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The Choice is Mine

In the Word

The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones (Proverbs 15:30).

Of the Word

Without a doubt smiling faces make us happy, and good news makes us feel better. A twinkle in the eye and a cheerful greeting can give others a feel-good day. People with positive attitudes are a joy to know. The truth is, our outlook on life is a matter of choice. No one can force us to have either a good or a bad attitude.

So what will the choice be today? Will people be pleased to see us or will they try to avoid our presence? Will we speak words of encouragement or discouragement? Will the light of Jesus shine from our eyes? Will the sweet words of the Gospel of grace, love, and forgiveness we share with someone be refreshing to them?

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice (Philippians 4:4). Will the joy of knowing Jesus Christ as the Savior, Who lovingly died for our sins, come through in all we say and do?

A Point to Ponder: How will the light in my eyes reflect the love of Jesus Christ today?

Walking with my Lord

Father, I ask for an attitude like that of Jesus whatever my circumstances may be. Help me to greet others with sweet words that reflect my love for You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 3/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Priscilla — A Home and a Ministry

Priscilla’s Story: Acts 18:18–19, 24–26

In the Word

After this, Paul … took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:18a).

Of the Word

Moving is hard: deciding what to take and what to leave, bidding farewell to old friends, and then having to build new relationships. Some moves involve joy while others are filled with pain and uncertainty.

When Emperor Claudius expelled the Jews from Rome, Priscilla and her husband Aquila settled first in Corinth and later in Ephesus. In both locations, their home was a place of work and ministry. The apostle Paul labored with them as a tentmaker. They explained the Good News of Jesus to Apollos. The Holy Spirit empowered them to use their gifts for God’s purpose, no matter where they lived.

The Spirit is at work today, too, enabling God’s people to share their faith in homes, churches, businesses, and wherever they are. And God promises, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (2 Corinthians 6:16b).

Walking with my Lord

Loving Father, thank You for giving me life. Help me live for You, working, serving, and ministering to those whose lives touch mine. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 34/34 ©2013 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, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Lydia — Seeker

Lydia’s Story: Acts 16:11–15

In the Word

One who heard us was a woman named Lydia … who was a worshiper of God (Acts 16:14).

Of the Word

Lydia was a prosperous businesswoman who sold purple cloth in the busy seaport of Philippi. Her business catered to society’s privileged. Being a Gentile convert to Judaism, Lydia apparently sought more from life than a career and associating with the rich. Upon hearing Paul’s preaching The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul (Acts 16:14b). The result? She and her household were baptized.

Lydia stands as a role model for today’s busy woman. She ran a business and a home but she also sought out God and His teachings. Through her example God’s Word came to her whole household. She showed her faith was real when she opened her home to Paul and his companions. What a blessing it must have been for this seeker to be able to dialog with these men about her Lord Jesus!

“And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you” (Luke 12:29, 31).

Walking with my Lord

Almighty God, kindle a desire within me to seek Your will above all else in my life. In Jesus’ loving name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 33/34 ©2013 Revised 2025, 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, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Eunice and Lois — Faithful Teachers

Eunice & Lois’ Story: Acts 16:1; 2 Timothy 1:5

In the Word

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well (2 Timothy 1:5).

Of the Word

When did you first hear about Jesus? Did Christian parents share their faith? Did a high school or college friend tell you of God’s love? Some Christians smile as they call themselves “diaper Christians” while others may recall the exact moment when God put faith into their hearts.

St. Paul recognized the faithful teaching of Eunice and Lois, mother and grandmother of Timothy. Did they have a regular family devotion time? Did Timothy’s Greek father support or reject their teaching? Of two things we are certain: Eunice and Lois taught the boy, and the Holy Spirit made his faith grow strong.

Whether you were brought to the baptismal waters as a tiny baby or whether your faith began later in life, faithful teachers were God’s instruments who shared His Word with you.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Father in heaven, thank You for the people You have placed in my life, particularly the Christians who have taught me about You. By word and example, help me be a faithful teacher, too. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 31/34 ©2013 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, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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One and Only One

In the Word

From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water (James 3:10–12).

Of the Word

Dandelions will never produce roses. A lion will never give birth to a zebra. A salt water fish cannot survive in fresh water, and a fresh water fish will die in salt water. A fig tree will never bear olives, and an olive branch will never produce figs. Jesus asked, “Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?” (Matthew 7:16b).

Christians were not created for opposing purposes. We were not created to praise God and curse others with the same mouth. This isn’t to say that Christians won’t sin. But when we do sin, we confess our sins and we receive forgiveness. … if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (1 John 2:1b). Jesus speaks for us before the Father. By His all-atoning sacrifice on the cross, He made payment for our sins.

With hearts and minds focused on Christ, our mouths will speak Christ-like words.

Walking with my Lord

God of Creation, You created me to be Your child. Forgive me for all the times I have sinned, and help me to live a life of praise to You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 28/28 ©2013 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, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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All Dried Up

In the Word

“[Judah’s] nobles send their servants for water; they come to the cisterns; they find no water; they return with their vessels empty; they are ashamed and confounded and cover their heads” (Jeremiah 14:3).

Of the Word

“Give it all you’ve got!” We’ve heard this saying at a sporting event, during a work project, or when we were about to take a test. It encourages us to put forth our best effort.

Jeremiah wrote about servants who went to look for water, did their best, and found nothing. Their jars were empty, and they were ashamed. What happens when our best isn’t good enough? What happens when we have nothing left to give or when we give it all and get nothing in return? It is in these times that it is extremely easy to get down and discouraged and eventually just give up all hope of succeeding.

When we are discouraged, worn down, and weary, Jesus comes to us with the promise that we don’t have to give anything. By His death and resurrection, He gives us forgiveness and the assurance of eternal life. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope (Romans 15:13).

Walking with my Lord

Giver of every good gift, grant that I grow in wisdom and grace. Strengthen my trust in Your goodness all the days of my life. In Your Son’s holy name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 27/28 ©2013 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, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Leaving

In the Word

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” … he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight (Acts 1:8, 9b).

Of the Word

Leaving my baby with someone else for the first time was rough. I knew eventually I would need to get out of the house for an afternoon, go on a date with my husband, or go back to work and I would need to place her in someone else’s care. Having a helpful and understanding husband, caring family members, and a trusted babysitter helped make it easier to walk out that door for the first time.

After His resurrection, Jesus told His disciples that He was leaving the earth to return to His Father’s right hand. He also gave them quite a daunting task; they were to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching all that He had taught them during their time together. He promised that the Holy Spirit would come to help them spread the Gospel message to others.

We, too, can rely on this trusted Helper to call, gather, enlighten, and keep us in the one true faith. And the Spirit gives us the same power the disciples had, the power to complete the Great Commission to go and tell.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Make me bold to share my faith with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 30/30 ©2013 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, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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