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

Praying Scripture in March

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

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?

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

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

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?”

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.

cms / St. Petrie March 2022

Friends

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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What About This New Year???

What About This New Year???

Are you going to have a fresh start this year???  You want to so much, but will you?  Count on Jesus to help you.  Each morning before you get out of bed, ask Jesus to guide your day by His Holy Spirit and that He might be glorified in all that you do. The word glorified in the Bible verse; Psalm 29:2 says; “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to His name: Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.”  When it comes down to it, nothing else matters but to give Him glory and not ourselves. 

Oh, that’s not easy.  So, what am I to do?   

Start each day with Jesus (before you get out of bed).  Ask Him to help you.  Matt.7:7; Jesus said,   “Ask and it shall be given to you, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened to you.  Sometimes, we forget that we can ask the Lord.  He knows best, but we can ask.  Read our hand book, the Bible, and the devotionals we have at church are excellent daily books to get started.

 Take Jesus along as your friend and prayer partner.  There is always something going on at the store, on the TV or at your job.  Wednesday night Bible study is a chance to study the Word with others.  Other social outings provide opportunities to be a “light” for the Lord.  Remember to always ask Jesus to provide times for you to share your faith in Him – not for your glory but for His glory.

Well, this is a New Year.  Have fun as the year transpires.  It’s good to know that Jesus is with us “through it all.”  Remember the Holy Spirit is in you when you accepted Christ as your Savior.  He’s there as you visit with friends, watch TV, and in your secret thoughts.  Our Father loves us, forgives us and desires our fellowship.  Cherish His Glory as number one!  

*** If you are not sure that you know Jesus Christ personally, understand that God so loved the world that He sent His only Son (Jesus) to die on the cross for your sins and mine that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Ask Jesus into your heart today.

*All scripture is NIV

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“Silent Night”

“Silent Night”

There was a little church, St. Nicholas, in Obendorf, Austria preparing for a Christmas Eve service.  The Assistant Priest, Joseph Mohr, sat down to practice the organ and not a sound would come from the instrument.  What could he do?  The organ would not play on that all important night of the year when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Joseph knelt and prayed for inspiration from the Lord.

Not too long before, Mohr had visited a family with a newborn child and been inspired to write a poem with six stanzas entitled “Silent Night.”  He thought of this poem and then of his friend, Franz Gruber, a school teacher and guitarist at the church.  The priest went to Gruber’s home above the school with the poem in hand and explained the problem with the organ.  “Can you write music for the poem and play the guitar for the service tonight? “ Mohr asked Gruber?  The teacher smiled and assured the priest that he could.

Before the Midnight Service, the choir learned the words and the melody.  Franz Gruber played the guitar.  Every heart was blessed by the words musically expressing the story of Christ’s birth.  The less heard fifth verse continued full of grace:

                   Silent Night, Holy Night

                     Already long ago planned for us,

                    When the Lord frees from wrath

                    Since the beginning of ancient times

                    A salvation promised for the whole world.

                    A salvation promised for the whole world.

This stanza expresses the finished work of Christmas.  Jesus was born, he lived and taught us and died on the cross to save us from our sins – freed us from Satan’s wrath.  Then He arose from the grave as the victorious son of God to fulfill the Father’s purpose to redeem each one of us personally – the promised salvation for the world. 

~CMS

Today

Just stop and think. This moment will never come
again. Do we realize how important our days are?
Oh, we say, “My days are not of any importance.”
The Bible says, “Hebrews 3: 13 (NIV), “But encourage
one another daily as long as it is called “today,” so
that none of you may be hardened by sin’s
deceitfulness. “Hebrews 13:8 (NIV) says, “Jesus
Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

Another verse about today from Jesus’
words from the cross to the thief stated, “Truly I tell
you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke
23:43 NIV).

So, today is significant. You don’t have to be doing
something profound, but keep your hearts and minds
on the Lord Jesus. You may say, ” I can’t do that
while I am working on a job in a plant or some
business project.” Ask the Lord to help you, because
He is a part of everything we do in this world.

Try it.

Yes you will not always remember, but keep
practicing His presence and you will be surprised at
His part in your “today” activities.

Thank you, Jesus, for reminding each of us that you
are with us every day! Amen

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