Listen to this devotion

Drawn Out of Death

In the Word

When the child grew up, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, “Because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water” (Exodus 2:10).

Of the Word

Fearing the growing Hebrew slave population in Egypt, the Pharaoh ordered all newborn Hebrew boys to be thrown into the Nile River. Wanting to protect her son, the mother of Moses laid him in a waterproof basket before putting him in the river. Ironically, it was Pharaoh’s daughter who saw Moses, rescued him from drowning, and raised him as her son.

Similarly, we, too, have been rescued from drowning, not in the River Nile, but in our sin. We are saved by the beautiful waters of Baptism. Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? (Romans 6:3).

Through Holy Baptism we receive the benefits of Christ’s death on the cross. Our sinful nature, the Old Adam, is washed away by water and the Word. Our new life begins, a life of faith in Christ and the forgiveness He brings. Because we are alive in Christ, we can live in peace and joy.

Walking with my Lord

Saving Father, through my Baptism I have been brought out of death to life. Continually remind me of this new life and the new creation that I am in Your Son Jesus. It is in His name that I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 4/28 ©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.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

Belly Laugh Moments

In the Word

“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting” (Job 8:21).

Of the Word

It happened at the most inappropriate times! The two sisters would catch each other’s eye, and a fit of uncontrolled giggles would ensue. The more their father gave them his warning look, the worse the laughter grew. And what was the most embarrassing part? The sisters were both in their forties!

Not only are belly laughs contagious, they are quite healthy. Studies show laughter can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and lessen chronic pain. This shouldn’t be surprising, because God is the creator of laughter. “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting” (Job 8:21). Laughter in Job? Yes! Our Lord wants us to know that, even in difficult times, His desire for us is total joy in Him.

When we fully grasp our deliverance from sin and sorrow, the unmerited gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, what other response is there? Uncontained shouts of gratitude, delight, and laughter! Exactly the way the God of Joy designed it.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, thank You for the gift of uncontrolled laughter as I celebrate Your grace and mercy with the fellow redeemed. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 6/30 ©2013, revised 2025 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

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

Becoming Family

In the Word

God settles the solitary in a home … (Psalm 68:6a).

Of the Word

Some people live within a few miles of their family members; others measure the distance in time zones. Some consider the proximity too constrictive; others ache to be closer to home. In each situation, there are those who are lonely. Surprised? Our God is not, and He understands. We are a very mobile society, and it is evident in our churches.

It is quite common for our membership to include transplants from other towns, states, or countries. Even in smaller congregations individuals may feel excluded. Our caring Father understands our need to be connected and accepted. His compassion is obvious in the words, God settles the solitary in a home ... (Psalm 68:6a). Think how often Jesus reached out in compassion to the solitary and isolated.

We can all learn to be more welcoming. When opportunities arise, talk to someone new at Sunday coffee hour. Introduce yourself to an unfamiliar person. Invite someone to Bible study or choir. Expect delightful consequences! This spirit of love might change an ordinary Sunday into a true family reunion!

Walking with my Lord

Lord, fill me with the courage and compassion to reach my hand out in Christian friendship to someone I don’t know. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 5/30 ©2013, revised 2025 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

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

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 (Psalm 119:105).

Of the Word

When driving to a new place we can easily become lost and confused because we are in unfamiliar territory. God knew we would need a road map for our life and He gave it to us in His inspired Word, the Bible.

But these [words] are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name (John 20:31).

The Bible is truly the greatest “self-help” book ever written. God’s Word tells us the Good News of Jesus and it teaches us how to love and forgive. It gives directions for living confidently, for relating to those around us, and for solving life’s problems. Best of all, God’s 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 it You assure me of Your faithfulness, guidance, and forgiveness. Help me to 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 League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

Be Still Moments

In the Word

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

Of the Word

Our lives can become ones of perpetual motion and sound. Work, school, church, sports — sometimes we’re convinced we just passed ourselves on the road! Add to the mix the racket of noises surrounding us and we yearn for a bubble bath in a sound-proof room.

Our Lord understands how demanding the lives we lead are, yet He wants to be connected to us; He wants to spend time with us. So He calls us to “Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10a). Not just silent but subdued. We need a location and time when we are fully in His presence, listening for His voice.

This quiet time with our Lord requires planning and perseverance. We can’t just squeeze in a visit; we must schedule the time and place. Morning scripture, lunchtime prayer, or family devotions at supper are life-giving times with our Father. Then we can be still in refreshing fellowship with God.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, some relaxations I choose provide a temporary respite, but time spent with You gives unending joy and peace. Thank You for times when I choose to be still in Your arms. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 4/30 ©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 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

Watch in ASL here.

Yes! Praise

In the Word

For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Of the Word

“We’re never quite sure what you’re saying,” staff members told their manager. The manager, eager to please everyone, rarely uttered an outright “yes” or “no” to employees’ questions. Her failure resulted not in a pleased staff, but employees left to guess what she wanted.

Christianity is clearly a “yes” religion. It doesn’t leave us wondering what it offers or where we stand with God. Jesus came not as “perhaps” the Messiah, but as “I am” the Messiah, the Christ. His “yes” to death on Calvary and His resurrection from the grave gives us certainty in our relationship with God, the Father. Jesus’ “yes,” His unchangeable and eternal “yes,” means His answer is still “yes” today. Yes to His Word. Yes to His forgiveness. Yes to His promise to remain with us, to work all things according to His will, to give us every spiritual blessing we need for this life.

Our Spirit-inspired response leads us to wholeheartedly respond “Amen” to His “yes.” “Amen” — yes, yes, it is so! — lets the lips of believers return glory and praise to God, the everlasting and unchanging “Yes.”

Walking with my Lord

Your “yes” gives me my confidence.
Your “yes” is my secure defense.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 14/32 ©2007, revised 2025 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email

Listen to this devotion

Watch in ASL here.

Living in Faith
Faith is … Looking to the Future

In the Word

“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God" (Job 19:25–26).

Of the Word

Job was in agony. His strength had left him; all hope of recovery was gone. What was left? His only comfort was the living hope of seeing his Redeemer with his own eyes.

Perhaps Job could see himself, clothed with flesh, listening to the invitation of Christ, “'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world'” (Matthew 25:34b).

Nothing helps a Christian through difficult days more than knowing that Jesus lives. Gloom may weigh us down, but glory waits. Job’s faith is the same faith we need when everything seems to fall apart. Can we look beyond our problems? Can we fix our thoughts on the day when we will see the Lord with eyes that see only misery and suffering today? Job looked into the future. We can, too!

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, let me see Your Son on the glorious day of the resurrection and hear His invitation to the blessings of heaven. In His name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 30/30 ©2007, revised 2025 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email