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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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Faith is Living Life as a Procession of Triumph

In the Word

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere (2 Corinthians 2:14).

Of the Word

When the opponents of 17th century British author, John Bunyan, were trying to silence him, they offered him the choice of renouncing his faith or serving a term in prison. He chose the latter and spent twelve years in the Bedford jail. Of that experience he said, “I have determined, the Almighty God being my help and shield, yet to suffer … rather than violate my faith and principles.” Out of Bunyan’s imprisonment came the great literary work Pilgrim’s Progress. What a blessing!

That was what the Apostle Paul meant when he wrote, But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession … (2 Corinthians 2:14a). That was the spirit of Paul. His life was a series of hardships, but he regarded them as blessings. He was able to remain thankful because he knew that God was leading him.

We may be facing all kinds of hardships, yet because of our faith we can be content in spirit. Our reward: God is with us. Our life becomes a triumphal procession when it is lived in Christ.

Walking with my Lord

O Lord, in all situations and circumstances, give me faith that is stronger than steel and more durable than diamonds. In Christ’s name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 21/30 ©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. 

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Now Thank We All Our God

In the Word

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! (Psalm 105:1–2).

Of the Word

Now thank we all our God With hearts and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done, In whom His world rejoices;
Who from our mothers’ arms Has blest us on our way
With countless gifts of love And still is ours today.

One essential part of our worship is thanksgiving. This hymn reminds us to thank our God “With hearts and hands and voices.” We offer our whole selves in thanking Him for all His blessings.

Those blessings include life, home, health, peace, grace, and guidance. Most importantly, we thank God for a new life in Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer. We thankfully acknowledge His work of salvation in our lives and look forward to living with our Savior God in heaven forever.

“All praise and thanks to God The Father now be given, The Son, and Him who reigns With them in highest heav’n, The one eternal God, Whom earth and heaven adore; For thus it was, is now, And shall be evermore.”

Walking with my Lord

I give You hearty thanks, gracious God, for Your innumerable gifts to me! Thank You for all the people You have given as blessings in my life. Most of all, I thank You for the gifts of forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life in Jesus. In His bountiful name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Joyful, Joyful. Rev. Larry and Shari Miller, authors. 11/31. Hymn Text: LSB 895. ©2011, 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.

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Romance: Keeping the Spark Alive

In the Word

He: O you who dwell in the gardens, with companions listening for your voice; let me hear it. She: Make haste my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices (Song of Solomon 8:13–14).

Of the Word

“Let the wife make the husband glad to come home, and let him make her sorry to see him leave.” This quote by Martin Luther was written at a time when husbands left the house to work and wives stayed home. Even though this scenario may be less common today, the intended advice is still excellent. It takes two to keep romance alive!

A romantic interaction is not determined by location, food, clothing, or ambiance. These things can certainly add to the experience, but they don’t necessarily add up to romance.

Care for your spouse throughout the day. Speak as the Lover and Beloved did in the Song of Songs, and romance is in the air wherever you are. What makes your mate feel special? How can you show your love? Be intentional in giving those things and watch your romance flourish!

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, You created marriage as a relationship of love. Help me to show love to my spouse in meaningful ways throughout the day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 6/28 ©2008, 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.

Martin Luther quoted from Proverbia.net.

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Alone Time: A Time to Refresh and Rejuvenate

In the Word

In these days he [Jesus] went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God (Luke 6:12).

Of the Word

No matter how much you love each other and enjoy being together, there are times when you want (and need) to be apart. That doesn't only mean apart, but alone. “Alone time” gives you time to consider relationships, to pray, to consider what you value most in life. It helps you get “centered.”

For Christians, being “centered” revolves around repentance and forgiveness, understanding that Christ is our very life. Having a period of rest and solitude, in turn, will enrich time spent with your spouse. Encouraging each other to spend time alone is a gift as genuine as any you might give. Allow these special alone moments for God, through His Word, to renew, refresh, and rejuvenate each of you.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord of the Sabbath, You are our Sabbath rest and our hearts will not rest until they rest in You. Give us courage to be alone with You and Your Word. Refresh our hearts through repentance and forgiveness in order that we might enjoy life to the fullest. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 5/28 ©2008, revised 2024 Lutheran Women's Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

All quoted Scripture is 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.

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A Night Out: Hanging with the Guys, Dishing with the Girls

In the Word

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm (Proverbs 13:20).

Of the Word

Tonight’s the night you’re supposed to go out with friends. It’s only once a week, but sometimes you wonder if, now that you’re married, you should give it up. Maybe you really want to go, but you feel guilty because you think you should want to spend every minute of every day with your new spouse. Perhaps you’re afraid that your friends aren’t “good for you” anymore.

As you consider the situation, be honest with yourself about your feelings and your reasons. God has given you friends to fill needs that your spouse cannot. Spending time with friends away from your spouse is important, and even healthy, as long as such relationships are supportive of your marriage. Be honest with your spouse, too. Talking about what you do with your friends will help lessen any jealousy your partner may feel about the time you spend apart. Assure your spouse that your marriage is your priority and that your friends are just that — friends.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, thank You for giving us friends with whom we can share our life and experiences. Be with us as we learn where those friendships fit into our life together. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 4/28 ©2008, revised 2024 Lutheran Women's Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

All quoted Scripture is 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.

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