Today's Mustard Seed Devotion

Comfort from the Psalms: God Knows Me

God Knows Me

In the Word

O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. … you are familiar with all my ways (Psalm 139:1, 3b).

Of the Word

God knows us intimately. He is familiar with each one of us. He walks with us and calls us by name. The Holy Spirit knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows everything about us. He knows when we rest or work, laugh or cry, what we say and think. As humans we find this too difficult to comprehend; it boggles our minds. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain (Psalm 139:6).

… you knit me together in my mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13b). Our Father knew us before our parents knew us. From the beginning His desire was for us to be His children. Nobody loves us like God loves us.

The God who created us, loves us, and knows us will forever be at our side. Not one minute in the span of our lives will go unnoticed by Him. While we are still on this earth we will never fully understand the awesomeness of God, but we can honor Him with praise and thanksgiving for what He has done and continues to do in our lives. We can be ready to tell others of our omnipresent Father who desires all people to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4 ESV).

Walking with my Lord

What comfort it is, Dear Lord, to know that I do not face this day alone. You are with me to protect and guide me. Thank You for being ever present in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Posted on February 04, 2022 3:00 AM by System Administrator

Comfort from the Psalms: Finding the Way

Finding the Way

In the Word

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path (Psalm 119:105).

Of the Word

Owning a Bible and never using it is like preparing for a vacation, packing your suitcases, and never leaving your living room. Or like a skier, all geared up and never leaving the ski lodge. The Bible was given to us to be read, not just set on a shelf.

God gave us His Word to light the way for our journey on earth. He gave us His Word to give us eternal life. Through God’s Word He lavishes His love upon us, giving us the joy of knowing Jesus Christ and the peace we have from the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. God does not intend to keep Himself a mystery. He wants us to learn of Him, know Him, love and trust Him.

God’s Word is truth. Every Scripture passage is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16a GW). The Holy Spirit gave the writers the words He wanted them to write, the words that we can turn to today to light our path through life. And God knows we need all the light we can get!

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, how often I stumble down life’s path not certain of where I am headed. Help me to faithfully turn to the message of the Bible to find light for my way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Posted on February 03, 2022 3:00 AM by System Administrator

Living in Faith: Trusting Our Heavenly Father

Faith is … Trusting Our Heavenly Father

In the Word

“I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:18).

Of the Word

A group of naturalists searching in the Alps for rare specimens of flowers discovered a beautiful flower on a rock ledge they could not reach. Calling to a nearby shepherd boy, they offered him several shiny coins if he would allow himself to be let down by a rope to secure the flower.

The boy very much wanted to earn the money. He looked at the strangers, and he looked at the precipice. He declined their offer, but they continued to plead with him. Then the boy had a bright idea. “Wait here until I come back,” he said, and he darted away to a mountain cabin. Soon the lad returned with another man. The lad said, “I will get the flower for you now if you will let my father hold the rope.”

We can safely go anywhere if our Heavenly Father holds the rope. Faith is trusting the strong arms of our faithful God. He will never let loose. His love will not allow it. He holds fast! God’s promise is I will never leave you nor forsake you (Joshua 1:5b).

Walking with my Lord

Thank You dear Father in heaven for Your love and faithfulness so that I can trust You for everything in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Posted on February 02, 2022 3:00 AM by System Administrator

Living in Faith: Depending on Our Never ...

Faith is … Depending on Our Never-Failing Source of Strength

In the Word

The Sovereign Lord is my strength … (Habakkuk 3:19a).

Of the Word

Two men once visited a factory. The tour guide showed them the huge rooms where the machines were running and making a great deal of noise. Then the guide led them to a much smaller room where it was very quiet. One of the men said, “There isn’t much going on in here, is there?” The guide smiled and replied, “This is the most important room of all. This is where the power comes from to run the great machines.” With that the visitors looked in wonder at the huge, almost noiseless dynamos.

Our lives are often like a factory with its noise and activity. But perhaps sometimes we forget where the power source is and that if the power were not on we couldn’t produce a thing. The Lord is our power source. The same power He used to create the world He uses today to keep all things in existence. God is not resting somewhere in the heavens, but He is constantly and actively present with us each day.

Dynamos can break down. Batteries can die. But the Lord is a never-failing source of strength. The greatest thing of all is that by His strength the Lord redeemed us. So we can depend on Him always.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, keep me mindful that without You I can do nothing. Keep my faith alive and well, and give me strength to serve You faithfully. In Your name I pray. Amen.

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Posted on February 01, 2022 3:00 AM by System Administrator

Living as a Woman in Mission: Beyond Tears

Beyond Tears

In the Word

"Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 21:3b–4a).

Of the Word

Our nine year old daughter Carrie lay in pediatric ICU, my husband and I at her bedside. The doctor’s words were devastating! “She is in heart failure. We can’t give you any hope for her survival. We’ll do everything we can. We don’t know what caused this or how to treat it.”

We knew all we could do was to cry out to God. Beyond tears, I turned to Him and prayed, “What did I miss? What could I have done, Lord? Through Baptism we know Carrie is Yours, so take her if You must, but we love her so much.” Softly these words came to mind: “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life” (John 9:2b–3).

God answered our prayers with a magnificent “Yes!” Today Carrie is an active woman, pastor’s wife, and mother of two. She has known difficult days and has had three dangerous heart surgeries, but she shines with the glory of God as He faithfully displays His work in her life.

Walking with my Lord

Thank you, Lord, that in moments of hopelessness I can rely on You to hear my prayers and work everything for my good and Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Posted on January 31, 2022 3:00 AM by System Administrator

Living as a Woman in Mission: Conquering Our Fears

Conquering Our Fears

In the Word

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us (Romans 8:35a, 37).

Of the Word

After years of struggle and suffering, my husband’s debilitating illness was finally named. It was bipolar disorder, commonly known as manic depression. We learned that the ailment is genetic, hereditary, and permanent. There are medications and treatments, but no cure. We had to learn to live with it.

With the diagnosis came other questions: Christians don’t have mental illness, do they? What will our friends and family think? Why did God allow this to happen? Who should we tell?

We decided to be honest and open, to share the good days and the bad. We decided that God can use us to help others face the pain and uncertainty of living with brain disorders. We accepted the fact that the disease is a permanent part of our lives, but so is a loving God, who will help us conquer our fear. “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid” (John 14:27b).

Walking with my Lord

Lord, thank You for always being with me. Nothing can keep me from Your love. You share each moment of my life, the good and the bad, the joyful and the tearful. Thank You that You love me and can use me just as I am. Take me, wrap me in the righteousness of Jesus Christ and send me out to show the world that God is love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Posted on January 30, 2022 3:00 AM by System Administrator

Living as a Woman in Mission: Patience and ...

Patience and Forgiveness

In the Word

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13).

Of the Word

Providing physical care for a loved one who is sick, disabled, or injured is a very difficult task. Many patients are not easy to care for. They can be cranky, demanding, or abusive and may not even be aware of the pain and discontent they are causing for the caregiver.

Sometimes I act the same way with God, even using prayer to make demands of Him. Then I must confess my sinfulness and selfishness to God. I can be sure of His forgiveness each and every day. He is patient with my shortcomings, my crankiness, and my impatience.

How can I respond to my sick and hurting loved one? St. Paul writes, Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13b). Only by God’s grace can I forgive and patiently continue the role of caregiver. Will that be easy? Maybe not. But God will be my strength. I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, forgive me when my patience wears thin and I want to lash out in anger and dismay. Calm me and strengthen me so that I can serve You with a loving heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Posted on January 29, 2022 3:00 AM by System Administrator

LWML—Lutheran Women in Mission

Comfort from the Psalms: God Knows Me

God Knows Me

In the Word

Of the Word

Walking with my Lord

Comfort from the Psalms: Finding the Way

Finding the Way

In the Word

Of the Word

Walking with my Lord

Living in Faith: Trusting Our Heavenly Father

Faith is … Trusting Our Heavenly Father

In the Word

Of the Word

Walking with my Lord

Living in Faith: Depending on Our Never ...

Faith is … Depending on Our Never-Failing Source of Strength

In the Word

Of the Word

Walking with my Lord

Living as a Woman in Mission: Beyond Tears

Beyond Tears

In the Word

Of the Word

Walking with my Lord

Living as a Woman in Mission: Conquering Our Fears

Conquering Our Fears

In the Word

Of the Word

Walking with my Lord

Living as a Woman in Mission: Patience and ...

Patience and Forgiveness

In the Word

Of the Word

Walking with my Lord

Posts

LWML Resources