Listen to this devotion

Candlemas: The Middle of Winter

Most of us mark February 2 as the day we jokingly put our trust in a little ground hog (Ground Hog Day). In jest, we call upon this furry little fellow to predict our winter fate, and like many other things that we might falsely rely on, the ground hog certainly cannot be trusted. While we know Ground Hog Day will come and go without any real hope concerning the arrival of spring, we do have a Savior whose light and promise of new life in Him is always certain.  

This second day of February, situated right in the middle of winter, is also celebrated by many Christians as “Candlemas.” Candlemas is 40 days after Christmas and marks the Feast of the Purification of Mary and the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. It is in the second chapter of Luke that we hear how Mary presented herself and the Christ child in the Temple according to the Law of Moses. Luke also presents to us these certain words of salvation in Christ Jesus proclaimed by faithful Simeon:

Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation
that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel (Luke 2:29–32).

Historically, Candlemas is also the day that the candles of the church are blessed. Candles give us light and remind us of Christ our Savior. Through the Word of God, we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit who creates faith in our hearts to believe in Christ and proclaim Him as our true source of light and salvation. This same Holy Spirit was upon Simeon as he proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah there in the Temple. 

We never really know what that groundhog will do as February 2nd rolls around. However, when Candlemas comes, we hear and can be certain of Simeon's proclamation. This day, positioned right in middle of winter and spring, shines the light of hope, a hope that truly breaks the cold darkness of our sin and false winter hopes. Candlemas brings us a true and trustworthy proclamation of what is and what is to come. Only Christ Jesus breaks the darkness of sin and uncertainty and shines His everlasting light of salvation for all people! 

Prayer: Dear Father in Heaven, you reveal to us Your light found in Mary’s Child. Thank you for sending this Light of salvation for all people. May Simeon’s proclamation also be ours as we fully put our trust and hope only in Jesus. Amen. 

The Middle of Winter by Patti Miller, St. Louis, Missouri
Copyright © 2022 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. All rights reserved.
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.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

One True God

In the Word

I will praise you, O Lord, with all of my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise (Psalm 138:1).

Of the Word

King David, the author of Psalm 138, lived when people worshiped many false gods. They worshiped inanimate objects, elements of nature, and even other rulers who claimed to be gods. David did not claim to be a god. Rather, in this psalm he states boldly that he will praise and worship the one true God.

But what about the “gods” that creep into our own lives — the things we become involved with that push God out of the way? Anything that regularly takes the place of spending daily time with God in prayer and Bible reading or keeps us from worshipping and receiving the Lord’s Supper becomes our “god.” False gods can come disguised as our career, gambling, sports, shopping, drugs, appearances. The list is endless, but the sacrifice is the same. By focusing on them we give up the close relationship the triune God wants with us.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that confess his name (Hebrews 13:15).

Walking with my Lord

Jesus, help me to put all other “gods” out of my life so my praise is for You alone. I know that nothing can give me the peace and joy that come from You alone. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Comfort from the Psalms. Authors: Marcia Gomulka & Myrna Lou Meyer. 24/30 ©2009 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

Grief Hurts

In the Word

Let your constant love comfort me, as you have promised … (Psalm 119:76a GNT).

Of the Word

Life and death go hand in hand. Our heads know that, yet when death comes to someone dear to us we are brokenhearted. In one way or another, we know that life will be different. A place in the heart is filled with emptiness. The voice that once brought happiness is silent. Our tears just don’t stop and loneliness becomes a new companion. Grief hurts.

The world tells us time heals all wounds. In reality, time heals nothing because it is not a healer. It is how the Spirit leads us through that time that will make a difference in how we heal. Find someone to talk with who will listen. Allow the tears to flow. After all, God gave us the ability to cry. True healing will come from God. He will lead us from the darkest hours into hope and peace. He is … the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles … (2 Corinthians 1:3b–4a).

Be assured God is listening for He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3).

Walking with my Lord

Holy Spirit, help me to find the way out of my grief. Help me to feel the love and comfort You have to offer. Fill me with hope. Thank You, Lord, that I can cling to the promise that Your Son, Jesus Christ, came to give us eternal life. In His precious name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Comfort from the Psalms. Authors: Marcia Gomulka & Myrna Lou Meyer. 23/30 ©2009 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

God is in Control

In the Word

“Be still, and know that I am God …” (Psalm 46:10a).

Of the Word

Anyone who has children in their lives has probably uttered “Be still!” on more than one occasion for any number of reasons. You may even know “antsy” adults you would like to tell to “Be still!”

In Psalm 46, God is telling His children to, “Be still. Enough already, stop spinning your wheels,” He admonishes us. God wants us to realize that He is the One in control. No amount of worrying, fretting, or concern on our part can change anything. In fact, God views those reactions as distrust.

God is telling us, “Be still. Turn it over to Me. I know your concerns; they are My concerns, too. What you care about, I care about. Trust Me. Believe in Me. Be still. I can handle it.” God instructs us to bring whatever is troubling us to Him in prayer, and then His Spirit helps us to be still as we await His answer.

Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me” (John 14:1).

“Be still my soul; the Lord is on your side; Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain; Leave to your God to order and provide; In ev’ry change He faithful will remain.”

Walking with my Lord

Father, I thank You for allowing me to lay my sins before You. I ask for Your forgiveness. Help me to be what You would have me be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Comfort from the Psalms. Authors: Marcia Gomulka & Myrna Lou Meyer. 22/30 ©2009 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.

“Be Still, My Soul” words by Catharina von Schlegel, translated by Jane Borthwick, tune by Jean Sibelius. Text – public domain.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

View the printable PDF of this devotion, God is in Control.

Listen to this devotion

Faith is … the Confidence We Have in God’s Safety Net

In the Word

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8).

Of the Word

A construction company in charge of building a bridge across a rather large body of water discovered that by putting a net below the men working on the steel girders of the bridge, the efficiency and attitude of the workers rose dramatically. Knowing that the net was below them gave the men confidence and a sense of security.

The suffering and death of our Lord Jesus Christ have the same effect on us spiritually. By shedding His blood on the cross and suffering its pain and torment, Jesus paid in full the penalty for all our sins.

The knowledge of our forgiveness in Christ gives us peace. Unless we allow them to do so, sickness, sorrow, trouble, pain, or even death cannot destroy the peace and confidence that comes from God.

Peace in our hearts, confidence to face any situation in life, and a sure hope of eternal life in heaven are the “net” results of Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross. In a real way then, the cross of Jesus is our safety net!

Walking with my Lord

O Loving Father, may the cross of Christ calm my fears and give me peace and hope all the days of my life here on earth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 24/30 ©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

Faith is … Setting Our Minds on Things Eternal

In the Word

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2).

Of the Word

Eternity has little reality for many people of our day. They have forgotten about it and live as if it does not exist. Yet nothing is more certain. One day we shall meet eternity face to face.

Set your mind on [the things that are] above, says the Lord in His Word. Yes, there is something above us. Heaven is above us, and Jesus is the Way. No one is more impoverished than that person who does not believe in the things above.

When the prodigal son in the far country came to himself, his mind was occupied with one thought: “How can I get home to my father?” He arose, went to his father, and said, “Father, I have sinned.” He trusted in his father’s love and mercy. (Luke 15:11–32)

Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can set our minds on our Heavenly Father and the things that are above. Without His guidance we focus on earthly and temporal things. With it, we can set our minds on things above, which are eternal.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, help me daily to set my mind on things eternal so I may be of service to You in Your Kingdom. In Christ’s name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 23/30 ©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

View the printable PDF of this devotion, Faith is … Setting Our Minds on Things Eternal

Listen to this devotion

Faith is … Resting in God’s Lasting Peace

In the Word

“… the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:26).

Of the Word

An artist was asked to paint a picture that would express the idea of peace. The finished painting showed a roaring waterfall with a large tree hanging over it. On a limb of that tree, bending over the churning waters and almost touched by the rising spray, a sparrow calmly sat on her nest. Amid the roar and danger of the waterfall, the tiny bird was at peace.

God gives a special kind of peace. Like that bird, we are surrounded by danger and troubles. But in the middle of all life’s turmoil the Lord gives us peace. We can be at rest. This is a special peace that only God can give. The original Hebrew language uses the singular for “you.” God’s peace is not just for “you” as a large group of people. It’s for “you” as a priceless individual. You might be a woman or a man, dark-skinned or light, living in America or across the seas. It doesn’t matter; you can still have peace. God’s peace is for you! Best of all it is a peace that will last — yes, even into eternity.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Jesus, I want the peace which no person or circumstance can take from me. Call me finally into Your eternal peace. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 22/30 ©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