CD - A Final Thought - John 21:24-25

I know I have enjoyed writing these devotional thoughts. I pray that you have enjoyed reading them half as much as I have enjoyed writing them. I do have one concern and one prayer for you as a brother or sister in Christ. My concern is that you, please, do not rely on me or any other individual to tell you what to believe. In other words, do not just read devotional booklets or other people’s philosophies in order to know what to believe. My concern is that you read the Bible. Let Jesus speak to you through the pages of the Scripture as only He can. Let Him explain Himself to you as you read the pages. It is through Word and Sacrament that we are given God’s Grace. That is why they are called the means of grace. It is through reading the Word as well as through confession and absolution, remembering your baptism and attending the Lord’s Supper that we remember and are given forgiveness of sins. We are also given the other gifts that come along with forgiveness, namely, life and salvation.

I would like to end with my prayer for you, along with my concern that you read the Bible, I also ask you to pray. Pray for your family and friends. Especially, pray for your unchurched family and friends. Pray that they might come to know Jesus as their Savior and Lord. Pray that they might, as you, have the certainty of eternal life in heaven. Pray that the Lord would work through you, as well as through others, to bring these people to meet Jesus so He can give them faith. Make yourself a prayer list and pray for the people on it. Set aside a time each day so you can get into the habit of reading your Bible and praying. These two things, more than anything in the world, will be what will keep you strong in your faith and help you to make it through life’s crises. This last devotion I would like to end with my prayer for you.

May the Lord bless you in all your works and all your ways. May the Lord strengthen you daily, and may He use you as an instrument whereby others may come to know Him. May all glory be to Him and His name forever. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.