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Love: A feeling or a fact?

In the Word

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).

Of the Word

You knew that the stomach-in-knots, sweaty palms, heart-pounding feelings of love you had during your courtship would eventually smooth out into a day-to-day kind of love once you were married. But you didn’t expect days when you would really dislike your spouse. How can you love someone you think is unlovable?

In your faith life, there are probably days when you don’t “feel” the closeness of God. Yet, because of the promise He made at your baptism, you “know” He’s always right there with you. It is the same in your marriage. On the days when you “feel” like you don’t love your spouse, remember the promise that you made on your wedding day and “know” that you do.

Feelings are fleeting — here today, gone tomorrow. A promise is forever. Stand on the promise — both God’s promise to you and yours to your spouse.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, thank You for always being faithful to Your promises. Help me to stand by my promise, especially when my feelings are being fickle. Help me to love my spouse, even when I do not “feel” loving. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 2/28 ©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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Regardless and Forever: Living happily ever after

In the Word

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity (Colossians 3:13–14).

Of the Word

If you haven’t figured it out yet, you will very soon: you’re married to a sinner. If that isn't bad enough, your spouse is married to one, too! You may be perfect for each other, but you’re both a long way from being perfect.

How are spouses supposed to live “happily ever after” when sinners cannot be in one another’s presence without hurting, disappointing, or annoying each other on a fairly regular basis? The same way we are allowed to be in God’s presence: through forgiveness. Your wedding vows probably included a phrase similar to, “’til death do us part.” That means you have promised to love your spouse until you die, regardless of the injuries that sin will bring to your relationship.

Determine to love each other even when you don’t feel like it. Talk through your grievances. Seek help if your struggle becomes too great. Love each other — regardless and forever — the way God loves you!

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, thank You for loving us regardless of our sin. Please teach us to love each other the same way, with patience and forgiveness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 10/28 ©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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He is Creator

In the Word

Who made us?

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13).

Of the Word

The Bible tells us that God created everything in heaven and on earth. That includes us! But we are not like trees, rivers or stars. We love and laugh, care and sigh. We nurture others and have a need to be nurtured by them.

… you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand (Isaiah 64:8).

Unbelievably, no two of us are exactly alike. God created us just to be us! What does He want in return? He wants us to call Him Father because He likes having us in His family. The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children (Romans 8:16).

No one will ever know us better or love us more than God.

Walking with my Lord

O God, I praise You for I realize I am fearfully and wonderfully made. You have made me special and unique. You not only created me, You loved me and sent Your Son, Jesus, to die for me. May my life praise You out of gratitude for Your love in giving me life here and in eternity with You. Help me to always remember these truths. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 2/28 ©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. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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He is Supreme

In the Word

Who is God?

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

Of the Word

Who is God in your life? Is He a loving Father who created you and watches over you with love? Is He a stern judge who sits on high, keeping a record of everything you have done?

The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion (Numbers 14:18a).

… for your Father knows what you need before you ask him (Matthew 6:8b).

I the Lord do not change (Malachi 3:6a).

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

Scripture also tells us God is an unchanging God of love and mercy. He created each of us to be His own and He desires that we come to Him for strength, forgiveness, and our daily needs. We can come to God at any time and in any place through prayer and His Word. He is always present, waiting to hear our concerns and wanting to send His comfort and peace.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Heavenly Father, I am grateful to learn about You through Your Word. I am comforted to know You do not change. You are the same yesterday, today and forever. You know my needs and I trust You to work out all things for my good. You are my strength. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 1/28 ©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. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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For others, O my God, I pray!

In the Word

But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you (Matthew 5:44 KJV).

Of the Word

Praying for others is easy, especially if you love them and know they love you. But Jesus takes us in a different direction when He urges us to pray. He tells us to bless those who curse us, do good to those who hate us, and if that isn’t enough, pray for those who use or persecute us. It’s hard to pray for those we don’t know, but praying for those who hate and despise us seems impossible.

When we follow God’s lead and pray for others, including our enemies, God helps us overcome those feelings of hatred and distrust and brings about a new heart within us. Even Jesus, as He was suffering the worst persecution known to man — crucifixion — prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34a). There is no greater example of selfless prayer.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, teach me to pray for those in need, for those who are angry towards me, for all who need to know You as their Lord and Savior. Help me put aside my own shortcomings and feelings of inadequacy so I can point others to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Prayer. Written by 2003–2005 LWML Christian Life Committee. 9/31 ©2005 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.
Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible. Public domain.

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Trust

In the Word

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him (Nahum 1:7).

Of the Word

“Grab my hand, Dad! I don’t want to fall!” Every parent has heard these words at one time or another. A good parent will make a mighty effort to keep a child safe, and a child trusts a parent to do just that.

God has heard this same cry from us. We try on our own to keep from falling into sin, but we fail. When we do fall, we can trust God’s promise of grace and forgiveness as our Father reaches down, forgives us, and keeps us from falling deeper into sin.

Children trust their parents to meet their daily needs of food, clothing, and shelter. They also trust parents to keep them from falling into harmful lifestyles and bad behaviors. Loving parents, with God’s help, strive to guide their children in the way of the Lord.

Stretch your faith-filled parenting: Take a walk with your child. Hold hands. Tell about Jesus and what trusting in His forgiveness means to both of you.

Walking with my Lord

Trustworthy Savior, help me to trust You for every need at all times. Lead me to set an example of godly trust for my family. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Faith-Filled Parenting. Authors: Rev. Larry and Shari Miller. 18/32 ©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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God & I — just the two of us!

In the Word

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you (Matthew 6:6).

Of the Word

Where do you pray? When do you pray? Do you have a specific scheduled prayer time with God? Jesus gave the best examples for teaching us how and where to pray. He went to the mountain and prayed all night before He choose “the 12 disciples.” (Luke 6:12) At the Mount of Olives He separated Himself from the others, knelt down and prayed. (Luke 22:41) He woke up early and went alone into the wilderness to pray. (Mark 1:35)

When Jesus lived on earth, He set prayer as a priority in His life. We can learn from His example. Some people set their alarm clock 10 minutes earlier than necessary and use those extra minutes as a personal prayer time with God; others set a specific time and enjoy the comfort of a favorite chair with their Bible and devotional books. Ask your family to honor your prayer time and request no interruptions. What a wonderful example for your children, to see their parents spending time in prayer to the Lord.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, help me to put You first in my daily schedule and make my prayer time a priority. I know when my prayer life priorities are straight, the rest of my life falls into balance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Prayer. Written by 2003–2005 LWML Christian Life Committee. 15/31 ©2005 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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