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Living in the Spirit … Helps Me Be Thankful

In the Word

… be filled with the Spirit. … always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:18b, 20).

Of the Word

A certain church member was very critical of his pastor. The pastor had never been able to do much of anything to please that cantankerous parishioner. But the pastor took the high road, never repaying hurt for hurt. He tried, and tried hard, to find good things to say. One day he said with a wry smile, “You know, Joe has the cleanest car in town.” Instead of concentrating on his parishioner’s criticisms, he found one small thing to commend.

“… be filled with the Spirit …,” says St. Paul. Spirit-filled people have no room left over for grumpiness, faultfinding, negativity, or thanklessness. Instead, they have an “attitude of gratitude” to God that spills over into relationships with others. And when bad attitudes invade, as they will because of Satan, the Spirit is there to strengthen God’s people once more.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful (Colossians 3:15).

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, fill me with Your Spirit so that my life will be a chorus of praise to You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in the Spirit. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 6/30 ©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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Romance: Keeping the Spark Alive

In the Word

Lover: You who dwell in the gardens with friends in attendance, let me hear your voice! Beloved: Come away, my lover, and be like a gazelle or like a young stag on the spice-laden mountains (Song of Songs 8:13–14).

Of the Word

“Let the wife make the husband glad to come home, and let him make her sorry to see him leave.” This quote by Martin Luther was written at a time when husbands left the house to work and wives stayed home. Even though this scenario may be less common today, the intended advice is still excellent. It takes two to keep romance alive!

A romantic interaction is not determined by location, food, clothing, or ambiance. These things can certainly add to the experience, but they don’t necessarily add up to romance.

Care for your spouse throughout the day. Speak as the Lover and Beloved did in the Song of Songs, and romance is in the air wherever you are. What makes your mate feel special? How can you show your love? Be intentional in giving those things and watch your romance flourish!

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, You created marriage as a relationship of love. Help me to show love to my spouse in meaningful ways throughout the day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 6/28 ©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.

Martin Luther quoted from Proverbia.net.

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Alone Time: A Time to Refresh and Rejuvenate

In the Word

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God (Luke 6:12).

Of the Word

No matter how much you love each other and enjoy being together, there are times when you want (and need) to be apart. That doesn't only mean apart, but alone. “Alone time” gives you time to consider relationships, to pray, to consider what you value most in life. It helps you get “centered.”

For Christians, being “centered” revolves around repentance and forgiveness, understanding that Christ is our very life. Having a period of rest and solitude, in turn, will enrich time spent with your spouse. Encouraging each other to spend time alone is a gift as genuine as any you might give. Allow these special alone moments for God, through His Word, to renew, refresh, and rejuvenate each of you.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord of the Sabbath, You are our Sabbath rest and our hearts will not rest until they rest in You. Give us courage to be alone with You and Your Word. Refresh our hearts through repentance and forgiveness in order that we might enjoy life to the fullest. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 5/28 ©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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A Night Out: Hanging with the Guys, Dishing with the Gals

In the Word

He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm (Proverbs 13:20).

Of the Word

Tonight’s the night you’re supposed to go out with friends. It’s only once a week, but sometimes you wonder if, now that you’re married, you should give it up. Maybe you really want to go, but you feel guilty because you think you should want to spend every minute of every day with your new spouse. Perhaps you’re afraid that your friends aren’t “good for you” anymore.

As you consider the situation, be honest with yourself about your feelings and your reasons. God has given you friends to fill needs that your spouse cannot. Spending time with friends away from your spouse is important, and even healthy, as long as such relationships are supportive of your marriage. Be honest with your spouse, too. Talking about what you do with your friends will help lessen any jealousy your partner may feel about the time you spend apart. Assure your spouse that your marriage is your priority and that your friends are just that — friends.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, thank You for giving us friends with whom we can share our life and experiences. Be with us as we learn where those friendships fit into our life together. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 4/28 ©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 Is Faithful

In the Word

Will God always be faithful?

The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made (Psalm 145:13b).

Of the Word

We live in a world that is not always faithful. Spouses are unfaithful, children are rebellious, families are torn apart. Human love that was pledged does not last.

But God is different. He comes to us and says, “I am always here. I will never leave your side.” The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made (Psalm 145:13b).

God never finds someone He loves more nor does He run off and leave us alone. Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations … (Psalm 119:89–90a).

God’s Word is eternal … it will last forever. He has been faithful to those who came before us and will be faithful to those who come after us. His words and promises are unchanging. God is aware of the heartbreaks life brings. He knows when we have challenges in our health or work or family. To lighten our burdens He calls us to come to Jesus for the help He promises.

God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful (1 Corinthians 1:9). No matter what we face in life, we can depend on God. He is faithful.

Walking with my Lord

Faithful God, I am grateful that I can depend on You at all times and in all circumstances. Forgive me for the times when I have been unfaithful to You and to others. Help me to remember that Your faithfulness is forever. Send Your Holy Spirit to strengthen me. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 6/28 ©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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Begin with God … He Is Love

In the Word

Does God love me all of the time?

This is love…that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 4:10).

Of the Word

It is impossible for us to comprehend a God who loves us in spite of everything we have ever said, thought or done. God’s love is unfailing and will last forever. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord (Psalm 117:2).

God’s love is so great He calls us His own. How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God! And that is what we are! (1 John 3:1a).

We are not just His acquaintances, not casual friends, not step children, but we are children of God. All through the Scriptures God’s love for us, His children, is displayed. Yet without the Holy Spirit working in our hearts, His message of love would be empty and impersonal.

This is love…that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 4:10). God has shown us through the sacrifice of Jesus just how much He loves us and wants us for His own.

Walking with my Lord

Father God, forgive me when I forget just how much You really love me. Your love comforts and satisfies me. Learning from Your example, Lord, help me to love and forgive myself as well as those around me. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 5/28 ©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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Begin with God … He Is Forgiving

In the Word

Will God forgive all of my sins?

You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you (Psalm 86:5).

Of the Word

When we come to God confessing and repenting of our sins we can be confident of His forgiveness.

Christians can begin each day knowing that they are loved by a forgiving God. He promises “For I will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more” (Jeremiah 31:34b).

God gives us further assurance of His forgiveness in Holy Communion where through the bread and wine we receive Jesus’ body and blood. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:28). …the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin (1 John 1:7b).

What comfort and joy there is in knowing our God loves and forgives us and remembers our sins no more.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Father in heaven, I thank You for the gift of forgiveness. I admit that I am a sinner who needs Your forgiveness daily. Help me to accept Your pardon for all the sins I have committed and for the things I have neglected to do. Lord, in Your mercy, accept my humble prayer made in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 4/28 ©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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