SVLC DEVOTION TUESDAY, APRIL 25, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

TUESDAY, APRIL 25, 2023

 Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!  Sing to him, sing praises to him    tell of all his wondrous works! Psalm 105:1-2 ESV

 NEWS: The Tuesday evening Bible study is back, at the home of Debbie and Allen Kolkman. The start time is 6:30 PM and the topic is, “Life In The Year One.” It’s about the worldn in which Jesus lived, life in the Holy Land and where Jesus walked. The evening starts with a short devotion, followed by the study itself, then fellowship time which includes coffee and goodies. Things wrap up around 8 PM. All are invited to participate in this intriguing study. The Kolkman’s address is 710 Fredricks Ave., Oceanside

 PRAYERS: Today we lift up Deanna and Victor Dille in prayer. Prayers are requested for Dee’s sons, and Vics daughters. They also ask prayers for each of their health.

 READINGS: 2 Chronicles 31; Psalm 105; Luke 15:11-32

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“Generous Gladness” April 25, 2023

 

Acts 2:42-47 – And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. The early church was generous—too generous, some people today would say. They were selling property and sharing with the poor like there was no tomorrow. And they were happy! As Luke says, they had “glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people.” What could cause this sort of generous joy? There’s one time it’s incredibly easy to be generous, and that’s when you yourself have just received the gift of a lifetime. Who can be stingy when your heart is overflowing with joy and gratitude? That was the case with these Christians, and it’s the case for us today, too. Why? Because God Himself has poured out all His riches upon us, and we are so blessed we hardly know where to turn. Think about it. What has God given us? Life—joy—forgiveness of sins. The promise of a new heaven and earth with no evil or sin to trouble us. Jesus, God’s own Son, to be our Savior. The Holy Spirit, to live within us and keep us forever. And since Jesus is God made visible for us—what has Jesus done for us in particular? Become a human being, leaving the glory of heaven to share our difficult lives on earth. Healed and taught and preached and forgave, with all patience and kindness. Proved to us through His actions that every human being matters to God, however poor or oppressed or young or old. Laid down His life for us on the cross, so that we might be forgiven and set free from the power of evil. Rose from the dead, so that everyone who trusts in Him will share that same everlasting life and joy. Promised to return to take us to be with Him forever—so that we need not fear the future. We know the One who rules life and death, and He holds us in His own scarred hands. These are just a few of the overflowing gifts of God He has heaped on us. Faced with His love, we respond with gladness—and God’s generous love overflows through us to others. WE PRAY: Father, open my heart to share Your blessings with others—and show me the specific ways You want me to do that. Amen. This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo. Reflection Questions: 1. Name one of the happiest days in your life. 2. Tell about someone who has been generous in some way to you. What motivated them? 3. When you are joyful, how do you share that joy with others?

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: 1 Samuel 7-9; Luke 18:24-43

 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, pastor@svlcchurch.org