Listen to this devotion

What identifies me as a Christian?

In the Word

If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world (John 15:19a).

Of the Word

Everyone wants to belong. Rejection is a universal fear. In our quest for acceptance we may be tempted to compromise our Christian values and hide our Christian identity at times. What a mistake! God’s Word encourages us: Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God — what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect (Romans 12:2 GNT). The Holy Spirit, alive in our hearts by faith, works the inward change. Our human nature shows up in immorality, false worship, fighting, jealousy, anger, drunkenness, and excesses of all kinds. However … the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control … And those who belong to Christ Jesus have put to death their human nature with all its passions and desires. The Spirit has given us life; he must also control our lives (Galatians 5:22, 23a, 24, 25 GNT). When He does, the world will know to Whom we belong!

Walking with my Lord

Lord Jesus, forgive me when I’m tempted to keep my love and commitment to You a secret. When I’m faced with difficult choices, remind me I belong to You. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Walking with My Lord. Author: Donna Streufert. 18/30  ©2007 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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked GNT are taken from the GOOD NEWS TRANSLATION – Second Edition, American Bible Society, New York, NY. Copyright © 1992.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

Simple Praise

In the Word

From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger (Psalm 8:2).

Of the Word

Jesus connected with children. Jesus blessed them, telling grown-ups who seek His blessing: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14b). Jesus summoned a child, announcing to grown-ups who seek holiness: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). Jesus went further, declaring to grown-ups who seek wisdom: “‘You must be born again’” (John 3:7b).

Little children believe what grown-ups say simply because a grown-up said it. That’s the kind of faith Jesus asks of His children of all ages. He invites you to come to Him in full confidence that He will bless you. He tells you to take His forgiveness in complete certainty that He has won it for you. And He shows you how in the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Simple praise comes from the lips of children — and you are His child, no matter how many candles it takes to light your birthday cake!

Walking with my Lord

“Jesus loves me, this I know,
For the Bible tells me so.”
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 12/32 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations 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.

Song “Jesus Loves Me, This I Know” — Public Domain

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

Thankful Praise

In the Word

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever (Psalm 106:1b).

Of the Word

A childhood illness left Helen Keller blind and deaf. Despite her disabilities, Helen learned to speak, read Braille, and write with a specially-made typewriter. In 1904, she graduated with honors from Radcliffe College (now part of Harvard University), then devoted her life to the betterment of people with disabilities. “I thank God for my handicaps,” she said, “for through them, I have found myself, my work, and my God.”

Disabilities and failings in the eyes of the world often become the vehicles God uses to show us ourselves, our work, and His purpose for our lives. Like Helen Keller, we may have significant personal obstacles to conquer, and in so doing, become an encouragement and inspiration to others. Or like her celebrated teacher, Anne Sullivan, we may find ourselves uniquely qualified to help, teach, assist, or care for others with disabilities.

Our Lord says to us, “…My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9b). Praise be to God, for His power works through us all.

Walking with my Lord

Take my weaknesses, O Lord, and let them be the food
That nurtures true humility and heartfelt gratitude.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 11/32 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations 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

Personal Praise

In the Word

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. … Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever (Psalm 145:18, 21b).

Of the Word

A pastor once said, “If God has promised it, you can go to the bank with it.”

God has not only promised His presence, He proved it. He spoke to Adam, Eve, Moses, Samuel, Jeremiah, and Paul, among many others. He had compassion on Hannah’s barrenness and blessed her with the gift of a child (1 Samuel 1:19–20). He saw Peter in prison and released his chains (Acts 12:7). In Jesus’ life and ministry, God counseled, consoled, healed, and helped numerous people — and made salvation available to all humankind.

When we rely on God’s promises and witness His presence in our daily lives, we gain access to a wealth of contentment, strength, and power. God is here, so why feel alone?  God is here, so why give in to worry? God is here, so why run around looking for Him? God is here, near and present to you and to all who call on Him. Praise Him by “going to the bank” with His promise to be with us wherever we go today.

Walking with my Lord

Your presence, Lord, dispels my fear,
For You have promised — You are near!
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 9/32 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations 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

Watch your words!

In the Word

Kind words are like honey — sweet to the taste and good for your health (Proverbs 16:24 GNT).

Of the Word

Most people don’t like the sound of their own voice. Caught on tape, they shudder at what they hear. That’s how it was for Marge. After listening to a tape of a speech she made before a large audience, she was dismayed at how irritable she sounded. Marge resolved to work at making her voice more appealing.

What we say and how we say it have a powerful impact on others. Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit (Proverbs 15:4 GNT). St. Paul urges us: Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you (Ephesians 4:29 GNT).

Kind, helpful affirming words strengthen our relationships with others and are good for our mental health, too. More importantly, kind words reflect our Lord and His love for all of us.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, forgive me when my speech is irritable and graceless. Fill my mouth with sincere and honeyed words that convey love and patience. Alert me to ways my words can help and heal. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Walking with My Lord. Author: Donna Streufert. 28/30  ©2007 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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked GNT are taken from the GOOD NEWS TRANSLATION – Second Edition, American Bible Society, New York, NY. Copyright © 1992.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

My anxious heart fears, sometimes panics, but God has my welfare at heart.

In the Word

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Of the Word

Sue couldn’t sleep. Hours passed. Her heart pounded. Her thoughts raced. Faced with starting a new job, her family’s cross-country move and an unexpected pregnancy, Sue felt overwhelmed. No wonder she felt fearful and anxious. Deep in her heart, Sue also felt guilty. She had failed to turn to God’s Word, trust His promises, and rely fully on His unconditional love.

The good news is: The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love … as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us (Psalm 103:8, 12). God showed His great love when Jesus died and rose again to rescue us from sin and death.

Jesus comforted His disciples and He comforts us with the same reassurance: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me” (John 14:1). Sue can trust God’s love, God’s forgiveness, and God’s plans. We can, too.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, when I feel overwhelmed and troubled about an uncertain and challenging future, remind me again of how much You love me. By the Holy Spirit’s power strengthen my faith and trust in You, my Savior. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Walking with My Lord. Author: Donna Streufert. 27/30  ©2007 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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

Obedient Praise

In the Word

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise (Psalm 111:10).

Of the Word

O-B-E-D-I-E-N-C-E! A certain group of fourth graders loved to sing the praise song. They requested it often and sang with zeal. Their teacher, however, noticed they had considerably less zeal for actually being obedient.

True obedience isn’t easy for anyone. We know the Ten Commandments and have every intention of following them. In practice, however, we find ourselves going by our own rules. We find ourselves being disobedient, just like the fourth graders. And just like St. Paul, who wrote, I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do (Romans 7:15).

The Holy Spirit — the Sanctifier — works within us to change our disobedience into obedience. As a fruit of faith, obedience pleases God. It acknowledges His wisdom and accepts His authority. In addition, obedience praises God. It closes the gap between what we sing about and what we actually do. And obedience paves the way to wisdom — God’s wisdom. O-B-E-D-I-E-N-C-E. Let Him hear it — and see it — in your life today!

Walking with my Lord

Holy Spirit, grant me willing heart and able hands
To act in unity with God’s commands. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 8/32 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations 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