Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 

he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, (Titus 3:5–6).

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22–23).

Although most of us probably will not be able to surf behind a boat or ride a Hawaiian wave, we can step out of the boat in faith and work in God’s kingdom, creating a wondrous wake.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 

Reflections during a trip to a spa on how Mark 4 relates to the goals and results of a facial.

Sowing Seeds in All Seasons of Life, written by Michelle Zollinger, Monroe, Louisiana

Find a printable version of the devotion on our website.

https://www.lwml.org/posts/devotion/sowing-seeds-in-all-seasons-of-life

O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come (Psalm 71:17–18).

Sometimes life is hard even for "more mature" Christians. Health issues and sometimes the rounds of doctor visits are never ending. Visits to hospitals and sick friends increase. Visits to the funeral home occur far more often, and even in the "golden years" Christians may suffer attacks from enemies because of their faith.

It is difficult to proclaim God's wondrous deeds when we are feeling down and out, but this is just what our souls need.

Don’t Discard Me, God! is a devotion on struggles and challenges, and relationship to God, written by Cindy Trombley, Harrison Township, Michigan. Originally published by LWML. 

This devotional is also available for download at https://www.lwml.org/posts/devotion/dont-discard-me-god

“Behold, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel; I will never again pass by them” (Amos 7:8b).

I do not know if my human perfectionism is a blessing or a curse, but I do know this — God’s holy perfectionism leads to our salvation. He has treasured His creation since the very beginning, to the point of sending His Son to die for us on the cross. 

Treasured to Perfection is a devotion on our relationship to God by Allison Maschhoff, St Louis, Missouri, originally published by Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 2023.

This devotion is also available as a free downloadable PDF at https://www.lwml.org/posts/devotion/treasured-to-perfection

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience (Colossian 3:12).

Jesus’ example of compassion is seen many times in Scripture, and we can use those examples in caregiving.

The Season of Caregiving is a devotion on caregiving by Carrie Brumbaugh, Lyman, Wyoming, originally published by Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 2023.

This devotion is also available as a free downloadable PDF at https://www.lwml.org/posts/devotion/the-season-of-caregiving 

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

How did I get to this point in life, and how will I keep moving forward, Lord?

How Do I Do This, Lord? is a devotion on Struggles and Challenges by Mary J Smith, Goldendale, Washington, originally published by Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 2023.

This devotion is also available as a free downloadable PDF at https://www.lwml.org/posts/devotion/how-do-i-do-this-lord.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Your calendar is already full. How then can you balance all that is required? 

Balancing Act is a devotion on Christian Living by Past LWML President Gloria Edwards, Portola Valley, California, originally published by Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 2019.

This devotion is also available as a free downloadable PDF at https://www.lwml.org/posts/devotion/balancing-act. 

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Colossians 3:16–17).

Have you made any New Year’s Resolutions? Have you resolved to exercise more? Eat more healthy food? Adjust your behavior or attitude? Spend less (or give more)? Get better organized? Here is God’s Word for you.

New Year, New You? by Linda Koch, San Diego, California

New Year, New You? (Colossians 3:16–17)

Many of us get stressed out during the weeks leading up to Christmas-so much to do, so little time. It doesn't have to be that way. Mary, the mother of Jesus, can be an example for our Christmas preparations. 

How did Mary prepare when she learned she would have a role in the first Christmas? First Mary humbly submitted to God's plan. Then, she rejoiced as she looked forward to the first Christmas.

How Mary Prepared for the First Christmas by Colleen Spahr, Superior, Colorado

How Mary Prepared for the First Christmas