SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS
TUESDAY, MAY 9, 2023
The Lord is my strength and my song, he has become my salvation. Psalm 118:14 ESV
NEWS: This evening the Tuesday Bible study continues at the home of Debbie and Allen Kolkman. “Life in The Year One: The Holy Lands,” is the topic. It starts at 6:30 PM with a short devotion, then the study material and winds up with fellowship time. All are invited to attend. The Kolkman’s address is 710 Fredericks Ave., Oceanside.
PRAYERS: Today we raise up Chet Laird in prayer.
READINGS: Habakkuk 2:2-20; Psalm 118; Luke 20:41-21:9
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“Uncomfortable”
Acts 17:16-20 – Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.”
I find this story fascinating. Here is Paul, a Jew of Jews—a Pharisee, even, if you consider his training. And he’s stuck waiting for his colleagues to show up, in a city that is pretty much the complete opposite to everything he’s used to. In particular, the city is filled with idols. It’s driving him crazy! So what does he do about it?
Most people would withdraw. They’d find a hotel room (or the first-century equivalent), take out a good book (or scroll, I suppose), and hole up. Why stay in a place that offends you?
But not Paul. The first thing Paul does is go find somebody to tell about Jesus! He’s not thinking about his own comfort. He’s concerned about these people, and he’s going to make a start on bringing them the Good News—even though evangelizing Athens was never on his schedule.
Paul starts where he is, not where he wants to be. Paul cares about these people, because he knows exactly how much God cares about these people—enough to become a human being, suffer and die for them. Jesus died and rose for them! That’s reason enough for Paul to care about them, too. And so he does what he can to tell them about Jesus in a language they understand. He quotes the poets and philosophers they recognize, and lets those ideas lead into talking about Jesus.
Chances are good there’s an area in your life where you don’t feel comfortable—whether that’s at work or in your neighborhood, or maybe with part of your family who hold very different views than you do. What should you do? Run away and hole up somewhere? You could. Or, with God’s help, you could take the time to show them Jesus’ love through your words and actions—no matter how uncomfortable it makes you. Let Jesus’ kindness and mercy shine through you. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you. And see what God does.
WE PRAY: Dear Lord, when I’m uncomfortable, work through me to show Your love anyway. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Reflection Questions:
1. Name one area or situation in your life where you feel uncomfortable.
2. How could you show kindness and mercy to the people in that situation?
3. Do you think Jesus was uncomfortable leaving heaven for earth and living among us? Why or why not?
Today’s Bible Readings: 2 Samuel 2-5 John 1:1-28
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
