P.O.Box 472 1720 N. 43rd Rd, Leland IL 60531 815-246-9890 stpetrielutheranchurch@yahoo.com Sunday Worship 9:30am Sunday School 10:45am Wednesday Bible Study 7:00pm

Author: Margret Abbott

I am a wife, mother of 3, mother in law of 3, and grandma of 7. The important things in my life are my relationship with the Lord, my family, friends, and pets. I am active in my little country church and work at a regional history center. I love to read and spend time with family and friends. Our pups along with Linus and Lucy Kitties have been entertaining folks with their antics so I thought it would be fun to devote a blog to them. I also set up a wordpress site for my church.

Praying Scripture in March

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Philippians 1: 9-11(NKJV): “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of

righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.”

This a scripture prayer that you can pray for your family, friends, and even yourself knowing that you are always in the will of God. As you read the Bible, you will find other verses that you can pray as certain

situations arise. Colossians 1: 3-6(NKJV): “We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all the saints; because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, which is come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it also among you since the day you heard of it and knew the grace of God in truth. “This is another passage for those growing in their walk with Christ.

Challenge yourself to pray these scriptures for a month. I will do the same. See what Jesus will do in your life and the lives of those you pray for.


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February Devotion

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Mark 15: 37-39: NASV Jesus uttered a loud’ cry, and breathed His last. And the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom. When the centurion, who was standing right in front of Jesus, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

Yes, Jesus who died on the cross is the Son of God who died for our sins.  He forgives our sins when we repent asking Him to our Savior  now and forever.

Here is a short story:

When my husband was recently hospitalized, the hospital ambassador checked in the room inquiring how things were going.  Before she left, she asked if I wanted a “Cross in My Pocket?”  It was a small, mesh cross decorated in a pocket with a poem called “Cross in My  Pocket.”  I gladly accepted this token of Christianity.  The poem was kind and thoughtful, but there was one stanza that stood out:

When I put my hand in my pocket   To bring out a coin or a key      The cross is there to remind me      Of the price He paid for me.”

That poem and the cross in my pocket reminded me of the centurion who believed.  May we all remember what Jesus did whether life gives us a challenging or a peaceful day!

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Are you willing to get out of the boat in 2023?

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January Devotions

Are you willing to get out of the boat in 2023?

Matt 14: 22-34 (NIV) tells the story when came to the disciples walking on the water during a terrible storm around three o’clock in the morning. The disciples thought they were seeing a ghost until Jesus said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Matt. 14: 27)Then the disciple Peter asked Jesus to tell him to come to him on the water. Jesus said: “Come.” (verse 29) Peter got out of the boat and begin to walk on the water. The other disciples did not follow, but stayed in the boat.

Peter foolish for getting out of the boat and being afraid when the he began to sink? At least he got out of the boat while the others stayed in the security of the boat. Peter did not miss the opportunity to stretch his faith.  Of course the wind died down when Jesus got back in the boat and those in the boat worshipped him saying: “Truly you are the Son of God.”(vs 32)

So, here we are today. As the Holy Spirit leads, are we willing to get out of the boat and serve the Lord His will everyday? This be your courageous prayer with Jesus’ help in the New Year.

We start our New Year at St Petrie, may we pray each day for the opportunity to share Christ with someone.


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         Two Kinds of Fear

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The first is fear of the Lord.  This does not mean to be afraid of God, but to reverence Him for His power and glory.  This is an acknowledgement of all that God is including a respect for His holy wrath and anger.

Psalm 11: 10 tells us that the fear of the Lord is the

beginning of wisdom and leads to life, rest, peace and contentment (Proverbs 19: 23).  Proverbs 14: 26 states that the fear of the Lord provides security and a place of safety for us.

With all those promises, we should reach out in faith to God’s Son, Christ, who died on the cross for our sins.  Why wouldn’t we all willingly come to the Savior who has poured out so much love to us?

The second kind of fear in this world is of the devil.  The Bible gives promises to stand against Satan.  1John 4:4 says: “Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.”   11Timothy 1:7 tells us: “For God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.”

The key to overcoming fear is complete trust in Jesus Christ.  Ask Him for it.  Proverbs 3: 5,6 says;  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.  Lean not unto your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”

***** Remember when we learned Isaiah 41:10 in Sunday School?

“Fear not, for I am with you.  Be not dismayed for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, I will help, uphold you with my righteous right hand.”                                           ~cms

Widening Prayer Horizons

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1 Timothy 2: 1-2 , I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Recently, I heard of a prayer group that prayed for certain African countries every month.  I am sure that Christ has put a country or more on your heart or individuals in that land to pray for.  With the wars, disasters, disease and killings occurring over there, it is hard to not to be somewhat detached and not feel the horrible emotion and suffering. 

Jesus knows our hearts and He gives us Bible verses to help us along the way.  2 Chronicles 7: 14 is one you will remember.  If my people, who are called by name, will humble and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”  Pray that every day and you will soon have it memorized!

We pray for a different Mission in the bulletin each month.  Check the bulletin board for the latest news about our mission for updates.. Perhaps, praying with a friend about another country or a certain situation is the answer for you.  “When we pray in humility, turn from wickedness, and seek God, He hears us.”1

1Lawrence Darmani, Daily Bread, July 4, 2016

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April 2022

“How can I know for sure that I will go to Heaven when I Die?”

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God wants you to be sure!  The Bible says: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1John5:13).  If you were standing before God right now and He asked you, “Why should I let you into Heaven?”  You may not know what to say.  Well, God loves you and has provided a way that we can know for sure where you will spend life forever.  The Bible states it this way: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

We have a problem that is keeping us from Heaven.  Our sinful nature keeps us from having a relationship with God.  We cannot save ourselves.  “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).  Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that we are saved by grace and not by works because it is a gift of God so no one can boast.  We deserve death and hell.

God sent His only Son into the world to die on the cross and take away our sins.  He loves us that much!  1Peter 3:18 tell us: “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous to bring you to God.”  Then He arose on the third day proving He was God’s only Son.

When we are born again, we place our faith in Christ as His gift to us.  If you want to have that confidence that when you die Jesus has a place for you in Heaven, it can be yours.  There is nothing you can do–no good works.  It is all a gift from God.  To be sure of your future, just trust and believe what these scriptures tell you.  Jesus and our Heavenly Father have done it all.  Once again: For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).  Just rest in that and ask Jesus to control your thoughts and desires.

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Friends

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In John 15: 13-15 (NIV) Jesus said: “You are my friends if you do what I command.  I no longer call you

servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business.  Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

Where do we learn how to be friends with Jesus?  He says: “Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NIV).  We can know that He “is our friend that sticks closer than a brother.” Prov. 18:24b (NIV).  These are promises from the Bible.  We are so thankful that Jesus died for our sins and rose again, the Son of God.

Talking to Jesus everyday really helps and getting connected with Christ-centered friends keeps you in touch with Him. 

So, what is the bottom line?  We need each other and we need Jesus.  As we read His Word, we learn the “master’s business.”  He has promised to always be with us.  He is right there while you are reading this devotion!! 

As Valentine’s Day approaches, remember Jesus Christ is the best friend you will ever have — please don’t forget that.


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