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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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Faith is … Committing Our Spirit to Our Heavenly Father

In the Word

“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” (Luke 23:46b).

Of the Word

The last words spoken by Jesus before He died on the cross were “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” (Luke 23:46b). Faith, trust, assurance, and victory were in these words.

Jesus’ words very well could be our morning prayer before we begin the day, and they could be our evening prayer before we turn out the light. We also hope that these words would be the last prayer we whisper before our eyes close in death.

This is certainly a costly prayer. When we say the words of this prayer we are giving up on ourselves and putting ourselves in the hands of our heavenly Father. Blessed are the people who by the grace of God dare to commit themselves into the Father’s hands.

To rest in His hands is to be in God’s care. He is concerned about each of us. After all, He is our Father. Jesus has written our names in the palms of His hands.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Father, Your Son committed His Spirit into Your hands from the cross on Calvary. Into Your hands I commit my spirit today. In His holy name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 4/30 ©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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My Home — My Mission Field

In the Word

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations …” (Matthew 28:19a).

Of the Word

Have you ever thought that your home might be the place you can fulfill the command of Jesus to go into all the world and make disciples? As you go about your daily life, you are touching the world!

A young lady from India married a Christian man. She believed it would be hard for her husband’s family to accept her. After all, she was a Hindu and did not plan to become a Christian.

She expected to be treated coldly with hints that a heathen woman was not a fit wife for a Christian man. Imagine her surprise when her mother-in-law lovingly accepted her.

Through her husband’s example and her mother-in-law’s witness, she saw what it meant to be a Christian. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit she, too, professed Christ as her Lord and Savior. In her own words, her mother-in-law “loved her to Jesus.”

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Lord, for the faith You have given me. May I see opportunities in my own home and community to share Your love. Keep me strong in Your Word so that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, I can witness to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Kathy Ludwig. 3/32 ©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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Loving Praise

In the Word

Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you (Psalm 63:3).

Of the Word

“Life is good!” he sighs as he climbs in bed beside his wife. Though it’s snowing outside, the house keeps cozy and snug. The couple’s two daughters sleep safely in their beds. The cat arranges herself at the foot of the bed and the puppy settles on his chair. Life is good! But God’s love brings everlasting peace and contentment. God’s love is better than life.

“Life is awful,” she weeps to her pastor. “I’m out of a job, in debt, and now this — the police arrested my son on drug charges!” Countless set-backs have driven her to the edge of despair. Life is difficult. But God’s love brings unfailing comfort and strength. God’s love is better than life.

God assures us of His love and has proven it by sacrificing His own Son, Jesus Christ, on our behalf. Jesus earned our relationship with God, whose love is infinitely better than life at its best — and overwhelmingly stronger than life at its most difficult. Praise Him for the power of His love in your life.

Walking with my Lord

The heights and depths of life to me have little worth
Because Your love means more than anything on earth.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 10/32 ©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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Living in the Spirit … Helps Me Be Fruitful

In the Word

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you might go and bear fruit — fruit that will last” (John 15:16a NIV).

Of the Word

We go to a nursery to carefully choose and buy a fruit tree. We plant, water, fertilize, and prune it. We expect it to blossom one day and bear fruit. To enjoy ripe fruit picked from the tree is a sweet experience.

God has chosen us. Jesus Christ has purchased us through His death on the cross. The Holy Spirit nurtures us and helps us to grow, blossom, and produce lasting fruit. The fruit of a Christian is the love and compassion shown to others. It is allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us to be Christ’s disciples wherever we are. What we do for others in God’s name gives Him glory and honor — fruit that will last.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is in the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit” (Jeremiah 17:7–8).

Walking with my Lord

O God, I want to be fruitful. I want to be Your hands and feet here on earth. I want to share You with others. Help me, through Your Holy Spirit, to be a true disciple in what I do and say. May the fruit produced in my life give You glory. Thank You, God, for choosing me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in the Spirit. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 30/30 ©2007 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 (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

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