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Living in the Spirit … Makes Me God's Temple

In the Word

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).

Of the Word

Doctors and firemen are often on call. They may plan a relaxing day at the golf course or at home, but if the phone rings they must report for duty. No questions, no excuses, no hesitation. Duty calls, and their time is no longer their own.

St. Paul reminded his friends in Corinth that they were not their own, either. Though Corinth was a very wicked city, the Christians, by God's grace, were temples of the Holy Spirit. How could this be?

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices … Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:1a, 2a).

By the power of the Holy Spirit, they were transformed, changed from sinners to saints. And by the power of the Holy Spirit, so are we!

Walking with my Lord

Lord God, thank You for transforming me. Help me to be on call for You, serving and glorifying You in all that I do. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in the Spirit. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 13/30 ©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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Blending Families: Yours, Mine, and Ours

In the Word

Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others (1 Corinthians 10:24).

Of the Word

You can choose your friends, but you're stuck with your family. That feeling of being "stuck" is sometimes heightened in a family that is considered "blended." Bringing together two people with different histories, traditions, and habits is hard enough; adding children to the mix can be as challenging as matching a dryer full of socks! Each member of a blended family is faced with the same challenge of getting along.

Our sinful nature causes us to look only to ourselves and our own interests. We tend to look on life and say, "I want it my way. Why do I have to share anything?" In Christ, however, we do not live our lives for ourselves. We see family members (regardless of how we "get" them) as gifts from God. As Christ did, we set aside our own need to be continually satisfied and instead work for the good of others. While it is not easy, with the help of God's Holy Spirit, it is how we live.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Creator of families, You place us in families that sometimes are a challenge. Give us strength to look past our own needs to see the blessing You give us in them. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 15/28 ©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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In-Laws: Love 'Em, Tolerate 'Em, or Move Away From 'Em!

In the Word

"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you" (Exodus 20:12).

Of the Word

Family members give joy when they visit, some when they come and some when they leave. Technically, you marry your spouse and not the whole family, but in reality it's a package deal. Holidays and special events often require interaction with in-laws. Whether you love them and enjoy time with them, or prefer they stay as far away as possible, it is inevitable that you will have to interact with them at least occasionally.

As a couple, talk honestly about your feelings. Share the behaviors you like or dislike about your spouse's family. "Leaving and cleaving" is a process for both you and your parents. Decide together the boundaries that will keep tension to a minimum. These boundaries will probably change over time as your relationships change.

Above all, remember the command of Jesus to "'Love your neighbor as yourself '" (Matthew 22:39b). Your families are your "neighbors." Give them the honor and respect you want them to give you.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Father, inspire in us a love and respect for our entire family as You love us. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 14/28 ©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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Decisions: How will we make decisions together?

In the Word

Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off (Proverbs 24:14).

Of the Word

You just knew it would come to this: a horrible fight over a very big decision. What you decide will change your family’s future, but the two of you disagree on which outcome is best. What do you do now? How do you decide who gets the final word? Who “wins”?

Instead of looking at the decision as a contest where you and your mate are opponents, think of yourselves as teammates. The decision is the opponent. Teammates look to the good of the team, not their individual interests. They use tools like compromise and sacrifice to ensure that the whole team is successful.

Work together to look at the big picture you have for your marriage and life. Honestly discuss fears, hopes, challenges, and how each choice will help meet the goals you have. Commend the decision making process to prayer, trusting that through God’s Word the Holy Spirit will guide your choices.

Walking with my Lord

Dear God, as we face difficult decisions, help us to be willing to compromise. Through Your Holy Spirit give us confidence to know that whatever the future holds we will face it together with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 13/28 ©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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Begin with God … He Gives Peace

In the Word

Where can I find lasting peace?

"I will strengthen you and help you …" (Isaiah 41:10b).

Of the Word

Peace is a hope and a prayer of people around the world. How can we have peace when we are surrounded by unrest, unhappiness, even terrorism? God gives His reasons through Scripture. We can have peace because God says:

I LOVE YOU.
"I have loved you with an everlasting love …" (Jeremiah 31:3b).

I FORGIVE YOU.
"… I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more" (Hebrews 8:12).

I HEAR YOUR PRAYERS.
"Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear" (Isaiah 65:24).

I WILL HELP YOU.
"I will strengthen you and help you …" (Isaiah 41:10b).

I SENT JESUS.
"… a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11b).

Because of God's power and love, we can have inner peace no matter what challenges this world gives to us.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, You are the only source of true and lasting peace. When I feel restless and confused, guide me to Your Word and help me to once again see Your assurances to me. Only with You can I confidently face each new day. Grant me peace in Jesus' name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 15/28 ©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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Begin with God … He Gives Friends

In the Word

How can I be a friend to others?

A friend loves at all times … (Proverbs 17:17a).

Of the Word

Friendship is one of God's greatest blessings. Friends are there when we need to share our pain and sorrow, joy and laughter. Friends come in different shapes, sizes and colors, but they all have one thing in common: they like us! A friend loves at all times … (Proverbs 17:17a).

The writer of Ecclesiastes gives a wonderful description of a friend: If one falls down, his friend can help him up (Ecclesiastes 4:10a).

Friends listen to each other, comfort each other and look for ways to spend time with one another. Our very best Friend accepts us, wants to spend time with us, shares joy with us and, because He wants to spend eternity with us, He gave His life for us. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

This special Friend does ask one thing of us, "Come, follow me" (Mark 1:17a).

How can we refuse His invitation?

Walking with my Lord

Father God, I thank You for sending Jesus to be my best Friend. You knew I could not live a sinless life so You sent Him to live and die for my sins so that we could live together one day in heaven. I thank You also for my earthly friends. Lord, enable me to show them love. May I be willing to tell them about You and Your love. In the name of my best Friend, Jesus. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 14/28 ©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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Begin with God … He Gives Joy

In the Word

Where do I look for joy?

Consider it pure joy, … whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance (James 1:2–3).

Of the Word

Dictionary definitions of joy include bliss, delight, and gaiety. These words can define our lives — some of the time. Scripture encourages us to Rejoice in the Lord always. (Philippians 4:4a) How is it possible to find joy in a job loss or a failed marriage? Where is the gaiety in an Intensive Care Unit hospital room or at a gravesite? Who can take delight knowing that war and famine are in the world?

"Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete" (John 16:24b).

Christians define joy a bit differently than the world does. We understand that our source of joy comes from knowing a faithful God who keeps His promises. We realize that, regardless of the circumstance, God is in control. God is there in the ICU room and at that gravesite; He is on the battlefield and in our homes. He will support us through failed marriages, job losses, and whatever else the world throws at us. He promises to bring us to a brighter tomorrow.

Consider it pure joy, … whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance (James 1:2–3).

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Lord, in times of adversity help me find the joy only You can give. I confess that at times I become disheartened and discouraged. Teach me to keep my eyes on You. Fill me with joy as I strive constantly to trust Your Son as my Savior. May I find true joy in all that I do. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 13/28 ©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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