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Living in the Spirit … Enables Me to Love

In the Word

To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you (Jude 1b–2).

Of the Word

But the fruit of the Spirit is love (Galatians 5:22).

Jude wishes mercy, peace, and love for his readers: the mercy that shows God's compassion toward us, the peace that comes from trusting Him, and love. God's love is different from the worldly definitions of love. God's love is a never-ending love that He freely lavishes upon us … even on our most unlovable days. He is able to love us at our best and at our worst because God is love (1 John 4:16b).

Love is God's gift: By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us (1 John 3:16a).

We won't be recognized as Christians by our clothing or a piece of cross-shaped jewelry worn around the neck. But we will be known as Christians by the love that pours freely from our hearts toward others. Alone we are unable to give this kind of love but because the Holy Spirit lives in us, we are able to put into action Christ's command: "love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another" (John 13:34b).

Walking with my Lord

Lord, forgive the times I have not been gracious to those who have needed my love. You have given me a great example of love in Your Son, Jesus. Help me to follow it. In His name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in the Spirit. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 21/30 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Worshipping Together … Which Church?

In the Word

Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:25 NIV).

Of the Word

Worshipping as a family is important, but which church do we choose? Spouses may come from different faith traditions or worship styles. Over time a person's preferences may shift, which can put pressure on the other spouse.

A good way to handle conflict in this area is to determine what is most important to each of you in the worship experience. In this consumer culture we often look at churches that meet our individual needs or make us feel good. A better consideration is to identify the church that most faithfully communicates the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Then you can explore where best you can invest your time, talents, and treasure.

It is best for a family to be active in the same church. One spouse may need to agree to a worship style that is not as desirable, or even a pastor that may not be particularly dynamic, but such sacrifice will allow God's Word and gifts to be the central focus of your worship experience and your marriage.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, guide us as we seek to find a church where we can learn more about You and Your love for us. Help us to find a place where we can serve You and Your people through the gifts You give us. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 21/28 ©2008 Lutheran Women's Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

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Living in the Spirit … Brings Life in Abundance

In the Word

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10b).

Of the Word

God desires an abundant life for each of us, but His abundance is not measured by how many dollars are in our wallets, bank accounts, or stock portfolios. Instead He gives us mercy, compassion, and comfort as we face the stresses of this earthly life. He gives us peace. We can be confident that God is in control and His promises are sure. He gives us love, undeserving as we are. He reaches down and embraces us with a love so strong that we can celebrate it. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness (Psalm 145:7 NIV).

Through His Holy Spirit, God has called us and set us apart from the world to be His people. We belong to the One who created the heavens and earth and is King over all; the One who sent His Son Jesus to show us the way to live with God our Father in eternity "I [Jesus] am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).

Walking with my Lord

O Dear Father, You have blessed me with Your mercy, peace, and love. You have sent Your Son and Holy Spirit to assure me that You will never forsake me. Thank You, Lord, for my life. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in the Spirit. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 20/30 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

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Living in the Spirit … Changes My Attitude

In the Word

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5 NIV).

Of the Word

Life is all about ATTITUDE. Magazines and self-help books would have us believe that anything can be accomplished with the right attitude. "You need to change that attitude!" say parents and teachers. We avoid negative attitudes but choose friends with positive outlooks.

What is my attitude? Is my attitude conceited or humble? Is it sarcastic or gentle? Is my attitude based on my opinions, or is it based on Jesus Christ?

Having a Christ-like attitude isn't easy. Jesus was selfless; He was a servant; He was a sacrifice. But we CAN become more like Him. The power for this wonderful process comes from the Holy Spirit working in our lives to transform us to Christ's likeness.

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Walking with my Lord

Forgiving Lord, I know my ego often gets in the way and leads me to want to be first in all things. Send Your Spirit to teach me to be humble in attitude following the perfect example of Your Son. In His name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in the Spirit. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 19/30 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

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Gift Giving: To gift or not to gift, that is the question

In the Word

"Freely you have received, freely give"  (Matthew 10:8b NIV).

Of the Word

That special day is coming and you really want to do something impressive for your spouse. Or maybe it's the opposite. You don't like society telling you when and how to express your love so you're planning to ignore the day and choose another time to do your gift giving. In whichever situation you find yourself, before you act (or don't act), consider the expectations your spouse has for the event. How will your gesture be interpreted? How can you best express your love in a way that will be received in the manner you intended?

Everything about giving a gift should be centered on the receiver. That may mean you will have to set aside your own preferences in order to give the way your spouse will enjoy most. Talk about how and why you like to give and receive gifts. Share what a gift means when you're the giver and when you're the receiver. This will help your giving be meaningful and enjoyed to the fullest. 

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, You gave up everything to show Your love for me on the cross. Help me to consider what brings joy to my spouse as I seek to show my love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 20/28 ©2008 Lutheran Women's Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

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Not Who I Married: Who is this person?

In the Word

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

Of the Word

"Who are you, and what have you done with the person I married?" Do you ever find yourself wishing you could ask that question out loud? You thought you knew your spouse inside and out. Now it seems your mate reveals something new every day.

As these discoveries are made you have two options: panic and second guess your choice of partner, or rejoice and realize that life is bound to bring change. Like death and taxes, change is impossible to avoid, even in marriage. However, couples who are not willing to change and grow with one another will probably find themselves feeling frustrated, angry, and cheated.

So take time to talk about it. Be patient with each other and find ways to face the differences together. In prayer, place each other into the loving arms of the only changeless being in the universe, the God who walks with you through every change. 

Walking with my Lord 

Dear Lord, life brings change whether we like it or not. Thank You that You do not change and that You are with us as we do. Teach us patience and grace as we walk with You and each other through whatever life brings. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 19/28 ©2008 Lutheran Women's Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Begin with God … He Helps Ease Loneliness

In the Word

How can I ease my loneliness?

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Of the Word

Loneliness is not just being alone. It is feeling alone and unloved. But are we ever truly alone? No, for Jesus promises: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20b).

When lonely feelings do come, how can we cope with them? Jesus' comforting words bring reassurance. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

What is our response to Jesus' promise and His loving invitation to rest in Him? Inspired by the Holy Spirit, St. Peter wrote, As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another (1 Peter 4:10a).

Knowing that we are never truly alone — even though our human nature would have us believe otherwise — we can trust fully in God and then reach out in love to others.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Savior, thank You for Your promise to be with me always. When dark and lonely times come, help me to believe without a doubt that You are close beside me. Show me ways of service that will ease my loneliness and bring joy to others. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 21/28 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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