SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
WE#DNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
TODAY IS HOLY CROSS DAY
NEWS: This Sunday we’re going to the beach! At 12 Noon we’ll be carpooling from the church parking lot to the beach on Camp Pendleton. So, you don’t have to go home and change, you may wear beach type clothing to church on this one day. Bring chairs, food and drinks to share. Don’t forget your sunscreen either!
For those interested in learning more about Holy Cross Day, here is a link: https://lutheranthemes.blogspot.com/2020/09/holy-cross-day.html
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Gordon and Lois Friske.
READINGS: Psalm 38; 2 Chronicles 33:1-25; Colossians 1:24-2:7
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“Two Kingdoms”
1 Timothy 2:1-7 – First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
We should pray for our leaders—everyone knows that. We pray for presidents and governors and kings, for congressmen and mayors, and for everyone in authority over us. But Paul explains the reason why—he says, “That we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” What is he talking about?
Paul’s main concern with politicians and government seems to be just one thing—that they do their job properly so the rest of us can get on with our job, which is living as followers of Jesus. And what does that mean? So many things—for example, looking out for our neighbors in any kind of trouble or need. Visiting the sick, listening to the lonely, praying for people who need help. Telling other people about Jesus, even if they don’t know Him yet. Giving our time and money, if we have any, to make the world a better place. All of these things we do because it’s what God wants us to do—”God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
This doesn’t mean that Christians can’t be involved in politics. God has called some of us to do such work, just as He has called others of us to do other things. But it does mean that we need to keep His kingdom first in our hearts, and not be distracted by anger, outrage, or ambition. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world,” though He is ruler of all things (John 18:36a). Certainly, He gave His life for all the people of this world, dying to make us citizens of God’s kingdom—where we will live in joy and peace under our resurrected King.
So we live in this world as Jesus did, in it but not of it. We love the people around us, including those who lead us—and we pray for them, even—maybe especially—the ones who drive us crazy. We do this because Jesus lives through us in this world. Until the day He returns visibly, we are His representatives.
How can we do this? We can only do it through the power of the Holy Spirit. Since Jesus gave His life for us, we love Him and live for Him. He comes first—before any power or party or political system, Jesus comes first.
WE PRAY: Dear Lord, keep my heart set on You, and live through me. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Reflection Questions:
1. Are you interested in politics? Why or why not?
2. Do you find it easy or difficult to love those who hold very different political opinions than you?
3. How can the Holy Spirit help you to love others regardless of politics? Name some practical ways.
Today’s Bible Readings: Isaiah 9-10 Ephesians 1
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 Wednesday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
