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Living in the Spirit … Is God's Gift

In the Word

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God…  (Ephesians 2:8).

Of the Word

Lights on the dashboard signaled trouble, and she was many miles from home. Slowly she rolled into a farmyard, hoping that someone was there. The farmer came out, assessed the problem and offered a ride to the nearest town. Several hours later when the car was once again drivable she offered fervent thanks and a cash gift. The farmer warmly accepted her gratitude but vehemently refused her money. "Helping you was my gift to you," he insisted. "If I take your money, my help isn't a gift anymore."

So it is with God's grace; it is a gift. Grace is not earned. It cannot be bought for any price in any currency by any individual. It is a gift, a precious gift given by a loving God.

Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God (1 Corinthians 2:12).

It is impossible to comprehend a holy God who would freely give the gift of His grace to sinful people who turn their backs on Him. Only by His Spirit can we believe the good news that His gift is ours.

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Lord, for the gifts of faith and salvation. When my faith weakens, strengthen me with Your Spirit. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in the Spirit. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 8/30 ©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.

Living in the Spirit … Is God’s Gift devotion — printable version

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Living in the Spirit … Means Freedom

In the Word

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1–2).

Of the Word

Freedom. What does it mean in today's society? The word is used to support both liberal and conservative ideas and philosophies. Some are God-pleasing and others are not. What does freedom mean to a Christian? We can look at it in two ways: First, the Christian has freedom from sin and death. Neither has power anymore. The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:56–57).

Second, the Christian has freedom to live a new life, a life in Christ. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13–14).

As Christians we have freedom from death; freedom to live for Him. Thank God for His gift of freedom!

Walking with my Lord

Lord of Life, thank You for setting me free from sin and death through Jesus Christ. Help me to live my new life for You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in the Spirit. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 7/30 ©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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Communicating Love: Speaking the Truth in Love

In the Word

So then, get rid of lies. Speak the truth to each other, because we are all members of the same body (Ephesians 4:25 GW).

Of the Word

A wife complained to the marriage counselor that her husband never said "I love you" to her. The husband replied, "I said it on our wedding day and if that situation changes, you will be the first to know." We can laugh at this humorous story, but unfortunately it does reflect reality for those who do not regularly verbalize affection.

Love is certainly communicated through actions (which often do speak louder than words), but when words are absent it is easy to question the sincerity of the actions. Only when words and actions are in sync is the message reliable.

No matter how meaningful they are, actions aren't always understood. Clarify what you do with words that also express how you feel. Healthy marriages need both the words and the actions to communicate love. Be intentional in sharing your love with your spouse.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lover of the world, teach us to communicate love to one another in words and in actions and in so doing be Christ-like in our living. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 9/28 ©2008 Lutheran Women's Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

All Scripture marked with the designation “GW” is taken from GOD’S WORD®. © 1995, 2003, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2020 by God’s Word to the Nations Mission Society. Used by permission.

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Forgiveness: Keep no record of wrongs.

In the Word

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13 NIV).

Of the Word

It is always nice to have an ace up your sleeve. If you get in a spot, you can rely on that one piece of information that will give you an advantage during an argument or disagreement. The world tells us to gain an advantage. Do what it takes to win. Look out for yourself. The problem is that God simply doesn't want His children to live that way.

Jesus says: love your enemies, give to the one who asks you, be merciful. There will be times when your spouse wrongs you and you will wrong your spouse. To keep track of those wrongs is, well, wrong. When you forgive your spouse, you give up the right to get even. You clean the slate. You erase the file. St. Paul says that [love] keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5b NIV).

In order for your marriage to grow and thrive, forgiveness must be at the heart. This is exactly what is found at the heart of our relationship with Christ. We are able to remain in relationship with God because we are forgiven by Christ.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Redeemer, thank You for forgiving our sins because You paid for them on the cross. Help us to forgive each other and hold no grudges against one another. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 8/28 ©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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Teach me the truth!

In the Word

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth (Psalm 86:11a).

Of the Word

As students, we labored over homework, tests and term papers. What a relief it was to finish a task, earn a final grade, and walk across the stage to receive a diploma! As Christians, our education is lifelong. No matter what age or stage in life, God has many truths to teach us through His Word. He teaches us how to live under Him and with each other. Love the Lord your God … Love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37a, 39b). He teaches us of His salvation for all people. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

As we read, study and share His Word, the Holy Spirit builds us up in the one true faith. Is there a final test? A final grade? Yes! And God Himself gives us the answer: Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved (Acts 16:31a). Simple statement, simple truth: just believe!

Walking with my Lord

Teach me, Lord, for I have much to learn from You. Thank You for giving Your love to me and to the world through Jesus Christ so that I can be sure of Your final answer, a home in heaven. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Prayer. Written by 2003–2005 LWML Christian Life Committee. 3/31 ©2005 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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When the heart is torn, the Lord heals.

In the Word

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3).

Of the Word

Meg and Alice work in the same office. Meg’s son is in jail. Alice’s daughter died last year. Meg and Alice go to work each day with broken hearts. It’s hard. Grief so profound invades the body, mind, and spirit. Even getting up in the morning is sometimes hard for Meg and Alice.

The psalmist David understood. He, too, suffered grief and loss. He poured out his heart to God, confident that God hears and cares: Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice (Psalm 55:17). Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed (Psalm 57:1 NIV).

David trusted God to heal his broken heart. His words encourage us, too. Cast your burden on the Lord and he will sustain you (Psalm 55:22a). The Lord is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.  The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down (Psalm 145:13b–14).

Walking with my Lord

I come to You, Lord, with my broken heart. Forgive me, heal me, strengthen me. You alone are my refuge. It is in Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Walking with My Lord. Author: Donna Streufert. 23/30  ©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 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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Philip, Pep in His Step

In the Word

So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him (Acts 8:30–31).

Of the Word

Either the chariot was stopped, moving slowly, or God gave Philip a little pep in his step as he ran and caught up to the chariot to hear the Ethiopian reading the scrolls of Isaiah. In any case, as Philip approached the chariot, he had the opportunity to explain Scripture to a searching soul.

How about you? Do you run toward witnessing opportunities or away from them? Or maybe just run a little slower so someone else gets there first?

It’s not always easy to share your faith. However, God didn’t just guide Philip to the chariot and leave. He provided Philip with the knowledge and the resources to tell the Ethiopian man about Christ. Trust that God will do the same for you. And do not be afraid to go where God will lead you.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, give me a little pep in my step as I notice and take advantage of witnessing opportunities all around me. Give me the knowledge and the resources to share Your Word with searching souls. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Race of Faith. Author: Amanda Stacy, DCE. 27/28 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40196

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

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