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Goal and Gift

In the Word

But God will rescue me; he will save me from the power of death (Psalm 49:15 GNT).

Of the Word

“We’ve done all we can do. We’ll disconnect life support in the morning.” The doctor’s quiet words verified what the family already knew. Their loved one’s earthly life would end in a matter of hours. But because Jesus died and rose for their loved one, heavenly life would begin. Their tears of sorrow over losing him were mixed with the joy of knowing that they would someday join him in heaven.

Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms … I am going to prepare a place for you”  (John 14:1–2).

Because of sin, … death is at work in us … (2 Corinthians 4:12a). But for the Christian the resurrection is the doorway to eternity. Fear of death is common, for it is human to fear the unknown. However, no Christian need fear death because God promises, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10b).

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, when death draws near — whether for my loved ones or for me — help me to cling to Your promises. Through Your gift of faith in Christ Jesus, I know that heaven is mine. In His name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Comfort from the Psalms. Authors: Marcia Gomulka & Myrna Lou Meyer. 6/30 ©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 (GNT) are from the Good News Translation in Today’s English Version- Second Edition Copyright © 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.

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A Sparrow’s Sermon

In the Word

Do not forsake me, O Lord! O my god, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation! (Psalm 38:21–22).

Of the Word

Today’s mail brings bills, bills, and more bills. Both the fridge and the gas tank are nearly empty. So is the bank account. We cry out to God, “I’m worried. Lord, how will I manage?”

Jesus says, “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26).

Are the robins and sparrows preaching a quiet sermon? As they hop here and there, are they worried about finding the next seed or worm? What a silly thought! They simply take what the heavenly Father provides for them.

God provides even more for us. The Father gives us life. The Spirit gives us faith. Jesus promises rest. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Walking with my Lord

Lord, You know that I am weak, weary, and worried. Forgive me and come quickly to strengthen me. Help me to trust in You for every need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Comfort from the Psalms. Authors: Marcia Gomulka & Myrna Lou Meyer. 5/30 ©2009 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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Forgiven and Free

In the Word

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered (Psalm 32:1).

Of the Word

The prison chaplain visited the death row inmate whose life would soon end because of his crimes. As they talked, the inmate confessed to beatings, bombings, and murders. The chaplain quietly but firmly assured him that God was willing to forgive every crime. Incredulously the inmate cried, “All of them? How? Why?”

The chaplain told the story of God’s love for all men, the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, His death and resurrection. “God assures you through His Word that His grace is for you, so you can believe in Jesus and confess your crimes to Him, knowing you are forgiven. In Jesus Christ, you are a free man.”

No matter what the sin, God is big enough to forgive it. Something perceived as a “small” sin (telling a white lie, wasting company time with long lunch hours) or something thought to be a “big” sin (embezzlement, abortion, addiction) all disappear in God’s sight through His grace and mercy. The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned (Psalm 34:22).

Walking with my Lord

Lord, I have sinned against You and against others. Forgive me and help me to live according to Your holy will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Comfort from the Psalms. Authors: Marcia Gomulka & Myrna Lou Meyer. 4/30 ©2009 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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Another Reformer Named Martin

A devotion for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
 

In the Word

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28).

Of the Word

Dr. Michael King, Sr., a prominent preacher in Atlanta, toured the Holy Land and Germany in 1934 through his church, Ebenezer Baptist. Dr. King was deeply moved by his visit to the land of Martin Luther and the reformer’s proclamation of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Scripture alone. When he came home, King changed his name from Michael to Martin Luther.

His oldest son, Michael, was five. He changed his name to Martin Luther King, Jr. 

We praise God for giving us leaders, flawed but filled with faith, to reform the brokenness in our world, churches, and communities. We remember today, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the pastor who preached God’s power to change mankind: 

“Let us not lose faith in man and certainly not in God. We must believe that a prejudiced mind can be changed, and that man, by the grace of God, can be lifted from the valley of hate to the high mountain of love.”

Walking with my Lord

Almighty God, fill us with Your high mountain of love for one another. 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: Another Reformer Named Martin by Christine Weerts, Selma, Alabama.
Copyright© 2024 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. All rights reserved.
lwml.org

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More Beloved than Man's Best Friend

A devotion for Sanctity of Life Sunday
 

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. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well (Psalm 139:13–14).

Of the Word

Just after California wildfires tore up the coast, bringing massive destruction, a video was posted of a woman sifting through the ashes, desperately listening for a howl, a whimper, or any sign of an animal life to rescue. It was touching, yet it reminded me how the culture around us has elevated pets over people. Our world has diminished, even denied, the value of children in the womb, of people suffering from debilitating disease, and of elderly nearing the end, claiming it is more compassionate to stop their beating hearts than to allow their lives to be fully lived. 

Friend, you and I are more beloved than “man's best friend”! Scripture clearly states it. Man, not animal, was made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) with an eternal soul. Each person is woven together, wonderfully made, precious, known, and thought about by the Creator (Psalm 139:13–17). Each human is His one-of-a-kind masterpiece to whom He gives specific work to do (Ephesians 2:10–11). Jesus Christ paid the very costly gift of His perfect blood to redeem our souls and make us temples of the Holy Spirit, belonging to Him forever (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). You, I, and every beautiful human being are of immeasurable value — worth defending, cherishing, and celebrating!

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, You are an incredible designer! I praise You for creating me. Jesus, thank You for purchasing my soul with Your precious blood. Holy Spirit, help me to see my true identity, to use my talents for Your glory, and to actively defend the value of human life. 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: More Beloved than Man's Best Friend
by Wendysue Fluegge, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.
Copyright© 2025 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. All rights reserved.
lwml.org

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Faith is … Trusting God’s Plan

In the Word

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

Of the Word

Assembly of an automobile begins by welding one ugly piece of metal to another piece of unattractive steel. To a person who has never seen the finished product, this might be viewed as a waste of time and material. But when the vehicle rolls off of the assembly line, it becomes apparent that those first two pieces plus about 13,000 others were part of an intricate plan. Each piece has its specific place and purpose. Without precise plans the outcome would be disastrous.

God has prepared a plan for each of us. We have been … called according to his purpose.

Our lives fit into His master plan. Right now the assembly line of our lives is in process. The Master Planner is watching closely and is making sure everything fits together perfectly, piece by piece and step by step.

If we compare our lives to an assembly line, we see that the final outcome won’t be completely known to us until we enter heaven. By grace through faith, however, we know that God is molding us into the people He wants us to be. What a truly remarkable and loving God we have!

Walking with my Lord

O Lord, strengthen my faith so that I accept Your plan for my life. Forgive my sins and guide me through each step of life. I pray in my Redeemer’s name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 6/30 ©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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Faith is … Being a Child of God

In the Word

… but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba, Father!” (Romans 8:15b).

Of the Word

It starts with the first “ma-ma, da-da.” It grows into messages like “Hi, Mom! Hi, Dad!” It is the relationship of love between parents and children. With these simple words children show they regard their parents with respect and love.

A relationship of love between our Heavenly Father and us pervades our entire being. God is the One who chose to make us His children through His Spirit. He is the One who sent His only Son to die and rise again for us. He is the One who stands at the gate eager to welcome us prodigals back home.

Is it any wonder we delight in calling Him “Our Father”? In that loving relationship are found marvelous blessings and privileges. First, we have the privilege of talking with God as a true friend. Second, we have peaceful confidence in Him. It is the serenity which comes from knowing He makes all things work for our benefit. Finally, we are never out of His care or concern because we have His abiding presence. What a wonderful Heavenly Father we have!

Walking with my Lord

Keep me, Father, as Your dear child now and forever. In the name of Your Son Jesus. Amen. 

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 5/30 ©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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