St. Johns News

Heaven Will be Different – November 19, 2017

Jesus replied, “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy of taking part in that age and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection.
Luke 20:34-36

Heaven Will be Different


Daily Devotion – November 19, 2017

Devotion based on Luke 20:34-36

See series: Devotions

Tell a little girl that heaven is the happiest place to be, and then ask her to describe what she thinks it will be like. She may compare it to the happiest things she knows: free candy and no cavities, ice cream any time you want it, new clothes to wear every day. Heaven is indeed the happiest of all places, but there is nothing on earth that can compare. As different as God is from us, that’s how different heaven is from earth.

For some, this is a real sticking point. In today’s reading, some Sadducees came to Jesus with a question. The Sadducees believed only in the things they could see and touch, and so they didn’t believe in angels, or heaven, or the resurrection from the dead. Their question was a trick question, intended to trip Jesus up over his own words. In effect they asked: if a woman was married more than one time in this life, to whom will she be married in heaven? For the Sadducees, heaven seemed so strange and different, so outside their realm of experience, that it couldn’t be real.

Sadly, we all struggle with a similar problem in our relationship with God. When we compare the words of the Bible to the words of this world, we are struck by how different the Bible is. God has high expectations for how we live, but we’re just trying to get by. God has a plan to save us, but we tend not to think we even need saving. Because God’s Word is so different, we find ourselves wanting to set it aside. Even when we know God’s Word is good for us, we neglect it. And so we become living proof of another key difference between us and God. He is holy, and we are sinners.

The differences between us and God lead us to run from him, but they don’t lead him to run from us. Just the opposite: God’s Son Jesus became one of us. He took the guilt of all sins onto himself, and he paid for them with his own blood, and why? He did it so that he could be with us, and we could be with him, now and forever.

Jesus didn’t apologize to the Sadducees for how different heaven is from earth. In fact he described it in terms more foreign to them than they had imagined. In heaven, like angels, we will never die, and there will be no marriage.

As believers living in this world of pain and sorrow, we are happy to hear that heaven will be different. In fact, the best part about heaven is the thing that makes it the most different of all. In heaven, we will get to see God face to face, serving him and one another in sinless joy forever.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, forgive my sinful neglect of you. Thank you for sending your Son Jesus to take my sin away. Help me remember the glorious future you have in store for me and all who believe in you. Amen.

This devotion was selected from the Daily Devotion archive.

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Eternal Encouragement – November 18, 2017

We ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5

Eternal Encouragement


Daily Devotion – November 18, 2017

Devotion based on 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5

See series: Devotions

Life can be pretty discouraging at times. There is depressing news happening all over the world and the media is more than willing to bring us down by sharing every detail. Health problems, family problems, financial stress, and much more are very depressing. Christian people can feel pretty lonely and stressed trying to believe and defend all the teachings of Scripture, as God wants us to, in a world that cares little for what God says in his Word. And looming on the horizon for each one of us is the great equalizer—death, and the eternal questions that death brings.

Encouragement from family and friends is most welcome at times like this. Vacations, hobbies, and entertainment can distract us from our problems for a time. Unfortunately, those things don’t provide “eternal” encouragement. We need to look to God for that and he does not disappoint. “From the beginning God chose you to be saved.” Before you were even conceived and born God chose you to be saved from the eternity in hell and determined heaven for you instead. “He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Those God has chosen to be a part of his eternal family he also makes sure they hear and believe the good news (gospel) that Jesus Christ loves you so much that he was willing to suffer hell in your place so you wouldn’t have to. And just like Jesus rose victoriously from the grave and now lives in the glory of heaven forever, those who are connected to Jesus in faith will experience that same resurrection from the dead and will share the same awesomeness of heaven…forever.

“The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” God will not let anyone or anything, including the Devil, get in the way of you spending eternity with him in heaven. My friends, as you navigate through the discouraging things that happen in life, be eternally encouraged by God’s promises.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to treasure the physical life you have given to me as a gift. Even more so, help me to treasure the spiritual and eternal life you give to me as a gift through faith in Christ Jesus. Amen.

This devotion was selected from the Daily Devotion archive.

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Worth it? – November 17, 2017

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18

Worth it?


Daily Devotion – November 17, 2017

Devotion based on Romans 8:18

See series: Devotions

Is it worth it? We ask ourselves this question many times every day. Is it worth it to drive out of our way to save a few pennies on gas? Is it worth getting the kids out of the car or should we just use the drive-through? Is it worth it to pay for two-day shipping or can we wait a few extra days?

Thankfully there is one decision that is so clear we have no need to wonder, “Is it worth it?” God tells us that our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us. In other words, if you piled all your sufferings on one side of a scale and on the other side the glory that awaits you in heaven, the scale would tip fast to the side of glory. In fact, the answer would be so obvious you would wonder why you even bothered to weigh them at all.

Is it worth it to go through sufferings on your way to heaven? Is it worth it to continue to fight against sin? Is it worth it to be made fun of and looked down on for your faith? Is it worth it to go through loneliness, poverty, disease, trusting in God’s power to save? Is it worth it to suffer things like these? God says that it will be so worth it that it isn’t even worth comparing.

Think about your worst day. No matter how bad it was or what happened, a time is coming when you will be so happy, content, perfect and at peace, that your worst day won’t even be remembered. No matter how bad things get, God promises you that the good coming in your eternal future will far outweigh any bad you go through now.

Is it worth the suffering to be with Jesus? God’s Word tells you to not even compare the present with the future. The glory God has in store for you is better by far.

Prayer:
Father in heaven, keep my eyes focused on the glory you promise me that I may not despair of my sufferings. Amen.

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Led by the Spirit – November 16, 2017

Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
Romans 8:14-16

Led by the Spirit


Daily Devotion – November 16, 2017

Devotion based on Romans 8:14-16

See series: Devotions

Today in your prayers, pause to give thanks to the Holy Spirit. He is true God, whom we worship together with God the Father and God the Son—the Triune God. Pause to give thanks to the Holy Spirit because his work is vital for your eternal relationship with God.

Without the work of the Holy Spirit, you would be terrified of God’s judgment. Your spirit would be enslaved by the fear of death. You would be lost in the hopelessness of eternal separation from God.

However, in his amazing love for you, God the Father gave you his Holy Spirit. The Father gave the Spirit to you through the gospel—the good news of salvation in his Son, Jesus Christ. By the power of gospel, the Holy Spirit connected you to God. He led you to trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of all your sins and brought you into God’s holy family. The Spirit made you a child of God.

Now as you are led by the Spirit, you are not afraid of God. You are one of his children! He dearly loves you. He proved his love by giving his own Son, Jesus, to suffer and die so that you can be so closely united with God that you can call him, “Abba, Father.” You can live in the firm confidence that God is your loving Father and you are his dear child—for time and eternity!

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, I thank you for making me a child of God through faith in Jesus as my Savior. Live in my heart to instill my spirit with the confidence of life with God now and forever. Amen.

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

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A Sight to Keep in Mind – November 15, 2017

“As I looked, “thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.”
Daniel 7:9-10

A Sight to Keep in Mind


Daily Devotion – November 15, 2017

Devotion based on Daniel 7:9-10

See series: Devotions

Out of sight, out of mind. You don’t often think about the memorabilia you have stuffed into storage. Out of sight, out of mind. Unless you’re a mechanic, you don’t often think about your vehicle’s engine. Out of sight, out of mind.

Then suddenly you find yourself thinking about those things. You crave to see some old pictures because a dear friend has died. You pop open your car’s hood because that one noise has gotten so much louder.

Too often God drifts out of our regular thoughts. We see and experience the people, the things, the joys, and the struggles of life—they’re right in front of our faces. But God doesn’t visibly occupy a chair at the supper table. He doesn’t physically hug you when you cry. Is God out of sight and often out of mind?

One day, God will be very much “in sight.” We’ll be standing face-to-face with our God, our righteous Judge. About 550 years before Jesus was born, God showed a man named Daniel a vision. As Daniel described that vision, he wrote how God appeared. God’s clothing was white as snow and his hair white like wool. The throne he sat on was flaming with fire. Daniel was seeing God in his holiness and power. God was seated to judge.

One day, you will stand before God who will judge you. If you go alone and trusting in yourself, you can expect God’s anger and eternal punishment. Your own goodness is not good enough. Hoping and wishing God won’t care about your sin against him won’t change his heart or judgment. If you are on our own, you should be terrified of that day.

You will stand face-to-face with God. But if you believe in Jesus as your Savior, you will not be alone. Jesus, your Savior, is at your side. What will your holy and all-powerful God declare? His judgment will be the same as he now gives you through his gospel of salvation. Through faith in Jesus, God has credited you with the perfection of his Son’s holy life, and God has declared you not guilty of your sins on account of Jesus’ innocent sufferings and death for you. He proved it by raising his Son from the dead. With Jesus, you have peace with God. You stand in God’s grace.

Keep that day in mind—the day you’ll stand face-to-face with God. Keep Jesus in mind—his life and death and resurrection for you. Keep in mind your forgiveness and peace with God. Keep them in mind even though now God is out of sight. One day that will change and you will see God face-to-face.

Prayer:
Dear God, it is so easy to forget about you and the day I will see you face-to-face. Forgive my sins for Jesus’ sake. Fill my heart with your peace and my life with love for you and others. Amen.

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Normalcy Bias – November 14, 2017

The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
1 Thessalonians 5:2

Normalcy Bias


Daily Devotion – November 14, 2017

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 5:2

See series: Devotions

Want to learn a new term? Here it is. The term is Normalcy Bias.

Normalcy Bias is the assumption that just as things have been in the recent past, so they will always be in the future. Normalcy Bias is extremely common. We are all vulnerable to it and observers of human nature have said it can be one of the most dangerous biases we have. For instance, Normalcy Bias is responsible for many car accidents. If you carelessly breeze through the same unmarked intersection hundreds of times without meeting another car, you can begin to assume you will never meet another car. That assumption will work—until the day it doesn’t. Normalcy Bias was a factor in causing the builders of the Titanic not to include enough lifeboats. And even after the Titanic struck the iceberg, Normalcy Bias prevented people from getting into the lifeboats. So powerful was the assumption that ocean liners could no longer sink. It was Normalcy Bias that convinced a lot of people not to flee Nazi Germany when they had the chance, because they felt sure that the homeland their families had known for years could not possibly turn into a nightmare.

When it comes to our relationship with God, Normalcy Bias can be a factor as well.

If I live my life without paying much attention to God and his Word; if I rack up day after week after year of going to work and coming home without any kind of shocking crisis, it can be easy for me to assume that this is how it will continue. This is life as it should be and that God is not important. Such an assumption on my part will work—until the day it doesn’t.

Through the apostle Paul, God’s Word says, “The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” God tells us this as a warning. But even this warning comes from a heart of supreme love.

Throughout Scripture, the Lord’s call to us is urgent. “Listen, listen to me,” he says (Isaiah 55:2). “Seek the LORD while he may be found,” he says (Isaiah 55:6). “Now is the day of salvation,” he says (2 Corinthians 6:2).

The heart of love that puts out such an urgent call to you and me is the same heart that drove God to become one of us in the person of Jesus Christ. It’s the same love that drove him to carry our every sin to the cross and make full payment for all of them.

This is how passionate our Savior’s love is. He wants to shatter the deception of our Normalcy Bias. And he wants to replace it with the reality of sins forgiven through faith in him.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, where I have a sinful Normalcy Bias in my relationship with you, do what you must to break it. Embrace me in your grace. Amen.

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

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The Time Will Come – November 13, 2017

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory and the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.”
Matthew 25:31-33

The Time Will Come


Daily Devotion – November 13, 2017

Devotion based on Matthew 25:31-33

See series: Devotions

“God will have to take me just the way I am.” George sincerely believed he was good enough for heaven just the way he was. When his friend Bob tried to gently correct his friend’s lack of understanding, George became even more set in his beliefs. Although Bob tried to get George to listen to what the Scriptures had to say, George only became more adamant. In the end all Bob could say was, the time will come when things will be different.

What Bob tried to get his friend to understand is the very lesson Jesus taught his disciples. It is a lesson I need to hear, learn, and believe. The time will come when Jesus will return to the earth. At his return he will separate the sheep from the goats, namely the believers from the unbelievers. What I need to understand is I have to be ready when that time comes.

There is only one way for me to be ready. It is through faith in Jesus as my Savior. As I prepare to stand before him on the day of judgment, I need to be perfect—completely free from every spot, stain and blemish of sin. By myself this is impossible. However, through faith in Jesus I am declared perfect. His sinless life becomes my sinless life. His innocent death becomes my innocent death. His victory over the devil becomes my victory.

This is why I cling to Jesus’ precious work with the strength he provides. It is only through him I am declared one of his sheep. It is also only through him I am called to his right hand and eternal life.

Prayer:
O blessed Jesus, the time will come when you will return in glory. Give me the faith I need to trust in your precious work. Give me the strength I need to stand firm until you come again. Amen.

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Know What I Have – November 12, 2017

Jesus replied, “I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away. But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me.”
Luke 19:26-27

Know What I Have


Daily Devotion – November 12, 2017

Devotion based on Luke 19:26-27

See series: Devotions

Bigger is better. Greed is good. Selfishness is acceptable. This is the world’s message, and it is alluring. It puts me first. It also gives me permission to get whatever I can. Jesus offers a different perspective, and it demands my full attention.

Jesus addressed the many misconceptions people had regarding the kingdom of God. Some thought it should be a clearly visible and an immediately recognizable earthly kingdom. Others thought it didn’t make any difference how one lived, God would be more than happy to welcome all.

Strange as it seems, nothing has really changed. People still have the wrong idea about God’s kingdom, and I am confronted by the same misunderstanding. This is why I need to listen to Jesus’ lesson, and know what I have.

The temptation is to always want more, bigger and better. It is just as tempting to put myself first. Unfortunately, the pursuit of the things of this world and self-gratification put me outside of God’s kingdom. It also places me under his just judgment.

I need to listen to Jesus’ clear call to look at what I already have. Through God’s undeserved love in Jesus and the gift of faith, I am already a member of God’s kingdom. Not only do I have the assurance of his care and protection, I also know what the future holds. When I leave this world, I will be with him in heaven. My life under his ruling care will only get better. This is why I delight in living under his loving rule as my Lord. Yes, serving myself brings certain joys, but these will eventually be lost in death. When I serve the Lord and put him first, I know I have an even greater treasure waiting for me in heaven.

So, do I choose what the world offers? Will I indulge myself and satisfy my selfish desires? Or, do I choose what the Lord offers? Will I serve him and rejoice in his loving direction? My answer is found at the cross of my Savior Jesus Christ. Here I see what God has done for me. Here I know what I have.

Prayer:
O gracious Lord, open my eyes to see the great blessings which are already mine through faith. Remove every earthly desire and rid me of my selfish ways. Renew me by your undeserved love and restore my joy in living under your good will and direction. Amen.

This devotion was selected from the Daily Devotion archive.

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

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The Lord Calls to You – November 11, 2017

“This is what the LORD says: Stand in the courtyard of the LORD’s house and speak to all the people of the towns of Judah who come to worship in the house of the LORD. Tell them everything I command you; do not omit a word. Perhaps they will listen and each will turn from his evil way. Then I will relent and not bring on them the disaster I was planning because of the evil they have done.”
Jeremiah 26:2-3

The Lord Calls to You


Daily Devotion – November 11, 2017

Devotion based on Jeremiah 26:2-3

See series: Devotions

A car speeds down the Interstate. The red signs blaring out “DO NOT ENTER” and “WRONG WAY” make no impression on his drunken senses. Then it’s all over in a head-on collision.

Which direction are you headed in? How tempting to point out how others are going in the wrong direction rather than examining our own hearts! Yes, the sexual pervert, the murderer, the abuser, and the thief are headed in the wrong direction. The Lord calls out to them: “I have no take no pleasure in the death of anyone … so turn, and live” (Ezekiel 18:32 ESV).

But his call is not only for them. Notice where the Lord sent Jeremiah to speak the words of today’s reading, which call the people to turn from their evil ways. Not to a brothel, tavern, or prison, but to the temple. He was to speak to those coming to worship.

Rather than honestly confessing our own sins, how easy to let the act of worship (or let other good things that are meant to bless us) dull our sense of guilt and deaden our desire to serve our Savior. We tell ourselves: “I’m not perfect, but God forgives. So what’s the big deal if I mess up? Do I have to listen to everything he says? Just let me live life my way.”

That mindset speeds down the Interstate of life in the wrong direction, oblivious to the warning signs. How soon before the fatal crash that ends in hell?

The Lord calls to you and me each day: “Turn and live. Turn from your evil ways. For I want to bless you. How earnestly I want to bless you! For I gave up my own dear Son for you.”

Prayer:
How fervent is your love, heavenly Father! How precious the blood of your Son! Lead me each day to turn from my own ways and follow him alone. Amen.

This devotion was selected from the Daily Devotion archive.

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Enjoy the Blessings of the Spirit – November 10, 2017

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
Romans 8:5-8

Enjoy the Blessings of the Spirit


Daily Devotion – November 10, 2017

Devotion based on Romans 8:5-8

See series: Devotions

Some people are openly disobedient. They seem to delight in daring the authorities by finding ways to break the rules aggressively and defiantly. They do whatever they want, whenever they want.

Other people are quietly, subversively disobedient. They are so sneaky that they are not usually caught. They know that no one suspects them, and they get away with a lot.

Both groups of people do not please God. He wants people to follow his laws happily and obediently, even the laws that are counter-cultural or counter-intuitive. God is not even pleased by good people who follow his laws but for the wrong reasons. God looks for perfect integrity.

Instead, everywhere he looks God sees disobedience and hostility. People resent his high standards. But God has a surprising solution to that problem.

Rather than punishing people, God sends his Spirit into their hearts. The Spirit comes by hearing God’s message from the Bible and the Spirit changes things.

The Spirit causes people to believe that Jesus was punished for their sins even though he had done nothing wrong. People are grateful when they hear that they are forgiven and that they are going to have eternal life in heaven through faith in Jesus. People like to know that they are at peace with God and that he is not going to punish them because he has already punished Jesus in their place.

Because the Spirit gives people joy and peace, they set their minds on what the Spirit desires, which is faith in Jesus and from that faith flows love and kindness. Hang around those people and enjoy the blessings of the Spirit.

Prayer:
Martin Luther, whose birthday is celebrated today, often prayed: Heavenly Father, keep me this day from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please you. Amen.

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

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