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Begin with God … He Helps Us Calm Anger

In the Word

Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God (James 1:19b–20).

Of the Word

"He has a short fuse." "She was really steamed." "She's mad as a hornet." "I was about to blow up." Many figures of speech are used to describe anger. What does God have to say about it?

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice (Ephesians 4:31).

"Think before you speak." "Get rid of angry words." How easy to say, but how hard to do! Our help comes from God. Through His Spirit He helps us to recognize and confess our sinful anger. Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy (Proverbs 28:13).

Pray for the Holy Spirit's gifts. He brings anger management skills! But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control; against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22–23).

Walking with my Lord

Dear Heavenly Father, anger — my own or that of others — has caused hurt, frustration and separation in many lives. Forgive me for my sinful outbursts and quiet grumbling. Help me to remember Your love for me. Help me to show kindness, patience and a forgiving spirit to those around me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 20/28 ©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.

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Exercising Our Right to Vote

In the Word

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God (Romans 13:1).

Of the Word

As United States citizens, we have the right and privilege to vote for candidates running for various national, state, and local offices. Those elected will serve in a position of authority in their respective offices which have been instituted by God.

Just as Christ willfully submitted to His Father by coming to earth to save us from our sins, we should willfully submit to the authorities God has put in place to help provide order in a world plagued by sin and disorder. We submit to the governing authorities until they command us to do something against God’s Word.

We cannot do this on our own. It is only through the Holy Spirit working in us that we strive to submit to our heavenly Father and the governing authorities He places over us. When we fail, we can repent, and He promises to forgive. Through prayer, the Holy Spirit can, and will, strengthen our resolve to honor those in authority. 

Walking with my Lord

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for a government that provides order and protection for us. Help us to respect those who serve in positions of authority. Amen.
 

Mustard Seed: Election Day by Pam Wiederkehr, Enid, Oklahoma. Copyright © 2024 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. All rights reserved. lwml.org

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.

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Handmade

In the Word

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13–14a).

Of the Word

One of my daughter’s favorite songs to sing with me is “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.” I like to add the prefix “God made Ella” to the song. As an infant she enjoyed my voice and my touch. Now, as she nears toddlerhood, she enjoys pointing to her body parts all by herself.

The psalmist is clear that each of his tendons, muscles, and bones were put together by God’s own hands. We are all wonderfully handmade by God, and because of that we each have great value. In fact, God loved what He made so much that a lofty price was paid to buy us back from eternal death: His Son’s own life! God works to sustain us in this earthly life through all of the good gifts He gives to us each day.

What a privilege we have to share this Good News with our children — God the Father created them, God the Son redeemed them, and God the Holy Spirit sanctifies them. Praise God for the works of love He has done in our lives and in the lives of those most precious to us.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, enable me, through Your Holy Spirit, to share the wonderful works of love You have accomplished for all of Your children. In Jesus’ blessed name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 2/30 ©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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 Out in Faith

In the Word

And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus (Matthew 14:28–29).

Of the Word

Have you ever been on a search when someone said, “Keep your eyes peeled”? You did not literally peel your eyes, but you stayed focused on the task at hand.

When Jesus came walking on the water, Peter wanted to join Him. Peter responded to the Lord’s invitation and in faith stepped out of the boat, walking on the water toward Jesus. But all too soon the winds were a distraction and taking his eyes of faith off Jesus, Peter began to sink.

How often do we look away from Jesus and focus on our problems? When we do, we may feel like we are sinking in over our head. Jesus lovingly rescued Peter asking him, “Why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31b). Through the Holy Spirit Jesus guides us to keep our focus on Him. His words are for us, too. “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27b).

Walking with the Word

Holy Savior, only in You am I able to step out in faith. Help me keep my eyes fixed on You so that I may find comfort in Your peace. In Your saving name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 2/28 ©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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This is the Express Lane?

In the Word

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2).

Of the Word

Holding five items, you scan the store’s crowded check-out lanes and strategically plot your choices. An express lane opens! You triumphantly out-maneuver several shoppers and become the second one in line. Only then you notice the brimming cart ahead of you — the thrill of victory becomes the agony of defeat. Although tempted to count aloud the woman’s items, you ponder the options. What if … she is a single mom, rushing to purchase needed groceries before picking up children at daycare? What if … you prayed for her instead of grumbling? What if … you prayed for the tired-looking cashier, or the upset people behind you, or those who cannot afford to buy even five items?

Continue steadfastly in prayer, … (Colossians 4:2a). We often overlook opportunities to pray. Sitting at a long traffic light gives us time to pray for family and friends. Delayed by the after school surge of walkers and bicyclists, we can pray for students and teachers. Thank God for the possibilities to be in prayer for others. They are not interruptions. They are invitations to be in conversation with Him.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, thank You for the many opportunities You give me each day of my life to continue steadfastly in prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 2/30 ©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 ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Grace Alone

A devotion for Reformation Day

In the Word

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8–9).

Of the Word

On October 31, 1517, as Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the Wittenberg Castle Church door, he could not possibly have imagined the impact that simple gesture would have. He just wanted to generate discussion about papal indulgences. 

Today, we thank God for Luther’s thirst for biblical truths. We know we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Our relationship with our loving Father does not include any man-made rules. We give thanks for the rich legacy left by Martin Luther through his writings and his hymns. 

Sadly, there are people we know who are not aware of God’s saving grace. Luther would encourage us to be bold to share the truth with these friends and family. They need to hear the Good News of salvation and understand that God truly forgives their sins.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Father in heaven, we thank and praise You for all the reformers who challenged the incorrect teachings and practices of the early church. We thank You for their courage and determination. And most of all, we thank You for Your grace and mercy. In Jesus’ 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.

 Grace Alone by Candy Habich, Blountville, Tennessee
Copyright© 2025 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. All rights reserved.
lwml.org

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Hagar — Caught in a Triangle of Trouble

In the Word

(Hagar’s Story: Genesis 16:1–16; 21:8–21)

And the angel of the Lord said to her [Hagar], “Behold, you are pregnant and shall bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because the Lord has listened to your affliction” (Genesis 16:11).

Of the Word

Interfering with God’s plan produced nothing but discord in Hagar’s life. While both were advanced in age, God had promised Abraham and Sarah a child. Tired of waiting, Sarah gave her slave Hagar to Abraham as a wife with no objection from Abraham. When Hagar became pregnant she treated Sarah with contempt. Sparks began to fly between them. None of the characters in this plot are innocent. Instead of waiting for God, Sarah devised her own plan. When Hagar became pregnant, she forgot her status as slave and was contentious toward Sarah. Being spiritual head of the household, Abraham should not have agreed to Sarah’s scheming in the first place.

In some situations we may have acted as Sarah, Hagar, or Abraham did. Triangles of trouble do come our way. They happen in families, between coworkers and supervisors, and sadly, even in church. So what do we do when we’re caught in the middle?

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another … as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:31–32).

Walking with my Lord

By Your example, Lord, help me be kind to all You have put on my path. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 2/34 ©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 Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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