Listen to this devotion

How, Lord … can my broken heart be healed?

In the Word

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3).

Of the Word

Broken bones require a doctor’s care, medication, a cast, and a time of healing. But how do you heal a broken heart? What words can help? What acts of love can ease the pain? How much time will it take?

God has healing words for His people. The psalmist writes, Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life (Psalm 138:7a). Proverbs 30:5b tells us “ … he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” And our loving Savior invites and promises, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Jesus took our burdens, our pains, and our broken hearts to the cross. He experienced our deepest hurts, and He understands heartbreak. He is the Great Healer for time and for eternity.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Jesus, my heart is hurting as I come to You. Shelter me with Your love, and give me peace and rest. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: How, Lord? Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 30/32 ©2011 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

Joy in Christian Freedom

In the Word

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:36).

Of the Word

When Americans are asked to state the freedoms allowed through their government, they may think of the freedoms of speech and religion guaranteed by the Bill of Rights.

As Christians we know that real freedom comes with a price — the price paid in full for each one of us through the cross of Jesus Christ. Our Christian freedom from sin, guilt and the Law’s accusation could not be paid for by our actions, but were fully and completely paid for by Christ’s death and resurrection.

Our freedom as Christians does not give us license to live without regard to others. You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13). True Christian freedom responds to God’s love by reaching out in love and service to others.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Father, I know my true freedom is a gift from You. Help me to live as Your servant, using my freedom to Your glory and for the good of others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 11/30 ©2005 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®, 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

View printable PDF of this devotion, Joy in Christian Freedom

Listen to this devotion

His Name is My Name, Too

In the Word

Sing to the LORD; praise his name … (Psalm 96:2a).

Of the Word

What little jingle is sung repetitiously about no one?
“John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt, His name is my name, too!”

This jingle, which goes on and on, has been sung by children since the early 1900’s — often when traveling in a car. The endless singing continues until the car stops or the singers are told to stop. It’s amazing that all this time is spent singing about someone who doesn’t even exist.

But Jesus Christ does exist. His name is our name, too. That is why those who travel through life trusting in Him are called Christians.

While silly songs can be annoying, our Heavenly Father is not annoyed but is delighted when we sing words of praise to Him. Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song … (Psalm 33:2–3a). Sing to the LORD; praise his name … (Psalm 96:2a).

Enjoy the ride! Sing constantly. Even if no one else hears our songs, God will. He hears our hearts and our hearts’ songs.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, You have put a song in my heart and on my lips. May I always use beautiful words to praise You before others. In Your holy name I give thanks for my joy. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Simple Trust. Elaine Bickel, author. 29/29 ©2011 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

A Spirit of Enthusiasm

In the Word

The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy (Psalm 126:3).

Of the Word

Who invented the smiley face?
Massachusetts adman Harvey Ball

The merger of two insurance companies in 1963 left many employees unhappy. Mr. Ball was hired to create a spirit of enthusiasm in the newly-formed company. In about ten minutes he sketched out what is now known as the happy face and was paid $45 for his work.

Decades later, the smiley face continues to appear on a host of items. Looking at it brightens us up. Its simplicity makes it easy to duplicate and adds to its charm.

We can have real smiles on our faces when we remember the God who created us. In fact, He wants us to be joyful and happy, fully relying on Him to take care of our needs. Jesus, true God and true Man, gave us this life assurance when He died on the cross for us.

The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy (Psalm 126:3).

Walking with my Lord

Dear Jesus, knowing You enables me to smile, even in the face of adversity. Use me to brighten the lives of others I encounter in my daily life and may I always be willing to share my happiness in knowing You as my Savior. Amen, Lord. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Simple Trust. Elaine Bickel, author. 28/29 ©2011 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

Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name We Raise

In the Word

But he [Jesus] was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed (Isaiah 53:5).

Of the Word

Savior, again to Thy dear name we raise
With one accord our parting hymn of praise;
Once more we bless Thee ere our worship cease,
Then, lowly bending, wait Thy word of peace.

By nature we are at war with God, sinning daily against Him. Jesus came to earth to live perfectly, to suffer and die on the cross, and to save us from the punishment for our sins. For the sake of Jesus, we are privileged to approach the Father and ask for His peace and guidance throughout our lives. It is a peace that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:7b).

No matter what life brings — success or failure, joy or sadness — God’s peace is sure. As life draws to a close we can say with confidence: “Then, when Thy voice shall bid our conflict cease, Call us, O Lord, to Thine eternal peace.”

Walking with my Lord

O Savior, remove my fears and worries and fill me with Your peace, the peace that only You can give. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Joyful, Joyful. Rev. Larry and Shari Miller, authors. 29/31. Hymn Text: LSB 917. ©2011  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.

All hymns are public domain with the text reprinted from Lutheran Service Book, ©2006, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

Rejoice, O Pilgrim Throng

In the Word

We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests (Psalm 20:5).

Of the Word

Rejoice, O pilgrim throng! Rejoice, give thanks, and sing;
Your festal banner wave on high, The cross of Christ your king.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice, give thanks, and sing!

We celebrate Jesus who has redeemed us. Because of His death on the cross, our sins have been removed. We are no longer separated from God but can now approach Him with the power of the Holy Spirit in faith and trust. We are pilgrims on a journey to eternal life. It really is something to rejoice about!

We are not alone in this victory march: “With all the angel choirs, With all the saints on earth Pour out the strains of joy and bliss, True rapture, noblest mirth.” We cheer with joy and thanks for our victorious and risen Lord as we repeat the hymn’s refrain: “Rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice, give thanks, and sing!”

Walking with my Lord

Victorious Lord, with all the company of heaven, we, Your pilgrim throng, rejoice in Your victory for us. Now life is a celebration! Send me, O Lord, to rejoice in You with all whom I may meet! In Your joy-giving name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Joyful, Joyful. Rev. Larry and Shari Miller, authors. 28/31. Hymn Text: LSB 813. ©2011  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.

All hymns are public domain with the text reprinted from Lutheran Service Book, ©2006, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

How, Lord … can I be content?

In the Word

… I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances (Philippians 4:11b).

Of the Word

Is your cup half full or half empty? Do rose bushes have thorns, or do thorn bushes have roses? It’s all a matter of outlook, isn’t it? The story is told of a poor woman who wore only one glove on a freezing day. Someone commented sadly, “Oh, I’m so sorry you lost a glove.” “Oh, no,” the woman replied, “I found a glove!” Her attitude made a big difference.

When St. Paul wrote many of his letters, he was incarcerated. Do prisoners usually write letters of advice and encouragement? Are they serving their sentences while saying, “I am content here”? Probably not!

The contentment Paul experienced was God’s gift, a gift that began when He called Paul to Himself on the Damascus road (Acts 9:1–22). He calls us today, offering us faith to trust Him and the gift of an attitude of praise. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD … is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation (Isaiah 12:2–3 NIV 2010).

Walking with my Lord

Lord God, forgive my dark thoughts and sour attitudes. Give me faith to see Your blessings, and help me be content with my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: How, Lord? Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 29/32 ©2011 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 (NIV 2010) are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2010 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email