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Romance: Keeping the Spark Alive

In the Word

He: O you who dwell in the gardens, with companions listening for your voice; let me hear it. She: Make haste my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices (Song of Solomon 8:13–14).

Of the Word

“Let the wife make the husband glad to come home, and let him make her sorry to see him leave.” This quote by Martin Luther was written at a time when husbands left the house to work and wives stayed home. Even though this scenario may be less common today, the intended advice is still excellent. It takes two to keep romance alive!

A romantic interaction is not determined by location, food, clothing, or ambiance. These things can certainly add to the experience, but they don’t necessarily add up to romance.

Care for your spouse throughout the day. Speak as the Lover and Beloved did in the Song of Songs, and romance is in the air wherever you are. What makes your mate feel special? How can you show your love? Be intentional in giving those things and watch your romance flourish!

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, You created marriage as a relationship of love. Help me to show love to my spouse in meaningful ways throughout the day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 6/28 ©2008, revised 2024 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®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Martin Luther quoted from Proverbia.net.

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Alone Time: A Time to Refresh and Rejuvenate

In the Word

In these days he [Jesus] went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God (Luke 6:12).

Of the Word

No matter how much you love each other and enjoy being together, there are times when you want (and need) to be apart. That doesn't only mean apart, but alone. “Alone time” gives you time to consider relationships, to pray, to consider what you value most in life. It helps you get “centered.”

For Christians, being “centered” revolves around repentance and forgiveness, understanding that Christ is our very life. Having a period of rest and solitude, in turn, will enrich time spent with your spouse. Encouraging each other to spend time alone is a gift as genuine as any you might give. Allow these special alone moments for God, through His Word, to renew, refresh, and rejuvenate each of you.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord of the Sabbath, You are our Sabbath rest and our hearts will not rest until they rest in You. Give us courage to be alone with You and Your Word. Refresh our hearts through repentance and forgiveness in order that we might enjoy life to the fullest. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 5/28 ©2008, revised 2024 Lutheran Women's Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

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

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A Night Out: Hanging with the Guys, Dishing with the Girls

In the Word

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm (Proverbs 13:20).

Of the Word

Tonight’s the night you’re supposed to go out with friends. It’s only once a week, but sometimes you wonder if, now that you’re married, you should give it up. Maybe you really want to go, but you feel guilty because you think you should want to spend every minute of every day with your new spouse. Perhaps you’re afraid that your friends aren’t “good for you” anymore.

As you consider the situation, be honest with yourself about your feelings and your reasons. God has given you friends to fill needs that your spouse cannot. Spending time with friends away from your spouse is important, and even healthy, as long as such relationships are supportive of your marriage. Be honest with your spouse, too. Talking about what you do with your friends will help lessen any jealousy your partner may feel about the time you spend apart. Assure your spouse that your marriage is your priority and that your friends are just that — friends.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, thank You for giving us friends with whom we can share our life and experiences. Be with us as we learn where those friendships fit into our life together. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 4/28 ©2008, revised 2024 Lutheran Women's Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

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

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Date Night: It isn’t just for singles anymore!

In the Word

And he [Jesus] said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat (Mark 6:31).

Of the Word

“You can’t go on a date! You’re married!” This observation all too often describes the reality of married life. Dating is something you do to get to know each other. Now that you’re married you don't need to do that anymore, right?

Married dating is different from courtship dating, but it is certainly as important — perhaps more so. Taking time to get away from the normal, every-day stresses of life to spend time with each other helps restore the wonderment and joy that made premarital dating so much fun. It provides the opportunity to be together and enjoy each other’s company.

It is not necessary to spend a lot of money or even a lot of time on a date. Do something you both take pleasure in or take turns doing what the other likes. Just enjoy your time together. You’ll find it rekindles some of what drew you to each other, and it strengthens your relationship and your love. 

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, thank You for providing times when we can get away from the stress of life and spend time together. Refresh our relationship with each other and with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 3/28 ©2008, revised 2024 Lutheran Women's Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

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

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Regardless and Forever: Living happily ever after

In the Word

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. 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 NIV).

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, revised 2024 Lutheran Women's Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

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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 NIV).

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.

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

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 NIV).

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, revised 2024. Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

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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 NIV).

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 NIV).

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

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

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

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

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

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