirit … I Receive Direction

In the Word

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26).

Of the Word

Do you remember the names of all of the U.S. states and capitals? Can you go to the supermarket without a list if you need more than five items? Many people joke about having “senior moments” when memory fails, but forgetting can be quite aggravating at times. God knew how fallible human memories are, so He gave us His Word. He promised that the Holy Spirit would teach it to us and remind us of it daily.

Geography facts and grocery lists are totally unimportant compared to the knowledge the Spirit imparts to us. “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1b).

“I [Jesus] am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20b).

“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10b).

The Holy Spirit opens God’s Word to us so we can learn of Him and experience His faithfulness daily.

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Lord, for sending the Spirit to teach and remind me of Your promises. Your words are true, bringing me direction, comfort, and joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in the Spirit. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Deaconess Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 1/30 ©2007, revised 2024 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

All quoted Scripture is 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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Love: A feeling or a fact?

In the Word

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).

Of the Word

You knew that the stomach-in-knots, sweaty palms, heart-pounding feelings of love you had during your courtship would eventually smooth out into a day-to-day kind of love once you were married. But you didn’t expect days when you would really dislike your spouse. How can you love someone you think is unlovable?

In your faith life, there are probably days when you don’t “feel” the closeness of God. Yet, because of the promise He made at your baptism, you “know” He’s always right there with you. It is the same in your marriage. On the days when you “feel” like you don’t love your spouse, remember the promise that you made on your wedding day and “know” that you do.

Feelings are fleeting — here today, gone tomorrow. A promise is forever. Stand on the promise — both God’s promise to you and yours to your spouse.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, thank You for always being faithful to Your promises. Help me to stand by my promise, especially when my feelings are being fickle. Help me to love my spouse, even when I do not “feel” loving. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 2/28 ©2008, revised 2024 Lutheran Women's Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

All quoted Scripture is 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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God is in Control

In the Word

“Be still, and know that I am God …” (Psalm 46:10a).

Of the Word

Anyone who has children in their lives has probably uttered “Be still!” on more than one occasion for any number of reasons. You may even know “antsy” adults you would like to tell to “Be still!”

In Psalm 46, God is telling His children to, “Be still. Enough already, stop spinning your wheels,” He admonishes us. God wants us to realize that He is the One in control. No amount of worrying, fretting, or concern on our part can change anything. In fact, God views those reactions as distrust.

God is telling us, “Be still. Turn it over to Me. I know your concerns; they are My concerns, too. What you care about, I care about. Trust Me. Believe in Me. Be still. I can handle it.” God instructs us to bring whatever is troubling us to Him in prayer, and then His Spirit helps us to be still as we await His answer.

Jesus says, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me” (John 14:1 NLT).

“Be still my soul; the Lord is on your side; Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain; Leave to your God to order and provide; In ev’ry change He faithful will remain.”

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. 22/30 ©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 NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

“Be Still, My Soul” words by Catharina von Schlegel, translated by Jane Borthwick, tune by Jean Sibelius. Text – public domain.

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Faith is … the Confidence We Have in God’s Safety Net

In the Word

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8).

Of the Word

A construction company in charge of building a bridge across a rather large body of water discovered that by putting a net below the men working on the steel girders of the bridge, the efficiency and attitude of the workers rose dramatically. Knowing that the net was below them gave the men confidence and a sense of security.

The suffering and death of our Lord Jesus Christ have the same effect on us spiritually. By shedding His blood on the cross and suffering its pain and torment, Jesus paid in full the penalty for all our sins.

The knowledge of our forgiveness in Christ gives us peace. Unless we allow them to do so, sickness, sorrow, trouble, pain, or even death cannot destroy the peace and confidence that comes from God.

Peace in our hearts, confidence to face any situation in life, and a sure hope of eternal life in heaven are the “net” results of Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross. In a real way then, the cross of Jesus is our safety net!

Walking with my Lord

O Loving Father, may the cross of Christ calm my fears and give me peace and hope all the days of my life here on earth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 24/30 ©2007, 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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Faith is … Setting Our Minds on Things Eternal

In the Word

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth (Colossians 3:2).

Of the Word

Eternity has little reality for many people of our day. They have forgotten about it and live as if it does not exist. Yet nothing is more certain. One day we shall meet eternity face to face.

Set your mind on things that are above, says the Lord in His Word. Yes, there is something above us. Heaven is above us, and Jesus is the Way. No one is more impoverished than that person who does not believe in the things above.

When the prodigal son in the far country came to himself, his mind was occupied with one thought: “How can I get home to my father?” He arose, went to his father, and said, “Father, I have sinned.” He trusted in his father’s love and mercy. (Luke 15:11–32)

Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can set our minds on our Heavenly Father and the things that are above. Without His guidance we focus on earthly and temporal things. With it, we can set our minds on things above, which are eternal.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, help me daily to set my mind on things eternal so I may be of service to You in Your Kingdom. In Christ’s name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 23/30 ©2007, 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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Faith is … Resting in God’s Lasting Peace

In the Word

“… the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:26 NIV).

Of the Word

An artist was asked to paint a picture that would express the idea of peace. The finished painting showed a roaring waterfall with a large tree hanging over it. On a limb of that tree, bending over the churning waters and almost touched by the rising spray, a sparrow calmly sat on her nest. Amid the roar and danger of the waterfall, the tiny bird was at peace.

God gives a special kind of peace. Like that bird, we are surrounded by danger and troubles. But in the middle of all life’s turmoil the Lord gives us peace. We can be at rest. This is a special peace that only God can give. The original Hebrew language uses the singular for “you.” God’s peace is not just for “you” as a large group of people. It’s for “you” as a priceless individual. You might be a woman or a man, dark-skinned or light, living in America or across the seas. It doesn’t matter; you can still have peace. God’s peace is for you! Best of all it is a peace that will last — yes, even into eternity.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Jesus, I want the peace which no person or circumstance can take from me. Call me finally into Your eternal peace. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 22/30 ©2007, revised 2026. Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations 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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Decisions, Decisions

In the Word

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths (Proverbs 3:5–6).

Of the Word

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). How wonderful it is to know that God has a plan for my life!

When I am faced with important decisions, I know the Lord has a plan for me. I may spend hours or even days agonizing over what to do when what I really need to do is spend more time in prayer and reading God’s Word, which will guide my decisions.

Although I may not be sure of where He is sending me, I can be certain that He is my Guide. The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps (Proverbs 16:9). The Father hears my prayer for wisdom, and the Holy Spirit guides my actions. I can trust that God will make my path straight.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, please guide me through my days and help me to stay on the path You have chosen for me. Through Your Word, give me the wisdom to make decisions in accordance with Your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Dianna Jenkins. 21/32 ©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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