Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the Lord.
✙ Proverbs 23:17
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We need a religion which we have always with us; which like our heart is always beating, and like our breath is always moving. Some people have strange notions on this point—they are holy only on holy days and in holy places. For example, I knew a man who was always pious on Good Friday. He showed no token of religion on any other Friday, or indeed on any other day; but on Good Friday nothing would stop him from going to church in the morning, after he had eaten a hot cross bun for breakfast. That day he took the sacrament and felt much better. And why not, since on his theory he had taken in grace enough to last him for another year. You and I believe such ideas to be ignorant and superstitious; but we must take heed that we do not err in a similar manner. Every Friday must be a Good Friday to us. May we become so truly gracious that to us every week becomes a holy week.
✙ Charles Spurgeon (1890), alt.
✙ Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”
✙ Luke 23:34
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Prayer after thinking about today's devotion:
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Merciful God,
in every generation
you call your people to contend
against sin and betrayal. Forgive us our transgressions—both intentional and unintentional—and keep us steadfast even in our fear and uncertainty,
that we may follow where Jesus has leads.
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After your own thanksgivings & petitions, close with the Lord's Prayer.
