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Thy Will Be Done!

In the Word

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us (1 John 5:14).

Of the Word

When the angel Gabriel came to Mary and told her she would have God’s Son, she could have doubted His words and run away, but instead she answered, “Behold I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). What trust and confidence for such a young person. What an example for us! Have you had opportunities to do as Mary and submit yourself to God’s will?

Even Jesus submitted His will to the will of His Father before He died on the cross. Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done (Luke 22:42). We also need to pray according to God’s will. And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. (1 John 5:14–15).

Walking with my Lord

Dear Father, help me to understand Your will and to remember to listen for the answers You provide in Your time and according to Your will. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Prayer. Written by 2003–2005 LWML Christian Life Committee. 14/31 ©2005, 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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Active Praise

In the Word

[Be] filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God (Philippians 1:11).

Of the Word

“Actions speak louder than words.” How true! And actions praise louder — and often more convincingly — than words when God’s love motivates the actions.

God’s love took action in Jesus Christ. Jesus lived God’s love for us in His suffering and death on the cross for our sins. His love brought us redemption and a new, living, and eternal relationship with God, our Father. We rightly praise Jesus for His act of love on our behalf. We doubly praise Him when we put our praise in action by keeping His command to serve others. That’s active praise.

It costs something, however, to practice active praise. It can cost convenience. Time. Resources. Personal preferences. It can cost the opportunity to do something far more glamorous and lucrative. Yet service motivated by praise keeps on serving. Why? Because Jesus’ love neither stopped for His convenience, nor required the recognition and applause of others. Jesus’ example shows what active love looks like. In Him, let your actions show forth His praise!

Walking with my Lord

Lord, work in me Your active love; let everything I do proclaim
My thanks for all You’ve done for me, with praise-in-action in Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 3/32 ©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. 

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Begin with God: He Is Savior

In the Word

How do I know I have eternal life?

Jesus said to her [Martha], “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25–26).

Of the Word

Jesus spoke these words to Martha, sister of Mary and Lazarus. He explained to her that by trusting in Him as Savior one would never die. He didn’t mean that we would not experience an earthly death, because we will. But by believing in Him we will not have eternal death but rather eternal life. And Christ asks us as He did Martha, “Do you believe this?”

“For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day” (John 6:40).

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8–9).

It is difficult for us to understand why Jesus would leave His home in heaven to come to earth to be persecuted and put to death on a cross. It is even more difficult to believe that He did it for each of us just because He loves us and wants us to spend eternity with Him in Heaven. But He did. “Do you believe this?”

Walking with my Lord

Almighty God who gave Your Son to die for my sins, I praise You for this most precious gift. Help me never to doubt Your Word and promise of eternal life. Help me, instead, to say with confidence, “Yes, Lord, I believe!” Because Jesus is my Savior, I pray in His holy name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Deaconess Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 3/28 ©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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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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Thanks in Advance

In the Word

In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6b).

Of the Word

The four-year-old was literally bouncing with excitement. He could barely contain himself. His mother handed him the first birthday present with the reminder, “Can you say thank you to Grandma for the gift?” “Not yet,” the little boy innocently responded, “I don’t know what it is!”

Isn’t that just like a kid? The grandmother, who knows him well, chose something just perfect for him. He should have trusted her and thanked her before opening the gift. But wait a minute! Haven’t we responded to our Heavenly Father in the same way?

The apostle Paul tells us to take every request to God by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6a). We can trust His loving response. Our generous Father, who sacrificed Jesus to make us His own again, most assuredly knows what we need. We need not wait to see what we get before we express our gratitude. It will be the perfect gift from the Perfect Giver.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, every time I come to You with a request, help me acknowledge Your compassion and grace by thanking You in advance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 24/30 ©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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Surrounded Every Moment

In the Word

You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me (Psalm 139:5).

Of the Word

It was the little girl’s first trip to the state fair, and she was excited when her father offered to buy funnel cakes. There were hundreds of people in the way, and each one towered over her. She pushed forward on her own. Then, overwhelmed by the crowds, she cried out in panic, “Daddy!” She felt his hand on her shoulder, and heard his reassuring voice, “I am right here.”

There are many moments in our lives when the world is crushing us. Each worry or problem seems to loom so large. We struggle to find our own solution, but finally — in desperation — we pray “Abba” (Daddy). As promised, we feel His hand of peace on us.

Yet, God provides even more! The psalmist states, You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me (Psalm 139:5). God surrounds us with His presence; we don’t make a move without His protection. In moments of fear and panic, what blessed assurance it is to know we are never alone. God’s love and grace shield us from every danger.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, in the moments when my fears try to crush me, give me the firm assurance that I am surrounded by Your grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 23/30 ©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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One Day at a Time

In the Word

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life” (Matthew 6:25a).

Of the Word

“The family is healthy, my new job is good, and I actually have a positive balance in my checkbook,” muttered Heather. “Then why the sour face?” responded a friend. Without hesitation, Heather wailed, “I’m worried because there is nothing to worry about!”

If worry was an Olympic sport, some of us would win a medal every day. Constant anxiety robs us of sleep and peace of mind. Most importantly, it is a reflection of our lack of trust in God’s care. Jesus spoke about worry at great length, assuring us that the Heavenly Father generously provides for all His creation. God values us so much He sent His only Son Jesus to die on the cross for our redemption. We can never worry our way to a solution! Instead, we must place our trust in God’s loving provision.

Jesus tells us we cannot serve two masters — worry and trust. The old saying is true: “If you pray, why worry? If you worry, why pray?” With the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can learn to trust in God every day.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, help me let go of my worries and place my cares into Your tender hands one day at a time. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 22/30 ©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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