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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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Begin with God … He Is Faithful

In the Word

Will God always be faithful?

[The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works] (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 in all his words and kind in all his works (Psalm 145:13b).

God never finds someone He loves more nor does He run off and leave us alone. Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to 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 is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord (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, Deaconess Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 6/28 ©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 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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