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The Perfect Gift

In the Word

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, (Romans 3:23–24).

Of the Word

No matter how well we know someone, finding the perfect gift can be a real challenge. Will we give something needed or look for a one-of-kind gift guaranteed to bring delight? Sometimes the perfect gift is just too expensive. Maybe a gift card is the best choice.

Out of love, God sent Jesus, His one and only Son, to give us the gift of forgiveness. He is the perfect size. He easily fits into any heart and can be taken everywhere. He is the perfect gift for any age — from conception through the day we are called home. In fact, He is the only gift that comes with a heavenly guarantee. His lifetime guarantee promises a life with Him for all eternity, and it costs absolutely nothing. However, there was a price, and it was high. It was paid by Christ Himself when He died to take away all of our sins. Lovingly, He sends to us His Holy Spirit to provide the faith to believe in Him. Jesus! Truly the Perfect Gift!

Walking with my Lord

Gracious God, I thank You for the gift of salvation given to me through Your Son Jesus. What comfort it is to know how much I am loved! In His perfect name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 2/28 ©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 Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Starting Out — Suit Up

In the Word

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ put on Christ (Galatians 3:27).

Of the Word

Many different kinds of running clothes are made by a variety of companies. These brand names adorn the runner from head to foot and everything in between. Running gear may be chosen for attractiveness, functionality, or price; but chances are, something you wear while running boasts a brand name.

While God doesn’t care about clothing brand names, He does care about what we wear. In fact, He gave us clothing to wear at all times while we run the race of life. Saint Paul wrote those who were baptized into Christ put on Christ (Galatians 3:27). In other words, He clothes us with His own righteousness. We are, in fact, covered head to toe with Jesus!

Jesus has a specific purpose for the clothing He gave us. When we put on Christ each day, we should be showing Him to others. Our thoughts, words, and actions can all reflect His righteousness. So instead of becoming a billboard for popular clothing brands, become a billboard of Christ’s love. From head to feet and everything in between, show the love of Christ to the world.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, through my baptism, You have clothed me with righteousness. As I put on Christ each day, help me to reflect that righteousness to the world around me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Race of Faith. Author: Amanda Stacy, DCE. 3/28 ©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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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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