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Begin with God … He Is Love

In the Word

Does God love me all of the time?

In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:10).

Of the Word

It is impossible for us to comprehend a God who loves us in spite of everything we have ever said, thought or done. God’s love is unfailing and will last forever. For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD! (Psalm 117:2).

God’s love is so great He calls us His own. See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are (1 John 3:1a).

We are not just His acquaintances, not casual friends, not step children, but we are children of God. All through the Scriptures God’s love for us, His children, is displayed. Yet without the Holy Spirit working in our hearts, His message of love would be empty and impersonal.

In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:10). God has shown us through the sacrifice of Jesus just how much He loves us and wants us for His own.

Walking with my Lord

Father God, forgive me when I forget just how much You really love me. Your love comforts and satisfies me. Learning from Your example, Lord, help me to love and forgive myself as well as those around me. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Deaconess Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 5/28 ©2007, 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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Begin with God … He Is Forgiving

In the Word

Will God forgive all of my sins?

For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you (Psalm 86:5).

Of the Word

When we come to God confessing and repenting of our sins we can be confident of His forgiveness.

Christians can begin each day knowing that they are loved by a forgiving God. He promises “For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more” (Jeremiah 31:34b).

God gives us further assurance of His forgiveness in Holy Communion where through the bread and wine we receive Jesus’ body and blood. For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:28). … the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7b).

What comfort and joy there is in knowing our God loves and forgives us and remembers our sins no more.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Father in heaven, I thank You for the gift of forgiveness. I admit that I am a sinner who needs Your forgiveness daily. Help me to accept Your pardon for all the sins I have committed and for the things I have neglected to do. Lord, in Your mercy, accept my humble prayer made in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Deaconess Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 4/28 ©2007, 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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Living in the Spirit … Bestows Gifts Upon Me

In the Word

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is 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, Deaconess Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 3/30 ©2007, 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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Living in the Spirit … I Receive Direction

In the Word

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that 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 called you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1b).

“I [Jesus] am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20b).

“Be faithful unto 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, Deaconess Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 1/30 ©2007, 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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Love: A feeling or a fact?

In the Word

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers 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, 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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