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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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Quiet Time

In the Word

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed (Mark 1:35).

Of the Word

Life with a newborn can be overwhelming! After time spent diapering, feeding, playing, and sleeping when the baby sleeps, I still need to go to work, clean house, make meals, and spend time with my husband. With only twenty-four hours in a day, I find that my priorities needed to be reevaluated.

There is no question Jesus had plenty to do, but He gives us a great example of putting first things first. One day Jesus spent until well after sundown healing people in Capernaum, yet He rose early the next morning and went alone to a place to pray privately to his heavenly Father.

Although Jesus was busy doing good things for deserving people, He never lost focus on His highest priority: accomplishing His Father’s will to save the lost. But in order to do that, Jesus needed to spend time in prayer.

Even though, as a new mom, you may find yourself much busier now than you were before your child was born, make it your priority each day to spend quiet time with God.

Walking with my Lord

Loving Savior, forgive me when I have been too busy to spend quiet time with You. Help me reevaluate my priorities so You are first in my life. In Your blessed name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author.  4/30 ©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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A River Divided

In the Word

A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and there it divided and became four rivers (Genesis 2:10).

Of the Word

Many have attempted to find the exact location of the Garden of Eden because they believe finding it will enable mankind to return to perfection. Locating the four rivers mentioned in Genesis 2 — Pishon, Cush, Tigris, and Euphrates — would certainly be the key, but only two of them are identifiable in this modern era. We will never know for sure where God placed the garden that was home to Adam and Eve.

Our God’s presence is not merely limited to a singular earthly location. Jesus tells us, “My kingdom is not from the world” (John 18:36b). We do not have to go out looking for the Garden of Eden or search for God’s presence in our lives. Through the waters of Holy Baptism and the words of the Bible He has already come to us.

God comes to us, His children, so that by His grace we would believe in His holy Word. By His grace through our faith in Jesus Christ we will one day be with Him in heaven … God’s perfect Kingdom of Glory.

Walking with my Lord

Creator God, You have come to me with love, grace, hope, and peace. Guide, guard, and protect me as I await the coming of Your Kingdom of Glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 1/28 ©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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In All Things

In the Word

I can do all things through him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

Of the Word

Meeting a friend to exercise early each morning had seemed a great idea during the summer. As the daylight decreased, it got more and more difficult. If only the crack of dawn came at noon, it would be manageable. “I just don’t have the strength!” became the daily excuse.

Christians know exactly where to turn in times of crisis. We believe God alone has the power to change our situation; we alone can do nothing. We forget He is the Lord of our entire life, even the average times. The apostle Paul stated firmly, I can do all things through him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). Those “things” include our routine struggles to serve Him and do His will. God is our strength at all times.

We do not need to evaluate the worth of our concerns. The Holy Spirit welcomes our prayers to help us make healthy lifestyle choices or refrain from participating in office gossip or use our computer time wisely. He wants us to seek and trust His guidance in our every weakness. He is the God of every faltering step in our walk of faith.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, may I always acknowledge You as the only source of strength in my everyday, ordinary life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 1/30 ©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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Eve — Who Do You Trust?

In the Word

(Eve’s Story: Genesis 2:18 – 3:24)

He [the serpent] said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” (Genesis 3:1b).

Of the Word

“Sell now! Top prices for gold!” “Did your dad really say you had to be home by midnight?” “Lose 20 pounds in 20 days or your money back!” Who can you trust?

It began in the Garden of Eden when Satan talked to Eve — and she listened. Adam and Eve, the perfect human beings God created, chose Satan’s words over God’s words. When they listened to Satan, they lost sight of God.

Sin followed sin; and ever since that fateful day, sin has been part of our world. Temptations of all shapes and sizes surround us, but we can look to the Lord for truth and power. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7a). Only He gives us strength to defy Satan and refute his lies.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Father in heaven, temptations come at me from every direction. Give me strength and courage to reject Satan. Help me choose what is good and right in Your sight. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 1/34 ©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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Faithful Leaders

Commemorating C.F.W. Walther’s birthday, October 25

In the Word

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith (Hebrews 13:7).

Of the Word

This verse reminds us to be faithful followers of Christ. We are reminded to look at Christian leaders and learn from their life. Following their example will help us stay true to God’s Word.

C.F.W. Walther was one of those faithful leaders. Born in Saxony, Germany, in 1811, Walther came from a Lutheran family with generations of Lutheran pastors. He started learning of Martin Luther and his teachings at a young age. 

Ferdinand (C.F.W.) Walther and his brother Otto, both Lutheran pastors, left Germany for America when they were in their twenties. Their goal was to be free to preach God’s Word. Just as Luther, they wanted everyone to know salvation was a gift of God to all who had faith. Because of man’s sinful nature, one’s works were never enough. 

The brothers’ ship brought them to New Orleans. From there, they traveled north on the Mississippi River to St. Louis, Missouri, and then Perry County, Missouri. It was there that the first seminary initially began before being moved back to St. Louis where Trinity Lutheran Church and Concordia Seminary were built, and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod was established. C.F.W. Walther was named President of Concordia Seminary and the first President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. C.F.W. Walther maintained it was imperative that both Law and Gospel were necessary for understanding salvation.

Walking with my Lord

Dear God, thank You for faithful leaders like C.F.W. Walther. May we always remember we cannot be saved through our own works. Our salvation is only through Your grace. Give us opportunities to share this vital information with others. We pray this in Jesus’ name. 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: Faithful Leaders by Martha Hartwig, Robins, Iowa
Copyright© 2025 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. All rights reserved.
lwml.org

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