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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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Decisions: How will we make decisions together?

In the Word

Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off (Proverbs 24:14).

Of the Word

You just knew it would come to this: a horrible fight over a very big decision. What you decide will change your family’s future, but the two of you disagree on which outcome is best. What do you do now? How do you decide who gets the final word? Who “wins”?

Instead of looking at the decision as a contest where you and your mate are opponents, think of yourselves as teammates. The decision is the opponent. Teammates look to the good of the team, not their individual interests. They use tools like compromise and sacrifice to ensure that the whole team is successful.

Work together to look at the big picture you have for your marriage and life. Honestly discuss fears, hopes, challenges, and how each choice will help meet the goals you have. Commend the decision making process to prayer, trusting that through God’s Word the Holy Spirit will guide your choices.

Walking with my Lord

Dear God, as we face difficult decisions, help us to be willing to compromise. Through Your Holy Spirit give us confidence to know that whatever the future holds we will face it together with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 13/28 ©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 … He Gives Peace

In the Word

Where can I find lasting peace?

"I will strengthen you and help you …" (Isaiah 41:10b).

Of the Word

Peace is a hope and a prayer of people around the world. How can we have peace when we are surrounded by unrest, unhappiness, even terrorism? God gives His reasons through Scripture. We can have peace because God says:

I LOVE YOU.
"I have loved you with an everlasting love …" (Jeremiah 31:3b).

I FORGIVE YOU.
"… I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more" (Hebrews 8:12).

I HEAR YOUR PRAYERS.
"Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear" (Isaiah 65:24).

I WILL HELP YOU.
"I will strengthen you and help you …" (Isaiah 41:10b).

I SENT JESUS.
"… a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11b).

Because of God's power and love, we can have inner peace no matter what challenges this world gives to us.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, You are the only source of true and lasting peace. When I feel restless and confused, guide me to Your Word and help me to once again see Your assurances to me. Only with You can I confidently face each new day. Grant me peace in Jesus' name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 15/28 ©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 … He Gives Friends

In the Word

How can I be a friend to others?

A friend loves at all times … (Proverbs 17:17a).

Of the Word

Friendship is one of God's greatest blessings. Friends are there when we need to share our pain and sorrow, joy and laughter. Friends come in different shapes, sizes and colors, but they all have one thing in common: they like us! A friend loves at all times … (Proverbs 17:17a).

The writer of Ecclesiastes gives a wonderful description of a friend: If one falls down, his friend can help him up (Ecclesiastes 4:10a).

Friends listen to each other, comfort each other and look for ways to spend time with one another. Our very best Friend accepts us, wants to spend time with us, shares joy with us and, because He wants to spend eternity with us, He gave His life for us. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

This special Friend does ask one thing of us, "Come, follow me" (Mark 1:17a).

How can we refuse His invitation?

Walking with my Lord

Father God, I thank You for sending Jesus to be my best Friend. You knew I could not live a sinless life so You sent Him to live and die for my sins so that we could live together one day in heaven. I thank You also for my earthly friends. Lord, enable me to show them love. May I be willing to tell them about You and Your love. In the name of my best Friend, Jesus. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 14/28 ©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 … He Gives Joy

In the Word

Where do I look for joy?

Consider it pure joy, … whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance (James 1:2–3).

Of the Word

Dictionary definitions of joy include bliss, delight, and gaiety. These words can define our lives — some of the time. Scripture encourages us to Rejoice in the Lord always. (Philippians 4:4a) How is it possible to find joy in a job loss or a failed marriage? Where is the gaiety in an Intensive Care Unit hospital room or at a gravesite? Who can take delight knowing that war and famine are in the world?

"Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete" (John 16:24b).

Christians define joy a bit differently than the world does. We understand that our source of joy comes from knowing a faithful God who keeps His promises. We realize that, regardless of the circumstance, God is in control. God is there in the ICU room and at that gravesite; He is on the battlefield and in our homes. He will support us through failed marriages, job losses, and whatever else the world throws at us. He promises to bring us to a brighter tomorrow.

Consider it pure joy, … whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance (James 1:2–3).

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Lord, in times of adversity help me find the joy only You can give. I confess that at times I become disheartened and discouraged. Teach me to keep my eyes on You. Fill me with joy as I strive constantly to trust Your Son as my Savior. May I find true joy in all that I do. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 13/28 ©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 … Gives Me God's Seal of Ownership

In the Word

Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit …  (Ephesians 1:13b).

Of the Word

When St. Paul wrote to the Ephesians, they understood the seal of which he spoke. It was the official mark of identification placed on a letter, contract, or document. The seal signified security, authenticity, ownership, and authority.

Centuries later, American cattlemen branded their cattle to protect them from rustlers. They burned their own brands onto the sides of their cattle, and at roundup time they were easily able to identify their own animals.

Christians are marked with a seal at Baptism — the sign of the cross on the forehead and on the heart "to mark you as one redeemed by Christ the crucified." (Lutheran Worship, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO, page 199)

We are marked, and we are His. The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children (Romans 8:16). What a comfort it is to know that we are marked as His own dearly-loved children!

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, thank You for putting Your seal upon me. Help me to remember always that I belong to You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in the Spirit. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 12/30 ©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 … Helps Me Set Priorities

In the Word

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires (Romans 8:5).

Of the Word

To Do List: ball game at 6:30; roast in slow cooker; library books due; package to post office; laundry.

Sound familiar? Most busy people make lists. Why? Important tasks may be forgotten without a reminder. Some go even further, utilizing the latest method to prioritize those lists.

Does devotional time make our list? Do we set aside time for prayer, Bible study, worship? Too many times those are the very things that slip by because the "to do" list is already too long. St. Paul reminds us, Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).

Keeping in step with the Spirit includes seeking God's will for our lives, even as we make the daily "to-do" list. Living in the Spirit includes keeping our minds set on His desires for us. Can we do it alone? No, but the Spirit is with us to give aid. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth (John 16:13a).

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, I am faced with daily challenges, and my schedule is often crowded with too many tasks to accomplish in too little time. Help me to set priorities according to Your will and purpose for my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in the Spirit. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 11/30 ©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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