SVLC DEVOTION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2023

 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 ESV

 NEWS: The Tuesday evening Bible study resumes, today, at the home of Debbie and Allen Kolkman. The title is, “Jesus Says: A Study of the Sermon on The Mount.” The first of the twelve sessions is, “Pass the Salt; Living a Blessed Life.” Things start at 6:30 PM with a short devotion, followed by the study material. Then fellowship time takes place, with Bruce Woodward being the host for the goodies. All are invited to attend!

 PRAYERS: Today we pray for Gunti and Barb Galleisky. Prayers are requested for their adult children and especially for Christian. Christian has been doing well as he takes classes. Barb also requests prays for safe travels to and from Colorado. She leaves Wednesday.

 READINGS: Ezekiel 30; Psalm 91; Hebrews 4:1-13

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“No Excuses” October 3, 2023

 

Isaiah 5:1-4, 7 – Let me sing for my beloved my love song concerning His vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. He dug it and cleared it of stones, and planted it with choice vines; He built a watchtower in the midst of it, and hewed out a wine vat in it; and He looked for it to yield grapes, but it yielded wild grapes. And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, judge between Me and My vineyard. What more was there to do for My vineyard, that I have not done in it? When I looked for it to yield grapes, why did it yield wild grapes? … For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are His pleasant planting; and He looked for justice, but behold, bloodshed; for righteousness, but behold, an outcry! The vineyard owner in this story has done everything right, hasn’t he? Good land, good vines, the right equipment, a watchtower—why did things turn out so wrong? God might well ask us the same question. After all, He also did everything right—a good world, good people, a garden to live in, God’s own protecting presence—why did human beings go so horribly wrong? And there’s no decent answer to the question, is there? Oh, there is an indecent answer. The indecent answer is “Because I wanted to go wrong. Because I decided to do that evil thing. Because I am a sinner, and this was my choice.” It’s a horrible answer, but it’s true. And it’s a lot better to confess the truth than to waste our time in blaming God for the things He never did—”Oh, You failed to provide me with what I really needed. It’s Your fault, Lord, that I went wrong.” No. That’s silly, and it’s a lie. We know better. God knows better. So what should we do? The best thing we can possibly do is to tell the truth. Throw ourselves on God’s mercy. Say, “Lord, we did wrong. We are sorry. Please help us.” What? Stop hiding behind all our excuses? Yes. “Return to the Lord Your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and He relents over disaster” (Joel 2:13b). Tell God the truth, and see what wonderful things He will do. Because this is the God who loved us so much, that, even while we were still deep in the darkness, He came into our world to save us. He came as the Man Jesus Christ—and His whole purpose was to lay down His life to buy us free out of our evil. He came to transform our stony hearts and make us free, loving children of God; to turn our sour grapes into the good wine of God. And everyone who trusts in Him will live forever, just as He Himself has broken the power of death and evil, and lives forever, never to die again. Ask Him for mercy; Jesus will surely give it. WE PRAY: Lord, have mercy on me through Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen. This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo. Reflection Questions: 1. Have you ever tried to blame everybody else for your problems? 2. If so, how did that turn out for you? 3. What happens when we throw ourselves on the mercy of God?

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Isaiah 56-58; Romans 11:1-18

 

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 hour  s: 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