SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3rd
NEWS: A very happy, safe Labor Day weekend to all! We will be celebrating the 13th Sunday after Pentecost tomorrow and we’ll be back in God’s house for it! Its air-conditioned too! At 9:00 AM Pastor Joel continues to lead us in the study of the Lord’s prayer. This includes material from Luther’s Large and Small Catechism’s. Our worship is at 10 and the title of Pastor Joel’s sermon is, “Hatred and Bearing the Cross.” Its based on our Gospel reading for the day, Luke 14:25-35 Our other readings are Deuteronomy 30:15-20 and Philemon 1-21 When we’re finished celebrating the Lord’s Supper and our service draws to a close, please join us for fellowship time with coffee and other goodies. Then our fellowship continues at In N’ Out Burger, on Frazee Rd., across from 24 Hour Fitness. With the heat wave going on, their shakes really taste good!
Also serving us in God’s house tomorrow are:
Fellowship: Rick and Gail Adams
Flowers: Victor Dille
Techies: Ian Andrews, Bruce Woodward
Reader: Charlotte Neblett
Acolyte: Josephine Neemia
Greeter: Rick Adams
Ushers: Victor Dille, Open
Communion Assistant: Allen Kolkman
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Noah Adams.
READINGS: Psalm 119:57-64; Psalm 108; 1 Kings 19:1-21; Ephesians 3:1-21
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“Fear Not!”
John 10:28-30 – [Jesus said] “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are One.”
At the top of the thousand-foot mountain peaks of Meteora, Greece, monasteries were built hundreds of years ago. Because of their impossible location, these monasteries became places of safety and solitude. Up until the last century, supplies, and the most determined of travelers, had to be winched up in a basket hand powered by the monks. Those who made the ascent found the ride a terrifying experience. One of these tourists, recording his adventure, admitted to getting nervous about halfway up the cliff. That’s when he noticed that the rope seemed old and frayed. Thinking he might relieve his fear, at least somewhat, he asked one of the brothers riding with him, “How often do you change the rope?” Without a moment’s hesitation, the reply came back, “Whenever it breaks!” The traveler’s fears did not disappear.
All of us understand fear, don’t we? The devoted dad, the loving mom, the enterprising salesman, the dedicated professor, the life-saving physician—every person, at every age, in every occupation, in almost every situation, has experienced fear. And this shouldn’t surprise us, really. Remove our masks and false bravado and you will see people on the inside who are frightened in many ways, fearful of a future that is unknown.
If that describes your outlook on life, here are the words of Jesus: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.” You can trust those words to be true. So you can be free of fear, Jesus sacrificed Himself. Though He was innocent, He allowed Himself to be nailed to the cross. He did not curse those who crucified Him. Instead, He forgave them, as He has all of us, for our sins. He died so that you might live fearlessly. You can trust Him.
Please, do not think for a moment that Jesus’ compassion and care have been weakened by the passing of centuries. I have seen Him comfort parents who have lost their children, bring peace to widows and widowers, and give hope to those with terminal illnesses. Believe His words to be true. No one—not a thing in this world—can take believers from the security of His nail-pierced hands.
WE PRAY: Heavenly Father, though we often fear, You would have us not. Teach us to trust in Jesus. Amen.
From “Absolutely,” a sermon excerpt from Rev. Dr. Kenneth Klaus, Speaker Emeritus for The Lutheran Hour
Reflection Questions:
1. What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done? Would you ever do it again? Why?
2. What does it mean to you that because we belong to Jesus no one can snatch us from the Father’s hand?
3. How is the love and compassion you show others a reflection of God’s love for them?
Today’s Bible Readings: 2 Chronicles 21 Obadiah 2 Corinthians 8
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 Saturday and Labor Day weekend to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
