SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18
NEWS: “The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.”
― C.S. Lewis
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Keith Neblett. Keith requests prayers for all those being affected by our current economy. Also for our weather, that we may get an area wide rain.
READINGS: Psalm 107:1-9; Psalm 106:1-5; 2 Samuel 7:18-29; 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:16
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“The Real Question”
Luke 13:22-30 – He [Jesus] went on His way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. And someone said to Him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And He said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then He will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’ But He will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from Me, all you workers of evil!’ In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out. And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”
Over the years I’ve heard many people asking the same question the disciples had: “Will those who are saved be few?” How many people will go to heaven? It’s usually the prelude to an argument about hell and whether a truly loving God would ever allow anybody to go there.
But Jesus cuts this discussion off immediately. Notice how He answers: “You, try to get in through the narrow door. For many people will try to go in and will not be able to.” It’s as if He were saying: “Stop worrying about the total number of people who will be saved. The real question is, What about you? Will you be saved?” Where will you stand, on Judgment Day when Jesus comes to bring His people home?
This is the question Jesus is asking, because it matters to Him. He wants you with Him—wants to make you a forgiven, joyful, healthy, and blessed son or daughter of God. He will be content with nothing less than that. You may not value yourself. Others around you may not treat you as they ought. But Jesus values you—yes, so much that He lay down His life on the cross to have you, to make you His dearly loved child. He broke the power of death through His resurrection for you, so that you, too, would have new life—a life that lasts forever.
Jesus wants you at His table in His kingdom. He has done everything in His power to make that happen. No one but you can stop it. Will you trust Him? Will you come?
WE PRAY: Dear Savior, bring me safely into Your kingdom—and use me to bring others. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Reflection Questions:
1. Do you often think of heaven? Why or why not?
2. Why is Jesus so urgent with His disciples about this matter?
3. How do you know that you will be with Jesus in His kingdom forever—on what grounds?
Today’s Bible Readings: Psalms 48-50 1 Corinthians 11:1-16
Luther’s Morning Prayer
In the morning, as soon as you get out of bed, you are to make the Sign of the Cross and say:
“God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit watch over me. Amen.”
Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles’ Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. In addition recite this prayer as well:
“I give thanks to you, my heavenly Father through Jesus Christ your dear son, that you have protected me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you that you would also protect me today from sin and all evil, so that my life and actions may please you completely. For into your hands I commend myself: my body, my soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel be with me, so that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.”
After singing a hymn or whatever else may serve your devotion, you can go about your day joyfully!
Luther’s Evening Prayer
In the evening, when you go to bed, you are to make the Sign of the Cross and say:
“God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit watch over me. Amen.”
Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles’ Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. In addition recite this prayer as well:
“I give thanks to you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ your dear Son, that you have graciously protected me today, and I ask you to forgive me all my sins, where I have done wrong, and graciously to protect me tonight. For into your hands I commend myself: my body, my soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel be with me, so that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.”
You can now go to bed quickly and cheerfully.
OTHER RESOURCES:
Our church website is: https://www.svlchurch.org/
Below is our Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/shepherdofthevalleyoceanside
Here is the website for Lutherans for Life: https://lutheransforlife.org/
Here is the website for Lutheran Hour Ministries: https://www.lhm.org/
Lutheran Public Radio is listener supported and has two channels, one for sacred music and the other for talk, including news, current issues, politics and spiritual matters from a Lutheran perspective. Hosted by Pastor Todd Wilken, Issues, Etc. airs live Monday thru Friday from 1 to 3 pm Pacific, with the “Best Of” running at other hours: https://lutheranpublicradio.org/
KFUO is the listener supported radio station owned and operated by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Based in St. Louis, their format consists of teaching, preaching, ministry and sacred music: https://www.kfuo.org/
A very blessed Thursday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
