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Jesus, Lead Thou On

In the Word

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps (1 Peter 2:21).

Of the Word

Jesus, lead Thou on Till our rest is won;
And although the way be cheerless,
We will follow calm and fearless.
Guide us by Thy hand To our fatherland.

Christians look to God to lead us in the way that He would want us to go. Our loving Father has given His own Son to suffer and die on the cross for each one of us. In baptism, we are given new life and made God’s own children by the power of the Holy Spirit. We want Him to lead us.

God is often symbolized in church artwork by the use of a hand reaching down from the heavens. It is a hand that grasps and leads us, just as a loving father hangs on to his child. God never lets us go; He directs, supports, consoles, and protects us. Our God cares enough about us to lead us through this earthly life and finally home to heaven … “Till we safely stand In our fatherland.”

Walking with my Lord

Precious Lord, I praise You that You hang on to me, even though I have sometimes tried to run away from You! Thank You for bringing me back, taking me by the hand, and leading me where You want me to be! In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Joyful, Joyful. Rev. Larry and Shari Miller, authors. 26/31. Hymn Text: LSB 718. ©2011  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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

All hymns are public domain with the text reprinted from Lutheran Service Book, ©2006, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO.

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Jesus Loves Me

In the Word

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14).

Of the Word

Jesus loves me! This I know, For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong; They are weak, but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

“Jesus Loves Me” is often thought of as a children’s hymn, but it is really for God’s children of all ages! The words remind us that the Bible, God’s Word, is the source of our faith in Jesus.

What does the Bible tell us? It tells us that we sin and do things that build a wall between us and God. God’s Word also shows us our Savior, the “wall-breaker,” the One who saves us from our sin. God’s Word in its entirety points to Jesus, who died for us, washed away our sin, and opened wide the gates of heaven for us. “Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.”

Walking with my Lord

Loving Savior, You paid the bitter price for sin! Give me the desire to pass Your love on to others. Together we will sing, “Yes, Jesus loves me!” In Your name, Amen. 

Mustard Seed: Joyful, Joyful. Rev. Larry and Shari Miller, authors. 25/31. Hymn Text: LSB 588. ©2011  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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

All hymns are public domain with the text reprinted from Lutheran Service Book, ©2006, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO.

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How, Lord … can I replace bad habits with good ones?

In the Word

… on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read (Luke 4:16b).

Of the Word

We are creatures of habit. We read a certain section of the newspaper first. We shop at our favorite stores. We patronize our favorite restaurants, and their menus are always appealing. Other habits take more effort or determination. Adopting an exercise routine or starting a weight-loss plan require breaking old habits and substituting new and better ones. How about habits that involve drugs, alcohol, or tobacco? They require the utmost determination, maybe even medical assistance.

Jesus had a habit that was evident to His friends and enemies alike. It was a good habit, that of going to His place of worship, the synagogue. The Gospel writers Mark and Luke both record His habit, one that He would have His people adopt.

Meeting God at your place of worship, hearing His Word, and fellowshipping with His people are habits worth forming. Come. Be blessed. Who knows what other good habits will follow?

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, help me gain control over my bad habits. Replace them with good habits such as regular worship and study of Your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: How, Lord? Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 26/32 ©2011 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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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How, Lord … can I work with joy?

In the Word

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men … (Colossians 3:23).

Of the Word

This sign was posted on the inside of the church door: “The Mission Field Starts Here.” Where else could that sign be placed?

A teacher could paste it into her daily plan book. A farmer could put it on the steering wheel of his pickup. Parents could stick it on the bathroom mirror. Why? Because each one of us has a mission field right in front of us.

How do God’s people approach their respective mission fields? Do their attitudes reflect the love of God? Do their faces show the joy of serving Him? Is the work done half heartedly or with all your heart, a heart responding to the love of the Lord?

Think of your personal mission field. Thank God for it. Then evaluate how you worked in it during the past 24 hours, the past week, the past month. Did the people you served see the Lord in you and in your work?

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, help me remember that my work is my mission field. Forgive me when I have a poor attitude. Help me serve You with a joyful heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: How, Lord? Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 27/32 ©2011 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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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View the printable PDF of this devotion How Lord … Can I Work with Joy?

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It’s All in the Name

In the Word

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9–11).

Of the Word

After “Okay,” what is the most widespread word in the world?
Coca-Cola®

Names are very important to us. We buy a particular brand because we know it is a name we can trust. We may be willing to spend more for a brand name prescription than a generic because we hope it is safer or more effective. We are disappointed when a product doesn’t live up to its name.

There is a name that we can always trust — Jesus! His promises may seem unbelievable, but they are true. He really did die for all people. He really did rise from the dead. He truly is preparing a place in heaven for all who believe in Him.

Sadly, Christ’s name is often misused and abused but that will end suddenly one day. Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9–11).

Now that is a name you can trust!

Walking with my Lord

Loving Lord, how grateful I am to bear Your name — Christian. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, help me to live up to it in all that I do and say. It is in Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Simple Trust. Elaine Bickel, author. 26/29 ©2011 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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Future Plans

In the Word

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Of the Word

What do Robin Williams, Tom Cruise, and Dr. Seuss have in common?
They were all voted least likely to succeed by their high school classmates.

People sometimes think they are able to accurately predict a person’s life by judging visible talents or abilities. People are quick to judge others by the way they perform on tests, how they get along with others, or by their appearance. Many times this is not accurate nor is it fair.

While people will try to predict our future, only God knows the plans He has for us. He reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

When we allow someone else to determine our value and worth, we will either be falsely led to believe we are better than others or that we are not as good as others.

When we remember who created us, we can ignore the judgment of others and trust His plan for our future. He wants us to enjoy discovering the uniqueness God has created in us.

Walking with my Lord

Dear God, thank You for making me and for planning my future. When I feel worthless and unsuccessful, help me trust in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Mustard Seed: Simple Trust. Elaine Bickel, author. 25/29 ©2011 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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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I’m but a Stranger Here

In the Word

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19–20).

Of the Word

I’m but a stranger here, Heav’n is my home;
Earth is a desert drear, Heav’n is my home.
Danger and sorrow stand Round me on ev’ry hand;
Heav’n is my fatherland, Heav’n is my home.

This hymn of hope and comfort is often sung at funerals or on days of remembrance of the saints in heaven. Our earthly life is a pilgrimage, one that will end in the glories of heaven for all who believe and are forgiven through the saving work of Jesus.

The conviction of the phrase, “Heav’n is my home,” adds to the beauty of the hymn. It confidently states “heaven is my home” not “heaven will be my home” or “heaven might be my home.”

“And I shall surely stand There at my Lord’s right hand; Heav’n is my fatherland, Heav’n is my home.”

Walking with my Lord

Eternal God, thank You for preparing my heavenly home. Grant me that upward view through each step I take on the earth. In Jesus’ heaven-opening name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Joyful, Joyful. Rev. Larry and Shari Miller, authors. 24/31. Hymn Text: LSB 748. ©2011  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, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

All hymns are public domain with the text reprinted from Lutheran Service Book, ©2006, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO.

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