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Alone Time: A Time to Refresh and Rejuvenate

In the Word

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying 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 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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A Night Out: Hanging with the Guys, Dishing with the Gals

In the Word

He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers 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 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 Is Faithful

In the Word

Will God always be faithful?

The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made (Psalm 145:13b).

Of the Word

We live in a world that is not always faithful. Spouses are unfaithful, children are rebellious, families are torn apart. Human love that was pledged does not last.

But God is different. He comes to us and says, “I am always here. I will never leave your side.” The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made (Psalm 145:13b).

God never finds someone He loves more nor does He run off and leave us alone. Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations … (Psalm 119:89–90a).

God’s Word is eternal … it will last forever. He has been faithful to those who came before us and will be faithful to those who come after us. His words and promises are unchanging. God is aware of the heartbreaks life brings. He knows when we have challenges in our health or work or family. To lighten our burdens He calls us to come to Jesus for the help He promises.

God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful (1 Corinthians 1:9). No matter what we face in life, we can depend on God. He is faithful.

Walking with my Lord

Faithful God, I am grateful that I can depend on You at all times and in all circumstances. Forgive me for the times when I have been unfaithful to You and to others. Help me to remember that Your faithfulness is forever. Send Your Holy Spirit to strengthen me. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 6/28 ©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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Begin with God … He Is Love

In the Word

Does God love me all of the time?

This is love…that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice 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 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. How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God! And that is what 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.

This is love…that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice 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, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 5/28 ©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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Begin with God … He Is Forgiving

In the Word

Will God forgive all of my sins?

You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to 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 wickedness and remember their sins 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. 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, purifies 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, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 4/28 ©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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Teach me the truth!

In the Word

Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth (Psalm 86:11a).

Of the Word

As students, we labored over homework, tests and term papers. What a relief it was to finish a task, earn a final grade, and walk across the stage to receive a diploma! As Christians, our education is lifelong. No matter what age or stage in life, God has many truths to teach us through His Word. He teaches us how to live under Him and with each other. Love the Lord your God … Love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37a, 39b). He teaches us of His salvation for all people. 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).

As we read, study and share His Word, the Holy Spirit builds us up in the one true faith. Is there a final test? A final grade? Yes! And God Himself gives us the answer: Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved (Acts 16:31a). Simple statement, simple truth: just believe!

Walking with my Lord

Teach me, Lord, for I have much to learn from You. Thank You for giving Your love to me and to the world through Jesus Christ so that I can be sure of Your final answer, a home in heaven. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Prayer. Written by 2003–2005 LWML Christian Life Committee. 3/31 ©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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