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Living in the Spirit … Bestows Gifts Upon Me

In the Word

“… let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16b).

Of the Word

G.A.T.E. was printed on the classroom door. Gifted And Talented Education was its meaning. Only students with high test scores, teacher recommendations, and parental permission were allowed to be in these advanced classes.

Does God have a G.A.T.E. program? Yes! All who have been baptized with water and His Word are gifted and talented, for they have received His Holy Spirit. To them God gives special gifts and talents to use for Him.

No gift is too small; no gift is unimportant. All gifts can be used in doing good deeds to proclaim the glory of God. Can you cook? Can you teach? Can you visit friends, neighbors, shut-ins, the dying? Can you smile? … let your light shine, for the Holy Spirit has made you gifted and talented for God’s service.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, I sometimes feel useless and unworthy. Forgive me, I pray, for forgetting that You have given me gifts and talents to use for You. Open my eyes to opportunities for service so that Your light will shine through me. The honor, glory, and praise will belong to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in the Spirit. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 3/30 ©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 … I Receive Direction

In the Word

“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26).

Of the Word

Do you remember the names of all of the U. S. states and capitals? Can you go to the supermarket without a list if you need more than five items? Many people joke about having “senior moments” when memory fails, but forgetting can be quite aggravating at times. God knew how fallible human memories are, so He gave us His Word. He promised that the Holy Spirit would teach it to us and remind us of it daily.

Geography facts and grocery lists are totally unimportant compared to the knowledge the Spirit imparts to us. “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1b).

“… I [Jesus] am with you always …” (Matthew 28:20b).

“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10b).

The Holy Spirit opens God’s Word to us so we can learn of Him and experience His faithfulness daily.

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Lord, for sending the Spirit to teach and remind me of Your promises. Your words are true, bringing me direction, comfort, and joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in the Spirit. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 1/30 ©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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Date Night: It isn’t just for singles anymore!

In the Word

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he [Jesus] said to them [the disciples], “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (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 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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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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