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Stopped In My Tracks

A devotion for the 1st Sunday in Advent

In the Word

"Hear this, O Job; stop and consider the wondrous works of God” (Job 37:14).

Of the Word

I was in a hurry; I had a lot to do. I was driving to my appointment when suddenly I had to stop. Train tracks cut through the center of our city, interrupting life too often. Two freight lines use these tracks, and when you hear that ear-blasting horn and see the red flashing lights, you stop. 

You do not know when the train will come, but you know it will be when you are “in a hurry” and “have a lot to do.” Those long, wasted minutes waiting for that impossibly long train can ruin your schedule — and your attitude.

In today’s brief reading from Job, we hear from his friend, Elihu. He tells Job, “Stop.” Job has lost everything — his family, his home, and even his health. Elihu does not tell him to work harder, worry more, heal faster, or pray better. “Stop.”

“Stop” is a good word for Advent. Stop your worry, your anger, your impatience, your heartache, and your rushing. Stop and turn your eyes to God. Consider His wondrous works — His awesome creation, His majestic power, His everlasting love. And, most of all, consider His mighty work of salvation through Jesus Christ.

As the train rolls by — stop. Turn off your engine. Roll down your window. Listen to the loud steely noise of metal on metal and thank God that today you stop — and consider Him.

Walking with my Lord

Wonder-working God, vast and infinite, close and present, remind me this Advent to stop — and consider Your wondrous works, a delight to my heart. In Jesus’ name I 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: Stopped In My Tracks by Christine Weerts, Selma, Alabama.
Copyright© 2025 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. All rights reserved.
lwml.org

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Mutual Ministry: Serving the Lord Together

In the Word

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24).

Of the Word

As individuals, each of you has unique skills and talents which God has already used to touch others. Now, together, you have the opportunity to offer your combined abilities to the building of God’s Kingdom. What skills do you have in common? Which talents complement each other? When do your schedules allow for mutual time to be set aside for service? What kind of encouragement can you give to each other as you serve individually and together in ministry?

The writer of Hebrews states, Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23). It is in God’s faithfulness that our service is grounded. It is in the sure and certain hope of salvation through Christ that we live and seek to draw others to this faithful God. As partners, spur one another on toward such love and good deeds.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, as we have experienced Your faithfulness and grace, lead us to seek opportunities to share them with those whom You place in our paths. Continue to use us as individuals, and lead us to find ways to serve You together as a couple. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 25/28 ©2008 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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Living in the Spirit … Shows God's Power

In the Word

And my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God (1 Corinthians 2:4–5).

Of the Word

Commercials! Radio, television, newspapers, and magazines are full of them. Advertisers pay billions of dollars annually to promote their goods, services, and ideas.

How many times have you been persuaded to buy a product only to be disappointed? Unfortunately, the advertisers’ proclamations are sometimes only empty promises and powerless words.

God’s Word, on the other hand, is filled with power. His promises are always true. Man’s wisdom can and will fail, but God will never disappoint those who trust in His power. It is the Holy Spirit who enables us to trust in God’s promises.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding; (Proverbs 3:5).

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, thank You for the words of truth and power in Your Word. Thank You for giving me the Holy Spirit, who enables me to trust in You. Make me strong to resist false words and empty promises in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in the Spirit. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Deaconess Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 4/30 ©2007, revised 2024 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®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Thanksgiving Day

In the Word

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18).

Of the Word

Throughout the ages there have been many references to feasts of thanksgiving after harvest times. In the United States there have been several declarations of thanksgiving. The most notable are the references to the Pilgrims who celebrated in Plymouth in 1621 and then during the Civil War when President Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be celebrated on the final Thursday of November 1863.

In recent times, Thanksgiving Day has evolved into a day of feasting and watching football. As Christians, we take a broader view of things as summed up in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to give thanks in all circumstances. We constantly thank God for everything in our lives, our family, home, health, and every other gift from above. Not only that, but we should give thanks in all circumstances, even when they are difficult. No matter the situation, we can always thank God for the gift of His Son Jesus and for the grace and mercy extended to us.

So, don’t limit your thanks-giving to the fourth Thursday in November. Instead, take time every day to thank God for your blessings as well as your circumstances — no matter what. He is always listening!

Walking with my Lord

Dear Father in heaven, we beg Your forgiveness for the many times we do not thank You for blessings poured down on us. We ask the Holy Spirit to prompt us daily to praise You and to thank You for the bountiful grace and mercy extended to us. 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.

Mustard Seed: Thanksgiving Day by Candy Habich, Blountville, Tennessee.
Copyright© 2025 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. All rights reserved.
lwml.org

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Begin with God … So We Can Serve Him

In the Word

How will I serve God?

“‘Truly, I say to you, as you did to one of the least of these my brothers, you did to me’” (Matthew 25:40b).

Of the Word

What is your favorite way to be of service to others? What type of serving do you find most difficult to do? Comparing lists with a friend might reveal that what brings joy to one is pure drudgery to another!

God gives His people some specific directions about serving Him. “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 10:12). Serve the Lord with gladness! (Psalm 100:2a).

Loving service often brings joy to the giver as well as the receiver. However, when we’re feeling less than joyful and willing, remembering Jesus’ words may provide an attitude adjustment. “Truly, I say to you, as you did to one of the least of these my brothers, you did to me” (Matthew 25:40b).

Service to God and others is thanksgiving and thanks-living, a joyful response for all that God has done for us!

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, I thank and praise You for being the God of my life. Thank You for providing opportunities to serve You. Help me to serve with joy, showing an attitude that reflects Your love to others. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 26/28 ©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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Begin with God … So We Can Do His Will

In the Word

What is God’s will for me?

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:23–24).

Of the Word

What is God’s will for me? What does He say about it? How can I do His will? By inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle John wrote: And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us (1 John 3:23).

Not one person on earth can obey God’s laws perfectly. But Jesus, the perfect Son of God Who came to earth as a tiny baby, lived a perfect life and fulfilled the Law for us. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:23–24).

Praise be to God that through Christ we are justified. Because of Christ, we are just and right with God — just right for doing His will. That can begin with the love we show toward one another, a love which responds to the love God has given to us through Jesus.

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, God, that I can learn of Your will for me in Your Word. Thank You for sending Jesus to do Your will and to keep the Law perfectly for me. Help me to seek Your will for my life, to joyfully obey You, and to love others as You have loved me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 25/28 ©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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Living in the Spirit … Produces Patience

In the Word

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

Of the Word

We have become a world of impatient people. We have instant coffee, instant mashed potatoes, fast access to the internet, and instant messaging on our phones. As Christians we know God answers our prayers but often our impatient attitude says, “Lord, please answer my prayer, and I need an answer now.”

The things we cherish the most in this life don’t happen overnight. In this fast-paced world, precious and wonderful things take time to develop — babies, love, friendships, family, and our own relationship with God. These things must be nurtured and fed with care and patience until they develop and blossom and become what God intends them to be.

The fruit of the Spirit is … patience (Galatians 5:22).

Patience is a gift of the Holy Spirit, one that must be practiced so it can flourish. By God’s grace, the Holy Spirit will teach us to be patient, just as our Father God is patient with us.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, I thank You for being patient with me especially when I have failed to be what You would have me be. Through Your Holy Spirit, help me to practice patience with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in the Spirit. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 24/30 ©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.

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