Listen to this devotion

Priscilla — A Home and a Ministry

Priscilla’s Story: Acts 18:18–19, 24–26

In the Word

After this, Paul … took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:18a).

Of the Word

Moving is hard: deciding what to take and what to leave, bidding farewell to old friends, and then having to build new relationships. Some moves involve joy while others are filled with pain and uncertainty.

When Emperor Claudius expelled the Jews from Rome, Priscilla and her husband Aquila settled first in Corinth and later in Ephesus. In both locations, their home was a place of work and ministry. The apostle Paul labored with them as a tentmaker. They explained the Good News of Jesus to Apollos. The Holy Spirit empowered them to use their gifts for God’s purpose, no matter where they lived.

The Spirit is at work today, too, enabling God’s people to share their faith in homes, churches, businesses, and wherever they are. And God promises, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (2 Corinthians 6:16b).

Walking with my Lord

Loving Father, thank You for giving me life. Help me live for You, working, serving, and ministering to those whose lives touch mine. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

The Choice is Mine

In the Word

The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones (Proverbs 15:30).

Of the Word

Without a doubt smiling faces make us happy, and good news makes us feel better. A twinkle in the eye and a cheerful greeting can give others a feel-good day. People with positive attitudes are a joy to know. The truth is, our outlook on life is a matter of choice. No one can force us to have either a good or a bad attitude.

So what will the choice be today? Will people be pleased to see us or will they try to avoid our presence? Will we speak words of encouragement or discouragement? Will the light of Jesus shine from our eyes? Will the sweet words of the Gospel of grace, love, and forgiveness we share with someone be refreshing to them?

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice (Philippians 4:4). Will the joy of knowing Jesus Christ as the Savior, Who lovingly died for our sins, come through in all we say and do?

A Point to Ponder: How will the light in my eyes reflect the love of Jesus Christ today?

Walking with my Lord

Father, I ask for an attitude like that of Jesus whatever my circumstances may be. Help me to greet others with sweet words that reflect my love for You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 3/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

Leaving

In the Word

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” … he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight (Acts 1:8, 9b).

Of the Word

Leaving my baby with someone else for the first time was rough. I knew eventually I would need to get out of the house for an afternoon, go on a date with my husband, or go back to work and I would need to place her in someone else’s care. Having a helpful and understanding husband, caring family members, and a trusted babysitter helped make it easier to walk out that door for the first time.

After His resurrection, Jesus told His disciples that He was leaving the earth to return to His Father’s right hand. He also gave them quite a daunting task; they were to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching all that He had taught them during their time together. He promised that the Holy Spirit would come to help them spread the Gospel message to others.

We, too, can rely on this trusted Helper to call, gather, enlighten, and keep us in the one true faith. And the Spirit gives us the same power the disciples had, the power to complete the Great Commission to go and tell.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Make me bold to share my faith with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

Lydia — Seeker

Lydia’s Story: Acts 16:11–15

In the Word

One who heard us was a woman named Lydia … who was a worshiper of God (Acts 16:14).

Of the Word

Lydia was a prosperous businesswoman who sold purple cloth in the busy seaport of Philippi. Her business catered to society’s privileged. Being a Gentile convert to Judaism, Lydia apparently sought more from life than a career and associating with the rich. Upon hearing Paul’s preaching The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul (Acts 16:14b). The result? She and her household were baptized.

Lydia stands as a role model for today’s busy woman. She ran a business and a home but she also sought out God and His teachings. Through her example God’s Word came to her whole household. She showed her faith was real when she opened her home to Paul and his companions. What a blessing it must have been for this seeker to be able to dialog with these men about her Lord Jesus!

“And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you” (Luke 12:29, 31).

Walking with my Lord

Almighty God, kindle a desire within me to seek Your will above all else in my life. In Jesus’ loving name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 33/34 ©2013 Revised 2025, 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.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

Seeing Red

In the Word

Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly (Proverbs 14:29).

Of the Word

It has many names — annoyed, outraged, irritated, or just plain mad. But whatever we choose to call it, its name is anger, and it can be destructive. Will things that could cause us to be angry come our way? Yes. But we are instructed to be slow to anger as is our loving God. The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love (Psalm 145:8).

The acts of a hasty temper may lead to screaming, door slamming, throwing whatever is handy, or hurling insults — all things that not only hurt others but can hurt us. Unchecked anger can poison our very being and lead us to sin.

God doesn’t want anger to overpower us. Nor does He want us to harbor resentment or hold a grudge. He does give us these words to follow; “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry… (Ephesians 4:26 NIV). God is telling us to let it go!

A Point to Ponder: What anger or resentment in my life do I need to turn over to God?

Walking with my Lord

Lord, I confess I allow anger and resentment to creep into my life. Through Your Holy Spirit help me control my words and actions. I pray in Jesus’ forgiving name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 5/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

The Perfect Gift

In the Word

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

No matter how well we know someone, finding the perfect gift can be a real challenge. Will we give something needed or look for a one-of-kind gift guaranteed to bring delight? Sometimes the perfect gift is just too expensive. Maybe a gift card is the best choice.

Out of love, God sent Jesus, His one and only Son, to give us the gift of forgiveness. He is the perfect size. He easily fits into any heart and can be taken everywhere. He is the perfect gift for any age — from conception through the day we are called home. In fact, He is the only gift that comes with a heavenly guarantee. His lifetime guarantee promises a life with Him for all eternity, and it costs absolutely nothing. However, there was a price, and it was high. It was paid by Christ Himself when He died to take away all of our sins. Lovingly, He sends to us His Holy Spirit to provide the faith to believe in Him. Jesus! Truly the Perfect Gift!

Walking with my Lord

Gracious God, I thank You for the gift of salvation given to me through Your Son Jesus. What comfort it is to know how much I am loved! In His perfect name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 2/28 ©2015 Revised 2025, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

View the printable PDF of this devotion, The Perfect Gift

Listen to this devotion

Eunice and Lois — Faithful Teachers

Eunice & Lois’ Story: Acts 16:1; 2 Timothy 1:5

In the Word

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well (2 Timothy 1:5).

Of the Word

When did you first hear about Jesus? Did Christian parents share their faith? Did a high school or college friend tell you of God’s love? Some Christians smile as they call themselves “diaper Christians” while others may recall the exact moment when God put faith into their hearts.

St. Paul recognized the faithful teaching of Eunice and Lois, mother and grandmother of Timothy. Did they have a regular family devotion time? Did Timothy’s Greek father support or reject their teaching? Of two things we are certain: Eunice and Lois taught the boy, and the Holy Spirit made his faith grow strong.

Whether you were brought to the baptismal waters as a tiny baby or whether your faith began later in life, faithful teachers were God’s instruments who shared His Word with you.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Father in heaven, thank You for the people You have placed in my life, particularly the Christians who have taught me about You. By word and example, help me be a faithful teacher, too. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 31/34 ©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.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email