LWML — Lutheran Women in Mission

Listen to this devotion   Begin with God … So We Can Love Others In the Word May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another ... that I am able to share it with Your people. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 28/28 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League ... Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email View a printable PDF of this devotion, Begin with God … So We Can Love Others

Listen to this devotion   Begin with God … So We Can Do His Will In the Word What is God’s will for me? For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God ... justified. Because of Christ, we are just and right with God — just right for doing His will. That can begin with the love we show toward one another, a love which responds to the love ... love others as You have loved me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 25/28 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place

Listen to this devotion   Begin with God … He Is Forgiving In the Word Will God forgive all of my sins? For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love ... sins we can be confident of His forgiveness. Christians can begin each day knowing that they are loved by a forgiving God. He promises “For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their ... Lord, in Your mercy, accept my humble prayer made in Jesus’ name. Amen. Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Deaconess Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 4/28 ©2007, revised 2024 Lutheran Women’s Missionary

Listen to this devotion   Begin with God … He Gives Wisdom In the Word What is God's gift of wisdom? If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously ... wisdom leads each of us to discern His will. God's wisdom is revealed through Holy Scripture. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good ... that I say and do. I ask in Jesus' name. Amen. Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 11/28 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place

Listen to this devotion   Begin with God … He Gives Life In the Word Who has given me the gift of life? For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother ... these things will be added to you" (Matthew 6:31–33). Walking with my Lord Creator God, I thank You for the gift of life. Lord, I confess that I sometimes worry about material things ... needs. Remind me to always seek You first. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Deaconess Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 7/28 ©2007, revised 2024 Lutheran Women

Listen to this devotion   Begin with God … He Is Love In the Word Does God love me all of the time? In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved ... just how much He loves us and wants us for His own. Walking with my Lord Father God, forgive me when I forget just how much You really love me. Your love comforts and satisfies ... myself as well as those around me. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Deaconess Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 5/28 ©2007, revised 2024 Lutheran Women

Listen to this devotion   Begin with God … He Is Faithful In the Word Will God always be faithful? [The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works] (Psalm ... face in life, we can depend on God. He is faithful. Walking with my Lord Faithful God, I am grateful that I can depend on You at all times and in all circumstances. Forgive ... Send Your Holy Spirit to strengthen me. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen. Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Deaconess Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 6/28 ©2007, revised 2024 Lutheran Women

Listen to this devotion   Begin with God … He Gives Strength In the Word To whom can we turn for strength? God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble  (Psalm ... step boldly, knowing that God is always there. We can proclaim along with King David,  "This God is my strong refuge and has made my way blameless."  (2 Samuel 22:33). Walking with my Lord ... evil one. Make me strong to do Your work. In Jesus' name. Amen. Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 12/28 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Listen to this devotion   Begin with God … He Gives Peace In the Word Where can I find lasting peace? "I will strengthen you, I will help you …"  (Isaiah 41:10b). Of the Word Peace ... Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11b NIV). Because of God's power and love, we can have inner peace no matter what challenges this world gives ... confidently face each new day. Grant me peace in Jesus' name. Amen. Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 15/28 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary

Listen to this devotion   Begin with God … He Gives Friends In the Word How can I be a friend to others? A friend loves at all times …  (Proverbs 17:17a). Of the Word Friendship ... Follow me"  (Mark 1:17a). How can we refuse His invitation? Walking with my Lord Father God, I thank You for sending Jesus to be my best Friend. You knew I could not live ... about You and Your love. In the name of my best Friend, Jesus. Amen. Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 14/28 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Listen to this devotion   Begin with God … He Gives Comfort In the Word Is God always ready to listen to me? My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life (Psalm ... comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God  (2 Corinthians 1:3–4). My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life ... renew me with Your Holy Spirit. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen. Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 10/28 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary

Listen to this devotion   Begin with God … So We Can Serve Him In the Word How will I serve God? “‘Truly, I say to you, as you did to one of the least of these ... done for us! Walking with my Lord Dear Lord, I thank and praise You for being the God of my life. Thank You for providing opportunities to serve You. Help me to serve with ... attitude that reflects Your love to others. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 26/28 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Listen to this devotion   Begin with God … He Gives Joy In the Word Where do I look for joy? Count it all joy, … when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that ... faithful God who keeps His promises. We realize that, regardless of the circumstance, God is in control. God is there in the ICU room and at that gravesite; He is on the battlefield ... find true joy in all that I do. In Jesus' name. Amen. Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 13/28 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary

Listen to this devotion   Begin with God … He Gives His Word In the Word Why did God give us His Word? Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path ... Word is constant and true. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever (Isaiah 40:8). Walking with my Lord Lord, I am grateful for the Bible. Through ... study Your Word daily for direction in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Deaconess Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 9/28 ©2007, revised 2024 Lutheran Women’s Missionary

Listen to this devotion   Begin with God … So We Can Trust Him In the Word Where can I find someone who is trustworthy and true? In God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What ... with confidence. Walking with my Lord Dear Heavenly Father, I thank and praise You for being the God I can trust. Forgive me for the times I place more trust in people and things than ... help me to be thankful for all that You provide. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 23/28 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Listen to this devotion   Begin with God … He Gives Eternal Life In the Word Who will receive eternal life? Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life  (Revelation ... crown of life (Revelation 2:10b). Walking with my Lord Dear heavenly Father, You are the God of love! Every day I am reminded of the blessed assurance of eternal life through Your Son, Jesus ... name, who died for all and gives all believers in Him eternal life. Amen. Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Deaconess Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 8/28 ©2007, revised 2024 Lutheran Women

Listen to this devotion   Begin with God … So We Can Worship Him In the Word   Why should I worship God? You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve  (Matthew ... more than a Sunday morning duty. It is a daily loving response to our mighty and loving God. Walking with my Lord Dear Lord, send Your Spirit to strengthen my desire to worship alone ... respond to Your love with attitudes of love and praise. In Jesus' name. Amen. Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 22/28 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Listen to this devotion   Begin with God … He Helps Ease Loneliness In the Word How can I ease my loneliness? “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give ... truly alone — even though our human nature would have us believe otherwise — we can trust fully in God and then reach out in love to others. Walking with my Lord Dear Savior, thank ... ease my loneliness and bring joy to others. In Your name I pray. Amen. Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 21/28 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Listen to this devotion   Begin with God … So We Can Pray to Him In the Word What is prayer? And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according ... beloved people. He is never too busy; no request is ever too trivial for our God who loves us so much that He gave up His only Son for our salvation. Walking with my Lord ... right time. Help me to pray faithfully and wait patiently. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 24/28 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Listen to this devotion   Begin with God … So We Can Forgive Others In the Word "But I [Jesus] say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you"  (Matthew ... your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus  (Philippians 4:7). Walking with my Lord Dear Lord God, thank You for the assurance that You forgive and forget. I am not like You when ... forgiveness so that I may have peace and joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 27/28 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Listen to this devotion   Begin with God … He Helps Us Overcome Fear In the Word Where can I turn for help when I am afraid? God is our refuge and strength, a very present help ... God’s Word says that perfect love drives out fear (1 John 4:18b NIV). God’s love for us is perfect, and we need not be fearful as we follow His will ... focus my eyes on You once more. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Deaconess Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 17/28 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Listen to this devotion   Begin with God … He Helps Us Eliminate Envy In the Word For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice  (James ... confess our sins, he is faithful to forgive us our sins … (1 John 1:9). God's Word gives us strength to live content with all that He provides for us. But godliness with contentment ... rejoice with others when they, too, are blessed. In Jesus' name. Amen. Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 19/28 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary

Listen to this devotion   Begin with God … He Helps Us Conquer Temptation In the Word Can I overcome my temptations? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation  (Mark ... God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day  (Ephesians 6:13a). With God’s help we can conquer temptation. But when we fail, He promises forgiveness and gives us strength ... that I can resist temptation and do Your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Deaconess Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 16/28 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Listen to this devotion   Begin with God … He Helps Us Calm Anger In the Word Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does ... angry words." How easy to say, but how hard to do! Our help comes from God. Through His Spirit He helps us to recognize and confess our sinful anger. Whoever conceals his transgressions will ... forgiving spirit to those around me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 20/28 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary

Listen to this devotion   Begin with God … He Helps Us Cast Out Worry In the Word Where can I find strength to handle my worries?  I can do all things through him who strengthens ... Even in our darkest moments, we know that worry is futile. By believing in God's love and mercy, we can ask Him to take away our worries and replace them with confidence and trust ... come at the right time and in the right way. In Jesus' name. Amen. Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Deaconess Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 18/28 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Listen to this devotion   Watch in ASL here . Begin with God: He Is Savior In the Word How do I know I have eternal life? Jesus said to her [Martha], “I am the resurrection ... eternity with Him in Heaven. But He did. “Do you believe this?” Walking with my Lord Almighty God who gave Your Son to die for my sins, I praise You for this most precious gift ... believe!” Because Jesus is my Savior, I pray in His holy name. Amen. Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Deaconess Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 3/28 ©2007, revised 2025 Lutheran Women’s Missionary

will ever know us better or love us more than God. Walking with my Lord O God, I praise You for I realize I am fearfully and wonderfully made. You have made me special ... eternity with You. Help me to always remember these truths. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 2/28 ©2007, revised 2024. Lutheran Women

desires that we come to Him for strength, forgiveness, and our daily needs. We can come to God at any time and in any place through prayer and His Word. He is always present, waiting ... things for my good. You are my strength. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 1/28 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary

Listen to this devotion   The End from the Beginning In the Word “For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from ... beginning”  (Isaiah 46:9b–10a). Of the Word She wasn’t warned the book’s plot was so intense! It was 1 a.m., and the uncertainty of the outcome was more than she could handle ... live if we truly trusted that our gracious God knows the end from the beginning? He does! God promises, I declare “the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:10a). God always keeps His word

Devotion on Advent, Hymns, Genesis 1:1, 3-4. 4 pages. In the beginning … God said, “Let there be light” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated

wanted to get to know better. One person, one conversation, and one more blessing from God! Begin journaling. Write something each day. It may be a prayer, challenge, blessing, or frustration. In the future, when

separate the waters from the waters” (Genesis 1:6). Of the Word In the beginning God created everything needed for survival including wonderful water. Water makes dirty things clean. Water quenches our thirst

beginning, God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). Imagine what that would have been like! Creating something never seen before, made from scratch. God created everything! And it was good ... tool provides links to learn about LWML, to get ideas to grow an existing LWML group, to begin a new group, and to share LWML with others. This interactive tool provides links to the various

relationships to form and grow, while offering Christian counseling services to those who need to hear of God's love for them. The Hope and Healing Hub will be a place where anyone can come ... Hope and Healing Hub to be open and ready to welcome students when the school year begins. God has used the people and the ministries of the University Lutheran Chapel to reach students with

session Bible study on Christian Life, Relationship with Others. 5 pages. Leader Guide available. From the beginning, God did not want people to be alone or isolated. The Lord made each

Life Committee. Along with the icebreaker, you can find 3 devotions, “Joy in God’s Love,” “Begin with God… So We Can Love Others,” and “Abounding in Love.” A sketch is available, “Overflowing Love,” Bible

sentence: To me, God’s love is …  Devotion  — Opening: Joy in God’s Love  Devotion — Closing: Begin with God … So We Can Love Others Devotion  — New:  Abounding in Love Bible Study  — Select from the Lutheran

God’s Plan Celebrations are awesome! — Birth of a child. — High school graduation. — Winning a race. — A 50th anniversary cruise. — Buying your first house. — An LWML convention. But what about everyday happenings? At the start ... when day is ended, In His name then close your eyes; Be to Him commended. Click Begin with God devotion for several Mustard Seed Devotions to begin your day with Jesus. I pray all your ... days begin with smiles on your faces, giving thanks for both the mountain-top experiences and the “everydays” — all blessings from God. *Text: Morgen-und Abend-segen, Waldenburg, 1734, tr. W Gustave Polack

needed to guide her in God's Word. Providing it to her is only the beginning of God’s plan in her life. Prayer: Father in Heaven, thank You for guiding me and providing

notecards and bookmarks  ready for coloring. Check out the new Christmas selection. Plant the seeds of God's love and grace by sharing these colorful bookmarks or Mustard Seed Devotions. Put them in Christmas cards ... online catalog for these short Scripture and prayer devotions that equip us to  Begin with God   and engage in the  Race of Faith . ENCOURAGE :  District and Zone Christian Life Chairmen can encourage groups and individuals ... leaders to provide opportunities and ideas for sharing God's Word. We just need to offer ideas and specific information on where to find them. Begin your search for materials online at the  LWML website

challenge! When I need to get through a challenging day or situation, I must begin with God’s Word. My Bible is on my smartphone, so it is accessible any time, day or night

triumph comes! The cloudless sun of joy is He Who comes to set His people free. To God the Spirit raise Your happy shouts of praise. Fling wide the portals of your heart; Make ... love and joy. So shall your Sov’reign enter in And new and nobler life begin. To God alone be praise For word and deed and grace! Redeemer, come and open wide My heart

LWML website has wonderful resources to help us share comfort and hope. There is a retreat/workshop called “ God’s Quilt of Comfort: Wrapping up in the Psalms” and lots of devotions and Bible Studies ... simple as sending a card with a Mustard Seed Devotion tucked inside. Try the one called “ Begin with God…He gives comfort .”  He does give us comfort every day! Gayle Caruso, President LWML Florida-Georgia

financial, or spiritual, God alone has the power to see us through our trials from beginning to end. God alone knows His plans for our future. He wants us to surrender our troubles

Routines How do you begin each God-given day? I once heard an interview in which the speaker suggested that making your bed first thing in the morning gives you a sense of accomplishment, thereby ... produced a feeling of, “Okay, I’m ready for what’s next!” However, even better is beginning each day with a devotion. A Mustard Seed Devotion? Portals of Prayer devotion? A special daily devotion book ... Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (2 Timothy 3:16). May your daily routine begin with the Lord. The LWML home page

unique gifts. Sometimes along with the blessing of the gifts we have received from God, we can begin to feel pressure from other people to use them. A wise believer once told me that even

about the growth or development of the whole person — spiritual, mental and physical — the kind of person God had in mind when He first created you, giving you a body, mind, and spirit. He expects ... development necessary before you can consider yourself a whole person spiritually, mentally, and physically. The flower begins its growth from the center, where it is attached to a stem, representing Christ as the center ... have a proper balance, making it possible for you to live in closer harmony with God. MIND: I begin to see how it all fits together. I can become a whole person only when

Bible in A Year” calendar by LWML. Reading God’s word reminds me that beginning with Adam and Eve, God has promised us that He is in control and that He cares. God’s Word

meeting. These include a purpose statement, goals, and objectives. After these are established, let the planning begin! * Meetings * Types  There are various types of meetings:  General Meeting – All members  Circle Meeting – Circle members  Board Meeting ... should be standard goals for LWML meetings:  Assist LCMS women to affirm their faith in the Triune God  Enable LCMS women to use their gifts in ministry to others  Provide opportunities to bond in fellowship ... printed handouts needed for any element of the meeting? Who is responsible? * Leader Preparation * Checklist Begin by asking God’s direction through personal devotion and prayer Organize yourself before you arrive at the meeting

Listen to this devotion   Choose Me! In the Word For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you … (1 Thessalonians 1:4). Of the Word “Choose me! Choose me!” the teacher hears ... never happens to me,” you may think, when in fact, it already has. From the beginning of time, God chose you to be His own. For we know, brothers loved by God, that