SVLC DEVOTION ON EASTER MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2023

by | Apr 9, 2023 | Daily Devotions

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

EASTER MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2023

 Alleluia. Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. Alleluia.

 NEWS: We had an absolutely AWESOME Easter Sunday at Shepherd of The Valley yesterday. 83…that’s eighty-three, attended in person! More joined us online…. It started with our Easter breakfast at 8:30 AM, followed by the kids Easter egg hunt, then our Easter service at 10. Our cross decorated with flowers, donated by the Reilly family, was gorgeous. We thank them! It took a lot of work and effort too,  to carry out the set up and clean-up for ourn Easter breakfast.. Thanks to everyone who assisted with that. Thank you to all who served during our church service as well and to Pastor Joel for leading us all in the worship of our risen Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ!

 PRAYERS: Today we lift up Alba and Terry Reilly in prayer.

 We pray for Barb, the wife of Margie’s brother Roger. Barb has been in a setting for those with Alzheimer’s/dementia for a number of years and is now hospitalized for a possible gall bladder issue.

I, Allen, give thanks to the Lord. On Saturday morning when I unplugged my prosthesis from the charging cord, it began beeping, not a good sign. I was able to stop the noise but the leg was not fully operational, more like a peg leg. I prayed that the Lord would help me, especially as I served Sunday morning. When I unplugged the leg yesterday, normal…no problem. As soon as I got home, the beeping started again but I made it through what I needed to. Will definitely need a new leg as this one has burned out after just shy of six years. Praying now I can get in today and at least get a loaner leg while we dot the I’s and cross the t’s for a new leg.

 COLLECT OF THE DAY: O God, in the paschal feast you restore all creation. Continue to send Your heavenly gifts upon your people that they may walk in perfect freedom and receive eternal life; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

 READINGS: Exodus 15:1-18; Psalm 100; Acts 10:34-43; Luke 24:13-49

DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“MOPPING UP”

April 10, 2023

 

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, … and when they saw Him [Jesus,] they worshiped Him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16a, 17-20)

Have you ever heard of the “mopping-up” stage of a war? It’s what we call the time when it’s clear to everybody who has won this war, but there’s still fighting going on.

This is the mopping-up stage of Jesus’ war. The devil knows he has lost—he has known it ever since Jesus’ death and resurrection. But he’s still spreading lies. He is still trying to get us to doubt Jesus. He can’t win the war, but he can try to take down as many people with him as possible.

And so Jesus sends us out with a job: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” Jesus wants as many people as possible to share the life, hope, and forgiveness He won for us at the cross. And to encourage us, He reminds us: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” He promises to be with us always. Who can be afraid with Jesus nearby?

WE PRAY: Thank You, Lord, for giving me a share in Your work. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

* What dangers should you watch out for when you know the devil is still fighting?

* If Jesus has all authority, can anyone get away with evil forever?

* When you are anxious, how does it help to know Jesus is with you?

This Easter Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Joshua 13-15; Luke 10:25-42

 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 Monday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us

 Pastor Joel  pastor@svlcchurch.org