SVLCV DEVOTION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2023

 It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night Psalm 92:1-2 ESV

 NEWS: Link of the Week:  We continue a series on Baptism.  This week: “5 Reasons Why Babies Should be Baptized.”   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJYh-A6xbGI

 PRAYERS: Today we remember the Jerome family in our prayers: Denae, Christopher and Evelyn. Chris nand Denae are travelling this weekend and they request prayers for safe travels. Also for Evelyn, as she spends the weekend and grandma and grandpa’s house without them!

A prayer request also from Margaret Paton as she and a friend drive to Arizona to see adult children.

 READINGS: Ezekiel 31; Psalm 92; Hebrews 4:14-5:10

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“Leave It Behind!” October 4, 2023

 

Philippians 3:4b-14 – Though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the Law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the Law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Imagine this: There you are, sitting in a room surrounded by your dearest treasures. This might be actual money—piles of gold and silver—or it might be cherished heirlooms from your family. It might be a special collection you’ve been working on your whole life. Whatever it is, it’s your pride and joy. And then the word comes: Jesus is here! Come out to meet Him! If you heard that and you knew it was true, wouldn’t you jump up and leave everything behind? Who cares about the treasures now! Our best treasure outside, and He’s waiting for you! That’s the way Paul feels about all the advantages of his life. Because he definitely had advantages—the best education money could buy; Roman citizenship; impeccable Jewish ancestry; and a stellar reputation for being pious and religious. Who could ask for more? Paul could. We could. Because nothing compares to Jesus, our Savior. Nothing compares to the One who loves us so much He came down from heaven to find us, to seek us out and bring us home to God’s kingdom. Nothing compares to the One who lay down His own life to make us His own, so that we will share His resurrection life and joy. If we have Jesus, we have everything. That is enough for us. WE PRAY: Dearest Lord, keep my eyes and my heart set on You. Amen. This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo. Reflection Questions: 1. Name one thing that you hold very dear (apart from Jesus!). 2. Are there any things in your life which might elbow Jesus out of the highest place in your love? 3. How can you stay ready to “leave it all” if necessary for Jesus’ sake?

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Isaiah 59-61; Romans 11:19-36

 

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

 Pastor Joel, pastor@svlcchurch.org