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Begin with God … He Helps Us Eliminate Envy

In the Word

…where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice (James 3:16).

Of the Word

Sweet is to bitter as contentment is to envy. Most of us would choose a sweet flavor over a bitter one, and we would certainly choose feelings of contentment over feelings of envy or jealousy. Unfortunately, envy is often a part of human relationships because of sin.

What happens when envy rules? God's Word says, … where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice (James 3:16). God directs, … rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind (1 Peter 2:1).

How can we rid ourselves of the evil of envy? First, we must recognize it; then we must confess it. If we confess our sins, he … will forgive us our sins … (1 John 1:9).

God's Word gives us strength to live content with all that He provides for us. But godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6).

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, envy can cause divisions and ruin relationships in homes, churches and workplaces. Help me to recognize it and fight against it in my life. Forgive me when I fail, and help me to be content with the blessings You have showered upon me. Help me to rejoice with others when they, too, are blessed. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 19/28 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Living in the Spirit … Leads Me to God's Word

In the Word

Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens  (Psalm 119:89).

Of the Word

"Do I actually have to READ the Bible?" "I read the Bible once so I know it." "My Bible has old-fashioned words in it and I don't understand them." "I'm not a good reader." "I don't have time to read the Bible."

Would the persons who made the above comments say the same thing about food? "Do I actually have to eat?" "I ate once; I know what it's like." "I'm not a good eater." "I don't have time to eat." We would laugh at that kind of reasoning, but the same kinds of excuses are often used for neglecting the reading of God's Word. It is the Word that provides spiritual nourishment for daily life.

God wants us to READ the Bible so we can learn of His grace. Reading it just once is not enough. Contemporary English versions, Bible tapes, CDs, or DVDs make reading easier. Is time the issue? Ask God to slow you down so that you make time for Him in your busy schedule. Time with God may just become the best part of your day!

Walking with my Lord

Father God, Your Word tells me Jesus opened the minds of His followers so they could understand the Scriptures. Please fill me with Your Spirit of understanding and give me a burning desire to read Your Word. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in the Spirit. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 18/30 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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OUT of Darkness INTO the LIGHT OF JESUS!

The HOLY SPIRIT keeps us focused on Jesus, our comfort and joy!

In the Word

…the disciples were gathered together behind locked doors, because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities. Then Jesus came and stood among them. “Peace be with you,” he said (John 20:19 GNT).

Of the Word

When a dear one dies, fear and despair lurk at our heart’s door. That must be how the disciples felt when Jesus died. Huddled behind locked doors, the temptation to give up hope was strong.

But the night before Jesus was crucified, He promised, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, who will stay with you forever. He is the Spirit, who reveals the truth about God. … He remains with you and is in you. … you will not be left all alone” (John 14:16, 17a, 17c, 18a GNT). And then — the resurrected Lord Jesus Himself came to that locked room to reassure the disciples before He returned to heaven.

Present-day disciples cling to the same promise. The same Holy Spirit lives with us and in us. The Spirit comes to us in God’s Word and Sacraments. The Spirit creates faith and trust. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

Walking with my Lord

Lord Jesus, thank You for the Holy Spirit. By Your Spirit’s power I know You and trust You. Forgive me when my faith falters and I feel afraid and hopeless. Renew me each day with the warmth of Your love. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Walking with My Lord. Author: Donna Streufert. 12/30  ©2007 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.

Scripture quotations marked GNT are taken from the GOOD NEWS TRANSLATION — Second Edition, American Bible Society, New York, NY. Copyright © 1992.

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Living in the Spirit … Helps Me to Pray

In the Word

We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us … (Romans 8:26b).

Of the Word

Sometimes our hearts and minds are unable to put prayers into words. How thankful we can be that the Holy Spirit speaks for us, interceding on our behalf!

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests (Ephesians 6:18a). Praying in the Spirit means that we are praying for God's will to be done in our lives. The Holy Spirit guides us, reminding us that God wants us to pray at any time, in any place, about any need. We can be confident that our loving God hears every prayer, no matter how large or small the request may be.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18).

Walking with my Lord

Father God, I rejoice knowing that You are always ready to listen to me, no matter what I bring to You. The Holy Spirit brings my prayers to Your ears. Thank You for this gift. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in the Spirit. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 17/30 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Living in the Spirit … Brings About Christian Unity

In the Word

"God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you're from — if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open" (Acts 10:34b–35 MSG).

Of the Word

No color, race, or language barriers will exist in heaven. Class distinctions, income levels, and immigration policies will be things of the past. All Christians will be first-class citizens of heaven.

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household … (Ephesians 2:19). We will be in heaven because the Holy Spirit brought us to faith in the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

He [God] saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior … (Titus 3:5b–6). We will be in heaven because Christ brought us together through his death on the cross (Ephesians 2:16a MSG). We will be one people — God's people!

Walking with my Lord

Father, living with You in heaven in peace and harmony with all who have loved You here on earth is something I can scarcely comprehend. Thank You for the gift of Your Spirit and Your Son. In His name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in the Spirit. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 16/30 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture passages with the notation of (MSG) were taken from THE MESSAGE, Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

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Household Chores: Who will do what?

In the Word

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men...  (Ephesians 6:7).

Of the Word

You've moved into your first home together, and it doesn't take long until the dishes, the laundry, and the yard all need attention. How will you decide who takes care of each of these responsibilities?

Consider beginning your discussion with how things were done when you were growing up and how they should be done now (since that impacts your view on who should do them). Be prepared to compromise (after all, no one really likes to clean toilets!!), and be flexible. You may need to renegotiate after trying it out for awhile. If you feel you are being put upon or left out, be honest as you share that with your spouse.

When finding it necessary to do one of the chores you particularly dislike, think about the words of the Apostle Paul: Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men … (Ephesians 6:7). 
When you serve your spouse, you are truly serving God, showing love to both through your actions.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, thank You for all the material blessings You give to us. Help us to care not only for the things, but for the one with whom we share them. Teach us to serve You by serving one another. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 18/28 ©2008 Lutheran Women's Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Men and Women: Different by God's Design

In the Word

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh (Genesis 2:24).

Of the Word

Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus is the title of a book written by John Gray. No matter what you think of the details of the book, the overarching principle is true: men and women are different — and not just physically.

Of course, there is no such thing as a "typical" man or woman; yet there are attitudes and actions that are generally found in one gender and not the other. These differences can be seen as sources of jealousy and frustration or as reasons to celebrate! Consider them as two halves of a whole. Together they make your union complete.

When your differences cause disagreements, take time to consider your spouse's point of view. You might discover a new way of thinking. And you may come to a deeper understanding of who your spouse is and how you complement each other. In marriage, God has made you one. Enjoy the unity that is enhanced by your differences!

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, You have created us as individuals, each with our own unique qualities. Help us to rejoice in the gifts You give us and use them to build each other up. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 17/28 ©2008 Lutheran Women's Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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