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The Right Name

In the Word

I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever (Psalm 86:12).

Of the Word

Even though my husband and I picked out our daughter’s name without much trouble, that’s not always the case. Some parents put much study into the origin of a name, its meaning, and even alternate spellings. Others test the initials to avoid an embarrassing spelling, or they check to make sure an awkward rhyme doesn’t result from the name choice.

Unfortunately, these days the meanings of names are not quite as important as they were in biblical times. There was a reason Abram’s name was changed to Abraham and why Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter. Abraham was the father of many nations, and Peter’s faith was solid. Their names told people a lot about who they were.

We know a lot about Jesus for the same reason. His name means “the Lord is salvation.” And we are thankful that He lives up to the meaning of His name. Now by His grace and through faith we can take hold of the salvation Jesus won for us on the cross. For this it is only fitting that we should thank and glorify Him with our whole hearts.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, thank You for the salvation won for me through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me glorify His name forever. In His name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 25/30 ©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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Against the Grain

In the Word

It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it (Isaiah 2:2).

Of the Word

One unique property of water is its capillary action in soil. Capillary action is the ability of water to flow into narrow places without any assistance and often times in opposition to natural forces, such as gravity. This is how water can defy gravity, moving upward from the roots of a tree to all of its branches.

The prophet Isaiah speaks of a river of people, acting like water, flowing up the mountain of God. People of all nations are flowing to the house of the Lord.

This is how things will be on the Last Day in the kingdom of heaven. All believers in Christ as Savior will flow to the house of the Lord. And we will do so without any of the toil and trouble, pain and hurt, grief and loss of our sinful world. “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water’” (John 7:38).

Walking with my Lord

Eternal Father, as I look forward to the Last Day when I will be with You and all believers on Your holy mountain, keep my eyes focused on You so that I will follow the path You have laid out for me. In Your Son’s name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 24/28 ©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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Riddle Me This

In the Word

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).

Of the Word

Scientific studies show that activities such as solving riddles greatly decreases one’s chance of memory loss. When Nicodemus came to Jesus, he thought Jesus was speaking in riddles, for how could a grown adult enter his mother’s womb and be born again?

Jesus was not referring to our physical entry into this world. Instead, He was talking about Baptism, our spiritual birth through the water and the Spirit. In this new birth, faith is created. We are made children of God and are assured of eternal life … he saved us … according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5).

A physical rebirth, or even a hundred of them, could not wash away our sin. Only the water of Holy Baptism along with God’s Spirit can purify us from our sin. And this is no riddle!

Walking with my Lord

Savior Jesus, through my Baptism I have been reborn as a child of God. Strengthen my faith and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, may I always confess You as Lord. In Your holy name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 23/28 ©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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Life in the Blood

In the Word

Thus says the Lord, “By this you shall know that I am the Lord: behold, with the staff that is in my hand I will strike the water that is in the Nile, and it shall turn into blood” (Exodus 7:17).

Of the Word

Dye can quickly change the color of water. Though the outward appearance may change, the chemical makeup never does. Even after adding dye, water is still water.

When Moses struck the Nile River with his staff, God did not just change the color of the water. He actually changed the water into blood. The Egyptians had no water for their crops or livestock. They could not use the blood for drinking or cleaning.

Unlike the blood of the Nile, which brought discomfort and death, the blood of Jesus brings life and salvation. Unlike dye poured into water or even water changed into blood, Jesus’ blood changes our whole being. His sacrifice changes both our hearts and our lives.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace (Ephesians 1:7).

Walking with my Lord

God of all miracles, in Jesus’ blood I now have a new life as Your child. Change me, mold me, and use me in Your service here on earth. In Your Son’s name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 22/28 ©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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Yes! Praise

In the Word

For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Of the Word

“We’re never quite sure what you’re saying,” staff members told their manager. The manager, eager to please everyone, rarely uttered an outright “yes” or “no” to employees’ questions. Her failure resulted not in a pleased staff, but employees left to guess what she wanted.

Christianity is clearly a “yes” religion. It doesn’t leave us wondering what it offers or where we stand with God. Jesus came not as “perhaps” the Messiah, but as “I am” the Messiah, the Christ. His “yes” to death on Calvary and His resurrection from the grave gives us certainty in our relationship with God, the Father. Jesus’ “yes,” His unchangeable and eternal “yes,” means His answer is still “yes” today. Yes to His Word. Yes to His forgiveness. Yes to His promise to remain with us, to work all things according to His will, to give us every spiritual blessing we need for this life.

Our Spirit-inspired response leads us to wholeheartedly respond “Amen” to His “yes.” “Amen” — yes, yes, it is so! — lets the lips of believers return glory and praise to God, the everlasting and unchanging “Yes.”

Walking with my Lord

Your “yes” gives me my confidence.
Your “yes” is my secure defense.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 14/32 ©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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Living in Faith: Looking to the Future

In the Word

“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God" (Job 19:25–26).

Of the Word

Job was in agony. His strength had left him; all hope of recovery was gone. What was left? His only comfort was the living hope of seeing his Redeemer with his own eyes.

Perhaps Job could see himself, clothed with flesh, listening to the invitation of Christ, “'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world'” (Matthew 25:34b).

Nothing helps a Christian through difficult days more than knowing that Jesus lives. Gloom may weigh us down, but glory waits. Job’s faith is the same faith we need when everything seems to fall apart. Can we look beyond our problems? Can we fix our thoughts on the day when we will see the Lord with eyes that see only misery and suffering today? Job looked into the future. We can, too!

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, let me see Your Son on the glorious day of the resurrection and hear His invitation to the blessings of heaven. In His name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 30/30 ©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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Living in Faith: Relying on Our Heavenly Father’s Grace and Mercy

In the Word

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3).

Of the Word

A German submarine sank a British freighter off Africa in 1941. The sub surfaced amid wreckage, lifeboats, and wounded men. When the British were ordered to board the sub, they thought they would be killed or captured. Instead, the German captain had his doctor treat their wounds. His crewmen repaired their lifeboats. He gave them food, water, wine, and tobacco, then set them on a course for the nearest land. They were not treated as enemies, but they were shown mercy.

We have not been treated as enemies of God. Because of our sin we deserve hell which is eternal separation from Him. The grave should swallow us, and we should sink into a sea of torment forever.

No, God has not dealt with us as we deserve. He put our sins on Christ and dealt with Christ. Our Father gave us what we have not deserved. God, who is full of grace and mercy, has given us a living hope.

Our wounds have been treated, and we have been clothed with Christ’s own holiness. He has set us on a course for heaven. That is the sweetest truth we will ever hear!

Walking with my Lord

I thank You, O God, for Your mercy toward me, a sinner. In Jesus’ most precious name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 25/30 ©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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View the printable PDF of this devotion, Faith is … Relying on Our Heavenly Father’s Grace and Mercy