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Do Not Lose Heart

In the Word

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16).

Of the Word

It is easy to get discouraged when we hurt. Simply having someone tell us to “hang in there” or “keep a stiff upper lip” is not enough. We may want to be strong, but when the pain comes it can overwhelm us.

How can we not lose heart when we feel like we are wasting away? Paul advised the Corinthian believers to be renewed daily. We, too, can take advantage of the ways in which God makes His grace available.

Remember Baptism. God is at work claiming us as His dearly loved children, putting His name on us, and washing away our sins.

Spend time in His Word. Reflect on the promise and the message of forgiveness, life, and salvation that Jesus accomplished for everyone.

Receive His love and mercy in the Lord’s Supper. In this meal Jesus gives us His body and blood that were offered on the cross, assuring us of the forgiveness and acceptance He earned for us.

God’s strength is available to us, and His desire is for us to be renewed in it.

Walking with my Lord

Renew me, O eternal Light, and let my heart and soul be bright. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 2/30 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40197

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.

“Renew Me, O Eternal Light” by Johann Fredrick Ruopp. Public domain.

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God’s Grace is Sufficient

In the Word

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9a).

Of the Word

The Apostle Paul wrote of having an unnamed affliction that caused him ongoing pain. He referred to it as a thorn ... in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7b) and he repeatedly asked God to take away this pain. The Lord did not do so. Instead, His response to Paul was, “My grace is sufficient for you …” (2 Corinthians 12:9b).

God’s grace was enough for Paul and it is big enough for us, too. Because of His undeserved love, we have forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven. We don’t have to wait for God’s grace, for we have received it through our trust in Jesus. We, like Paul, are gifted with God’s amazing grace.

This is an important reminder when we are hurting. The same One Who made sure that we have access to eternal life through Jesus gives us His grace to enable us to handle the heartaches, pains, and hurts we will encounter on this side of heaven.

Walking with my Lord

Father, help me to believe and remember that Your grace is enough for me in any and all circumstances. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 1/30 ©2015 revised 2025, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105

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

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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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I Am Blessed

In the Word

Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord (Proverbs 16:20).

Of the Word

There are days when we may just want to stay in bed and pull the covers over our heads to keep the world out. Perhaps the job, finances, or ill health — a loved one’s or our own — has become overwhelming. For now, that concern has become too much for us to handle.

We trust in God’s Word and know He will help us when fear and discouragement come our way. But that trust may become a little shaky when we want the problem solved in our time, not God’s. We want it fixed now! Ah, but Proverbs 16:20 says, blessed is he who trusts.

God’s blessings come from His Word as the gift of faith. We receive them in different ways — through a friend, by receiving a promotion, or in any of the countless other gifts He showers upon us. With patient trust we wait for God to act, and we pray for wisdom to recognize His blessings.

“I will put my trust in him” (Hebrews 2:13a).

A Point to Ponder: In what beautiful way has God already blessed me today?

Walking with my Lord

Gracious Lord, by Your Spirit help me to live my life in faith and with trust, knowing You hear my prayers and will answer them in Your time. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 2/32 ©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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A Truth, A Half-Truth, A Lie?

In the Word

Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment (Proverbs 12:19).

Of the Word

Who to believe? What to believe? Is it the infomercial for the skin care product that promises to make our faces wrinkle-free or the one that promises to restore hair to a bald head? Can truth be found in political ads or in all we read on the Internet or hear on television news? Maybe these things aren’t outright lies, but aren’t the half-truth promises just as deceiving?

As Christians we are blessed to have God’s Word. Full of truth, the Bible tells us of God’s ultimate promise – eternal life! Jesus has already paid the price for our sins on Calvary’s cross. When we confess Him as our Savior, we are assured there are no lies or half-truths in His Word.

“If you abide in my word, … you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31b, 32).

A Point to Ponder: Which of God’s wonderful promises can I share with someone today?

Walking with my Lord

Father God, thank You that in this day and age of false promises I can rely on the truth of Your everlasting Word. In the saving name of Your Son Jesus I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 1/32 ©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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