SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8
NEWS: It’s a busy morning at Shepherd of the Valley and here’s the schedule: 9 AM is the monthly Men’s Bible study/breakfast. The guys meet in the Community/Fellowship Hall for good food and coffee, conversation and the study of God’s word. At 10 AM, the Fellowship Ministry Team meets in the Community building. Also, from 10 to Noon the monthly Work Party takes place. This is where we clean up and fix up our church and property. All are invited to pitch in as much time as they can spare.
Tomorrow we return to God’s house, starting with our Bible study at 9 AM. Pastor Joel is leading a study of the Lord’s Prayer, which includes sections from Martin Luther’s Large and Small Catechisms. Our worship service takes place at 10 and the title of Pastor Joel’s sermon is, “True Gratitude.” It’s based on our Gospel reading for the day, Luke 17:11-19 Our other readings are Ruth 1:1-19 and 2 Timothy 2:1-13 After we’ve celebrated the Lord’s Supper and our service is complete, please join us outside for fellowship time, with coffee and goodies. Then, please join us at the Oceanside Bakery, off of Mission Avenue (near police headquarters) for more fellowship.
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for the Terrill family: Amy, Abby, Lot and Asha.
READINGS: Psalm 126; Psalm 141; Deuteronomy 7:1-19; Matthew 10:1-23
;DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“Living Fully”
Philippians 1:21 – For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
To live, to die, in Christ … is gain? What? Hang on, there’s more. The apostle Paul also tells us that heaven is a gift given and received by grace alone because of God’s generosity and not because of our works. What? That doesn’t sound fair; it doesn’t sound right. Well, that’s what most people say today. One of the great problems with Christianity for many people is that it treats all people exactly alike. We’re all 100-percent sinners who receive God’s love as 100-percent grace—or we can’t receive it at all.
It seems so unfair until you realize how grave our predicament is—not only in this world—but in our lives. Before God, we’re all in the same boat. As I get older, I realize how entrapping sin and temptations are. I realize how inept all of us are at doing the right thing at the right time for the people who need it when we don’t get anything out of it but the joy of doing what’s right alone. That doesn’t mean we should stop trying. But it does mean that even when we actually do something right, for the right reason, for the right purpose, even that is a gift of God’s grace at work through His love in our lives.
Jesus wants us to be His people for others. He wants us to live life in Him for others. He wants us to speak His truth in love (see Ephesians 4:15), with gentleness and respect. Why? Because He ultimately wants all people to come to faith and trust in Him alone.
When the apostle Paul says that “to live is Christ, and to die is gain,” he was being clear. Life is about Jesus Christ being our Lord and Savior. We live now in Him and through Him for others. And even the greatest challenge to life—physical death itself—can’t get in the way of Him blessing us with life and salvation, even then. Thank God it’s not my life; it’s not your life to be lived on our own, with our strength and wisdom alone. Look at human history, and you’ll see how that story ends. Thank God there is another way to live. It’s one that blesses now and forever. To that end, God bless you today and always.
WE PRAY: Heavenly Father, give me courage to live fully for Jesus. In His Name we pray. Amen.
From “Life on God’s Terms,” a devotional message from Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, former Speaker of The Lutheran Hour
Reflection Questions:
1. Why is it hard sometimes to do the right thing when nobody’s watching?
2. Why would Paul ever say “to live is Christ, and to die is gain”? What do you think he meant by that?
3. When faced with a difficult challenge, how do you turn it over to God for His guidance and help?
Today’s Bible Readings: Hosea 5-8 Romans 15:1-13
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 weekend to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
