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Living in the Spirit … Brings Peace

In the Word

“Why are you troubled … ?” (Luke 24:38b).

Of the Word

… the fruit of the Spirit is … peace … (Galatians 5:22).

MY TROUBLE IS MY PAST.

Try as we might, it is difficult to forget the past as well as forgive ourselves. We carry around a load of guilt. We yearn for peace and the Holy Spirit whispers, He [Jesus] is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2).

MY TROUBLE IS THE PRESENT.

Bills are due and money is short. We are alone and lonely. Our parents are aging. Unemployment is just around the corner. Our teenager is troubled. We cry aloud and the Spirit answers, Good people suffer many troubles, but the Lord saves them from them all … (Psalm 34:19 GNT).

MY TROUBLE IS THE FUTURE.

We don’t even have peace at night because we’re worrying about what may happen. The Holy Spirit gently echoes the words of Jesus, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, forgive me for those times that I allow myself to be all tied up in knots from worrying. I know that Your Holy Spirit can bring me peace. Grant me that in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in the Spirit. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 23/30 ©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.

Good News Translation® (Today’s English Version, Second Edition) Copyright © 1992 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.

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Living in the Spirit … Gives Me Joy

In the Word

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy (Psalm 126:3).

Of the Word

… the fruit of the Spirit is … joy … (Galatians 5:22).

Vacations. Vacation homes. Jobs. Better jobs. TVs. Bigger TVs. Parties. More parties. shopping, shopping, shopping. Boats. Cars, etc., etc., etc. The list of things we think will bring us joy is endless. But the time, energy, and money spent on the pursuit of happiness are wasted because the material things we want today are not a source of everlasting joy. They will not bring comfort when troubles or sorrows enter our lives.

True joy comes to us as the Holy Spirit leads us into living with Jesus Christ. Through Him we have the precious gift of eternal life. Knowing this helps us to walk through the dark times into the Light of Christ’s love. The things of life are only temporary but God’s promises will last forever. Joy is God caring for us.

Let us shout with loud voices, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come!” He has come to give us this message: “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:40).

Walking with my Lord

Lord, what comfort I have knowing the pursuit of spiritual things will never be time wasted. Thank You for the joy You have put in my life through Your Spirit and Your Son. In His name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in the Spirit. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 22/30 ©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.

(Hymn text: “Joy to the World” — public domain.)

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Stewardship: Tithes and Offerings

In the Word

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms (1 Peter 4:10).

Of the Word

“Why is it that every time we go to church they are talking about money? Makes you wonder if that’s what the church is all about.” Some people become very uncomfortable discussing the topic of stewardship. However, regardless of our attitude in this area, each of us ought to consider how we are to manage the gifts with which God has blessed us.

Our health, talent, money, time, and abilities are all gifts for us to enjoy and to share with God’s people. How can we use His gifts to honor Him and help others? Surprisingly, the more we give back to Him, the more we receive from Him. Of course, this is not why we give; but, it is how God gives!

God wants us to live abundant lives, but not necessarily with an abundance of “things.” Rather, He pours out His abundant love on us through Christ and asks us to consider how we can share this wealth with others.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, thank You for the many ways You bless us and our family. Help us to not take Your gifts for granted, but rather use them to help others know Your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 24/28 ©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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Finances: To Spend or Save?

In the Word

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Colossians 3:17).

Of the Word

“…for richer or for poorer.” It was easy to say at the wedding, but it is sometimes hard to live out in real life. He wants to save for the future; she wants to wear the latest fashions. She’s thinking about college for the kids; he’s eyeing a new boat. How will you decide who “wins”? Start by setting priorities for how your money is to be spent before these questions arise, making sure the marriage is the winner!

Talk through the issues. Does God care how we spend our money? What does it mean to be stewards of what He has given us? How can we use our money to help others and for our own enjoyment? Does this purchase meet our family’s short-term or long-term goals? Do we agree that this is a wise use of our money?

Remember, what you spend your money on is not nearly as important as why you spend it. Ask God for guidance in your money matters.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, help us to be good stewards of Your gifts so that together we can enjoy and share the blessings You give. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 23/28 ©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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Religion: When one’s mate is not a Christian

In the Word

How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? (1 Corinthians 7:16).

Of the Word

You knew your partner was not a Christian when you married, or perhaps you came to faith after marriage and your spouse has not followed suit. Maybe faith is extremely important to you and you are frustrated that your mate doesn’t share the same passion to learn more about God’s Word.

You may be tempted to be overly critical of yourself because you can’t seem to change the person you married. As a Christian you are called to love, accept, forgive, and care for your mate, following the example of Christ as revealed to us through His Word. He loves us unconditionally, without reservations, completely. Trust that God loves the person you married in the same way. He desires a relationship with your mate even more than you do.

Continue to lift your mate up to God in prayer, always remembering that saving faith is the gift and work of the Holy Spirit. Only God can create faith in the one you love.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Holy Spirit, help me to love and accept my spouse the same way You love and accept me — unconditionally. Work faith in my spouse that we might share the great joy of following You together. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 22/28 ©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 … So We Can Pray to Him

In the Word

What is prayer?

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us (1 John 5:14).

Of the Word

Prayer has been called the ‘breath of the soul.’ It is a ‘heart-to-heart’ with God. He has promised to hear and answer His people. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us (1 John 5:14).

What is included in “anything”? EVERYTHING! Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God (Philippians 4:6).

Because we are human, it’s tempting to ask for more and more. It is easy to forget to thank God. Perhaps that is why He reminds us to ask for His help and respond with thanks to Him. … call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me (Psalm 50:15).

What a comfort it is to know that God is always available to listen and answer us, His beloved people. He is never too busy; no request is ever too trivial for our God who loves us so much that He gave up His only Son for our salvation.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of coming to You in prayer. Thank You for hearing me, and thank You for answering my prayers in the best way and at the right time. Help me to pray faithfully and wait patiently. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 24/28 ©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 … So We Can Trust Him

In the Word

Where can I find someone who is trustworthy and true?

… in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? (Psalm 56:11).

Of the Word

Who do you trust? Your spouse? Your children? The banker and tax preparer? All of us can recall times when even those closest to us and most loved by us betrayed our trust. God is the only One in whom we can place complete trust. He will never betray our trust. … I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation (Psalm 13:5). Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal (Isaiah 26:4).

What does God promise to those who trust in Him? … the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him (Psalm 32:10b). 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).

Trust in God means relying on His love, mercy, and forgiveness — the forgiveness that comes to us through Jesus’ merit. When we trust in Him, we can face any circumstance with confidence.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank and praise You for being the God I can trust. Forgive me for the times I place more trust in people and things than in You. Help me to trust in You for all that I need, and help me to be thankful for all that You provide. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 23/28 ©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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