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Faith 

In the Word

Jesus … said, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you” (Mark 5:19).

Of the Word

Faith is defined as firm belief in something for which there is no proof. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith: Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

The Holy Spirit gives saving faith. Faith in Christ continues to grow and mature through the study of God’s Word and participation in the Lord’s Supper.

The challenge for Christian parents is to express their faith in words and actions that children can understand. We are thankful that the Holy Spirit directs us as we guide our families to a greater knowledge and love of Jesus our Savior.

All Christians have a faith story to tell of how Christ has worked in their lives. It is the privilege of parents to share their faith story with their family so that Christ’s work in their lives can be seen by all.

Stretch your faith-filled parenting: Write your personal faith story and share it with your child.

Walking with my Lord

Jesus, You are the center of my child’s faith story and mine. Impact my life with Your Holy Word so that my faith will increase daily. In Your name, I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Faith-Filled Parenting. Authors: Rev. Larry and Shari Miller. 4/32 ©2009 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.

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Total Praise

In the Word

I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us … (Isaiah 63:7a).

Of the Word

Someone once observed, “The wise count their blessings; fools, their problems.” How true! We all know a person who constantly rattles off an infinite number of problems, and another who consistently speaks of life’s many pleasures and blessings. The difference? A heart of ingratitude versus a heart of thanksgiving.

A heart of thanksgiving for all the Lord has done for us is not only a Biblically prescribed principle, but it is also essential to finding joy in life. First, gratitude instills in us contentment with what we have and invites us to take pleasure in those things available to us each day. Second, gratitude brings about peace of mind, and peace of mind opens us to see the best in ourselves and in others. Third, grateful people attract deep friendships and choice opportunities, which often elude complainers and problem-mongers.

Many of God’s wise people begin every prayer with words of thanksgiving, while others keep a journal in which they list several “gratitude points” each day. No matter how you count your blessings, add them up — and give Him total praise!

Walking with my Lord

I will tell of Your kindness by counting my blessings
In gratitude total and true.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 25/32 ©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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Peace 

In the Word

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

Of the Word

Peace often seems elusive. Busy schedules, ringing phones, and blaring music add to the tumult of daily family life. So do harsh words, personal accusations, or name calling within the family. When this happens, peace and tranquility may seem very far away.

Jesus came to this sinful world to destroy the great barrier of sin that separated God and man. Through His death on the cross, Jesus restored peace.

Peace can be restored in our homes when sin is recognized and forgiven. Jesus says, “Peace be with you!” (John 20:19). Peace, God’s gift of peace, is truly restored. Then the relationships that God intends for us to have will also be restored.

Stretch your faith-filled parenting:  Spend time this week with your children in a quiet activity such as reading a book or taking a walk. Remind them God always has time to spend with them.

Walking with my Lord

God of all peace, in a world filled with troubles, trials, and tribulations, give me the peace that transcends all understanding. Restore Your peace in my home through the forgiveness won by Jesus on Calvary. Help me be a peacemaker. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Faith-Filled Parenting. Authors: Rev. Larry and Shari Miller. 3/32 ©2009 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.

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Peace-full Praise

In the Word

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).

Of the Word

In the Apostle Paul’s day, political maneuvering, status seeking, and unbridled materialism infected and affected God’s people. Sound familiar? In response, the Apostle Paul writes: … godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6).

Godliness — an attitude of humble reliance on God for all the needs and desires of life — brings about profound contentment. Anchored in God’s Word, godliness accepts His will in times of sickness, loss, misfortune, and sorrow. Guided by God’s wisdom, godliness refrains from following the foolish desires of the world. Standing on God’s promises, godliness meets the changes and challenges of life with strength and fortitude. Nowhere except in heart-deep and Spirit-infused godliness can you find true contentment. That contentment is a soul-flooded peace of knowing that, right now, you possess all you need in Him.

Wherever you are today, rest content, for Jesus Christ has gained for you God’s grace and favor. Let His Spirit fill your soul with His peace in whatever circumstances you find yourself until the time He moves you forward, according to His will.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, let me rest content in You, and there let me remain,
For in Your favor is my peace, and in Your grace, great gain.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 23/32 ©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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Joy

In the Word

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4).

Of the Word

One way to remember the ordering of life’s priorities is to use the word JOY as an acronym to remind us of Jesus, Others, You. The Holy Spirit leads us to respond to the Good News of Jesus, and Jesus becomes our number one priority. When He is first in our lives, we can place the needs and concerns of others, especially our children, before our own.

Parenting done using this model becomes selfless parenting that truly is JOY-filled. Led by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God, parents put Jesus first in their lives. The needs, concerns, and interests of the whole family can be met in God-pleasing ways.

JOY-filled parenting then becomes infectious in the family relationships.

Stretch your faith-filled parenting: Share one thing that gives you great JOY. Tell why. Then ask your child to share a joy with you.

Walking with my Lord

O Jesus, give my child the joy of Your salvation through Your Word. Pour out Your love so that my child may have the joy that comes through knowing You. Fill me with faith in You, and let me live in the joy that You give. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Faith-Filled Parenting. Authors: Rev. Larry and Shari Miller. 2/32 ©2009 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.

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Grace-full Praise

In the Word

For he [God] chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will — to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves (Ephesians 1:4–6).

Of the Word

Some Bible verses are shrouded in mystery. There is no mystery, however, about the doctrine of God’s grace. God says it clearly: “I chose you.” But His people still have questions.

Chosen! But wait a minute, God. When did You choose me? Before I created the world.

Oh. Well, what did you choose me for? To be Mine. To belong to Me as a holy and righteous person.

Holy? Righteous? I’ve tripped up a little on that, God. Maybe You would rather un-choose me. Absolutely not. It’s all part of a covenant-promise I made. See, I adopted you as My own.

Adopted? How did You manage that? By sending My Son to do what you could not do. He died in your place, made you holy and righteous in His blood, then rose from the dead to bring you new life.

I see. God? You went to a lot of effort and expense for me. Yes, I did.

Why? I’m free to do whatever I want. And I wanted to choose you. So I did.

Walking with my Lord

Because of grace, You chose me as Your very own —
Because of grace, I praise You — Father, Spirit, Son.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 21/32 ©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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Love

In the Word

We love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19).

Of the Word

It has been said the three most powerful words in the English language are “I love you.” Yet they are sometimes difficult for us to express. However, in His Word God tells us over and over that He loves us. He even sent His Son Jesus to be our Savior from sin and its consequences. How great a love this is!

Hugs, kisses, and even high fives are great ways to share love between children and parents. Taking walks, cooking, and reading together show love, too. This love comes from God who first loved us. However, children need to be “told” love as well.

Has your child heard the words “I love you” from your lips? When you say them, you are sharing God’s love and setting an example of love for your child. Our heavenly Father has given Christian parents the ability to speak love, share love, and live love.

Stretch your faith-filled parenting: Say the words “I love you” to your child frequently.

Walking with my Lord

O God, You are love. Remind me to speak of Your love and to show that love in my actions. Send Your Holy Spirit to me so others can see Your love pouring out through me. In the name of Jesus, who loved me all the way to the cross. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Faith-Filled Parenting. Authors: Rev. Larry and Shari Miller. 1/32 ©2009 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.

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