Listen to this devotion

How, Lord … can I work with joy?

In the Word

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men … (Colossians 3:23).

Of the Word

This sign was posted on the inside of the church door: “The Mission Field Starts Here.” Where else could that sign be placed?

A teacher could paste it into her daily plan book. A farmer could put it on the steering wheel of his pickup. Parents could stick it on the bathroom mirror. Why? Because each one of us has a mission field right in front of us.

How do God’s people approach their respective mission fields? Do their attitudes reflect the love of God? Do their faces show the joy of serving Him? Is the work done half heartedly or with all your heart, a heart responding to the love of the Lord?

Think of your personal mission field. Thank God for it. Then evaluate how you worked in it during the past 24 hours, the past week, the past month. Did the people you served see the Lord in you and in your work?

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, help me remember that my work is my mission field. Forgive me when I have a poor attitude. Help me serve You with a joyful heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: How, Lord? Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 27/32 ©2011 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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

View the printable PDF of this devotion How Lord … Can I Work with Joy?

Listen to this devotion

It’s All in the Name

In the Word

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9–11).

Of the Word

After “Okay,” what is the most widespread word in the world?
Coca-Cola®

Names are very important to us. We buy a particular brand because we know it is a name we can trust. We may be willing to spend more for a brand name prescription than a generic because we hope it is safer or more effective. We are disappointed when a product doesn’t live up to its name.

There is a name that we can always trust — Jesus! His promises may seem unbelievable, but they are true. He really did die for all people. He really did rise from the dead. He truly is preparing a place in heaven for all who believe in Him.

Sadly, Christ’s name is often misused and abused but that will end suddenly one day. Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9–11).

Now that is a name you can trust!

Walking with my Lord

Loving Lord, how grateful I am to bear Your name — Christian. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, help me to live up to it in all that I do and say. It is in Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Simple Trust. Elaine Bickel, author. 26/29 ©2011 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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

Future Plans

In the Word

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Of the Word

What do Robin Williams, Tom Cruise, and Dr. Seuss have in common?
They were all voted least likely to succeed by their high school classmates.

People sometimes think they are able to accurately predict a person’s life by judging visible talents or abilities. People are quick to judge others by the way they perform on tests, how they get along with others, or by their appearance. Many times this is not accurate nor is it fair.

While people will try to predict our future, only God knows the plans He has for us. He reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

When we allow someone else to determine our value and worth, we will either be falsely led to believe we are better than others or that we are not as good as others.

When we remember who created us, we can ignore the judgment of others and trust His plan for our future. He wants us to enjoy discovering the uniqueness God has created in us.

Walking with my Lord

Dear God, thank You for making me and for planning my future. When I feel worthless and unsuccessful, help me trust in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Mustard Seed: Simple Trust. Elaine Bickel, author. 25/29 ©2011 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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

I’m but a Stranger Here

In the Word

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19–20).

Of the Word

I’m but a stranger here, Heav’n is my home;
Earth is a desert drear, Heav’n is my home.
Danger and sorrow stand Round me on ev’ry hand;
Heav’n is my fatherland, Heav’n is my home.

This hymn of hope and comfort is often sung at funerals or on days of remembrance of the saints in heaven. Our earthly life is a pilgrimage, one that will end in the glories of heaven for all who believe and are forgiven through the saving work of Jesus.

The conviction of the phrase, “Heav’n is my home,” adds to the beauty of the hymn. It confidently states “heaven is my home” not “heaven will be my home” or “heaven might be my home.”

“And I shall surely stand There at my Lord’s right hand; Heav’n is my fatherland, Heav’n is my home.”

Walking with my Lord

Eternal God, thank You for preparing my heavenly home. Grant me that upward view through each step I take on the earth. In Jesus’ heaven-opening name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Joyful, Joyful. Rev. Larry and Shari Miller, authors. 24/31. Hymn Text: LSB 748. ©2011  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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

All hymns are public domain with the text reprinted from Lutheran Service Book, ©2006, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

I am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus

In the Word

“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation” (Isaiah 12:2).

Of the Word

I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, Trusting only Thee;
Trusting Thee for full salvation, Great and free.

In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation” (Isaiah 25:9).

Trust is the theme of this hymn from beginning to end. We are reminded that we can trust in God for our salvation, pardon, grace, mercy, and guidance. Our salvation has been won through the merits of Jesus our Savior, and we are forgiven.

The trust we have in our Savior is a gift from God. By faith, we look to Jesus who gives us His Holy Spirit and the power and strength to live our days for Him. He supplies all our needs — both physically and spiritually. What a loving God we have!

Walking with my Lord

Loving Savior, when I look to myself I am fearful, but when I trust in You I have hope! Help me, by the power of the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacrament, to keep my eyes on You, knowing that You are indeed faithful! In Your trustworthy name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Joyful, Joyful. Rev. Larry and Shari Miller, authors. 23/31. Hymn Text: LSB 729. ©2011  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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

All hymns are public domain with the text reprinted from Lutheran Service Book, ©2006, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

Hark, the Voice of Jesus Crying

In the Word

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8).

Of the Word

Hark, the voice of Jesus crying, “Who will go and work today?
Fields are white and harvests waiting — Who will bear the sheaves away?”
Loud and long the Master calleth; Rich reward He offers thee.
Who will answer, gladly saying, “Here am I, send me, send me”?

Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field" (Matthew 9:37–38).

“Hark, the Voice of Jesus Crying” encourages us to listen as God speaks to us. In His Word, God gives us the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ. He also gives us the direction — the command — to share that Good News with all people.

The whole world needs to know the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ right now! We are urged to heed God’s call through His Word, spreading the news of salvation to everyone, everywhere. We “Take the task He gives you gladly, Let His work your pleasure be; Answer quickly when He calleth, ‘Here am I, send me, send me!’”

Walking with my Lord

O Lord of the Harvest, send me! In Your life-changing name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Joyful, Joyful. Rev. Larry and Shari Miller, authors. 22/31. Hymn Text: LSB 826. ©2011  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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

All hymns are public domain with the text reprinted from Lutheran Service Book, ©2006, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

How, Lord … can I carry my burdens?

In the Word

… you are to rejoice before the LORD your God in everything you put your hand to (Deuteronomy 12:18b).

Of the Word

Her decline came on slowly — lost words, repeated stories, forgotten faces. The disease progressed, until finally she could do nothing for herself. Her loving family cared for her. They bathed her, fed her, diapered her, sang and talked to her. Sometimes the work was overwhelming. One daughter said, “When I think I cannot go on, I remember that Jesus said whatever we do for the least of these, we do for Him. I told myself that when I was taking care of Mama, I was taking care of Jesus.”

Rejoice … in everything. That’s a tall order! God doesn’t say, “Rejoice for everything,” but rather Rejoice … in everything (Deuteronomy 12:18b.) God’s people can do that — not in and of themselves — but because The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (Psalm 46:11). God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, when the load I carry is heavy, help me remember that I am serving You. Then renew my spirit so I can rejoice in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: How, Lord? Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 24/32 ©2011 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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email