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Begin with God … He Helps Us Overcome Fear

In the Word

Where can I turn for help when I am afraid?

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

Of the Word

What makes us afraid? moving to a new church or community? accepting a new office or responsibility? having a baby or rearing teenagers? coping with illness or retirement? When fear seems to paralyze us, we can look to our God for help.

Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9b).

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1b).

God’s Word says that perfect love drives out fear (1 John 4:18b). God’s love for us is perfect, and we need not be fearful as we follow His will for our lives.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, You know all of my fears, for You know all things. When I become fearful or even terrified, send Your Holy Spirit to renew my faith, strengthen my heart, and focus my eyes on You once more. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 17/28 ©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 Helps Us Conquer Temptation

In the Word

Can I overcome my temptations?

Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation (Mark 14:38a).

Of the Word

What temptations beset you? Worry? Laziness? Overeating? Swearing? Over-commitment?

God speaks both words of warning and encouragement for us as we face daily temptations. My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them (Proverbs 1:10). No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it (1 Corinthians 10:13). … put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground … (Ephesians 6:13a).

With God’s help we can conquer temptation. But when we fail, He promises forgiveness and gives us strength to try again. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins … (1 John 1:9a).

Walking with my Lord

Dear Heavenly Father, I am not strong enough to face the temptations around me, but You are holy and You are powerful. Help me to turn to You first when temptation comes. Keep me close to You so that I can resist temptation and do Your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 16/28 ©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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Living in the Spirit … Guides Me

In the Word

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things (Philippians 4:8).

Of the Word

They say you are what you eat. The news is filled with the latest reports on vitamins, cholesterol, trans fats, antioxidants, and the merits of dark chocolate and coffee.

St. Paul would probably say, "Wait! You are what you think!" Read his list. He encourages us to think about what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. He leaves no room for negativism, pessimism, jealousy, or meanness. They are mental garbage, or, as Zig Ziglar named them, "stinkin' thinkin'." (See You At the Top, Zig Ziglar, Pelican Publishing Co., Gretna, LA, 1979, page 209)

We cannot think ourselves into physical nourishment, and we certainly cannot think ourselves into godliness. The good that we think, say, and do is a result of the Holy Spirit's work in our hearts. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works … (Ephesians 2:10a).

Walking with my Lord

With the psalmist I pray: Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me (Psalm 51:10–12). This I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in the Spirit. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 15/30 ©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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Living in the Spirit … Brings Fellowship

In the Word

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Corinthians 13:14).

Of the Word

"Trinity Fellowship," "Faith Bible Fellowship," "Gospel Fellowship Church," "Victory Life Fellowship." These are names chosen by certain Christian groups. No particular denomination is apparent, but for all of them the word "fellowship" is important.

The dictionary defines fellowship as "companionship, friendly association, mutual sharing, brotherhood." It certainly seems to be a fitting word for a group of Christians.

Look again at St. Paul's words. His benediction to the Corinthian Christians includes all three persons of the Trinity. Christians know something of the grace, love, and fellowship freely given by the Triune God.

How do we demonstrate that we know what God has done for us? Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers (Galatians 6:10).

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever (Psalm 136:1).

Walking with my Lord

Gracious Lord, thank You for the love, grace, and fellowship You have given to me. Be with me today as I go about my daily routines. Help me to live as one who belongs to You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in the Spirit. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 14/30 ©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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Living in the Spirit … Makes Me God's Temple

In the Word

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).

Of the Word

Doctors and firemen are often on call. They may plan a relaxing day at the golf course or at home, but if the phone rings they must report for duty. No questions, no excuses, no hesitation. Duty calls, and their time is no longer their own.

St. Paul reminded his friends in Corinth that they were not their own, either. Though Corinth was a very wicked city, the Christians, by God's grace, were temples of the Holy Spirit. How could this be?

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices … Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:1a, 2a).

By the power of the Holy Spirit, they were transformed, changed from sinners to saints. And by the power of the Holy Spirit, so are we!

Walking with my Lord

Lord God, thank You for transforming me. Help me to be on call for You, serving and glorifying You in all that I do. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in the Spirit. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 13/30 ©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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Blending Families: Yours, Mine, and Ours

In the Word

Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others (1 Corinthians 10:24).

Of the Word

You can choose your friends, but you're stuck with your family. That feeling of being "stuck" is sometimes heightened in a family that is considered "blended." Bringing together two people with different histories, traditions, and habits is hard enough; adding children to the mix can be as challenging as matching a dryer full of socks! Each member of a blended family is faced with the same challenge of getting along.

Our sinful nature causes us to look only to ourselves and our own interests. We tend to look on life and say, "I want it my way. Why do I have to share anything?" In Christ, however, we do not live our lives for ourselves. We see family members (regardless of how we "get" them) as gifts from God. As Christ did, we set aside our own need to be continually satisfied and instead work for the good of others. While it is not easy, with the help of God's Holy Spirit, it is how we live.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Creator of families, You place us in families that sometimes are a challenge. Give us strength to look past our own needs to see the blessing You give us in them. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 15/28 ©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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In-Laws: Love 'Em, Tolerate 'Em, or Move Away From 'Em!

In the Word

"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you" (Exodus 20:12).

Of the Word

Family members give joy when they visit, some when they come and some when they leave. Technically, you marry your spouse and not the whole family, but in reality it's a package deal. Holidays and special events often require interaction with in-laws. Whether you love them and enjoy time with them, or prefer they stay as far away as possible, it is inevitable that you will have to interact with them at least occasionally.

As a couple, talk honestly about your feelings. Share the behaviors you like or dislike about your spouse's family. "Leaving and cleaving" is a process for both you and your parents. Decide together the boundaries that will keep tension to a minimum. These boundaries will probably change over time as your relationships change.

Above all, remember the command of Jesus to "'Love your neighbor as yourself '" (Matthew 22:39b). Your families are your "neighbors." Give them the honor and respect you want them to give you.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Father, inspire in us a love and respect for our entire family as You love us. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 14/28 ©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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