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“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

John 3:16, LSB

This is one of the most quoted and well-known Bible verses. It is described as “the Gospel in a nutshell.” It is a reminder of who did the work for our salvation. We didn’t earn our salvation because we couldn’t. It also reminds us of the importance of belief. Some may think, however, that belief is something we do. It is not. It is a gift also. God gives us the ability to believe in His choosing. When the Holy Spirit enters us, we are given belief. If the Holy Spirit does not enter us, or we reject or blaspheme the Holy Spirit belief is not with us. This is the difficulty. Some will either not be chosen by God or will reject their need for forgiveness. This is a sad reality because this does not negate the fullness of what our Lord did for us as He gave Himself for us on the Cross. The suffering He endured for our sake is not undone, but the importance is made even more prevalent as we proclaim this truth to those who are dying and may still lead some into His peace.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.