SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
NEWS: The Tuesday evening Bible study takes place today at the Kolkman’s house. The start time is 6:30 and begins with a short devotion, followed by the study, then fellowship time. All are invited!
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Allen and Debbie Kolkman. Prayers are requested for their grandchildren and for our church, Shepherd of the Valley.
READINGS: Psalm 46; Psalm 54; Nehemiah 4:7-23; 1 Timothy 3:1-16
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“At Ease in Zion”
Amos 6:1, 4-7 – (The Lord said) “Woe to those who are at ease in Zion, and to those who feel secure on the mountain of Samaria, the notable men of the first of the nations, to whom the house of Israel comes! … Woe to those who lie on beds of ivory and stretch themselves out on their couches, and eat lambs from the flock and calves from the midst of the stall, who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp and like David invent for themselves instruments of music, who drink wine in bowls and anoint themselves with the finest oils, but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph! Therefore they shall now be the first of those who go into exile.”
The odd thing about this passage is what the evildoers are doing. Specifically, they’re not doing much of anything! They don’t appear to be causing much harm—they aren’t grinding the faces of the poor or selling the needy for a pair of shoes, they aren’t even worshipping idols—at least in this passage. They’re just … living. Relaxing. Having a good time.
And that’s the problem. They are not “grieved over the ruin of Joseph”—all the horrible things that are happening to the people around them. “It’s not my business,” they say, and turn away. “Let someone else deal with it.” And so God puts them first—first in line to lose their homes and go into exile, far from the lifestyle they love.
That’s kind of harsh, isn’t it? But Jesus echoes that judgment in His parable, when He says, “Depart from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire … For I was hungry and you gave Me no food, I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome Me, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me” (Matthew 25:41b-43). It’s not enough to do no harm; God calls us to actively do what is good.
But what should I do, then—me personally? Is this or that a good thing, or a harmful thing? How can I know? Where can I find the time or energy or money to do this stuff? The only place to find answers is in Jesus. 1 Corinthians 1:24b calls Him “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
And it’s no surprise, is it? Because our God is an active God-a God who intervenes, who gets involved. When He saw us in trouble, ruined human beings under the power of death and evil, God didn’t hesitate. He came down into our world as one of us, as Jesus Christ, our Savior. He spent His life caring for people—teaching, preaching, healing, feeding … and capped it all when He lay down His life on the cross for us, to set us free from evil and make us God’s own children. And then He rose from the dead with power—power to raise us to new life, giving us hearts full of love for others. He acts for us—and now He acts through us for others.
WE PRAY: Lord Holy Spirit, help me to trust in Jesus and follow Him in active love toward others. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Reflection Questions:
1. Do you tend to be lazy or overly busy?
2. Tell about one time someone did a small thing that made a big difference for you.
3. What is the connection between what Jesus does for you and what you do for others?
Today’s Bible Readings: Isaiah 26-27 Ephesians 6
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 Tuesday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
