SVLC DEVOTION TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2024

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS\

TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2024

 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8 ESV

 NEWS: The Tuesday evening Bible Study resumes this evening at the home of Debbie and Allen Kolkman. A new topic will begin at 6:30 PM with a short devotion, then the study material. Fellowship time will then take place and the evening willm wrap up around 8. All are invited to attend.

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Kathy Andrews in our prayers.

 READINGS: Psalm 62:5-12; Ezekiel 3:12-27; Romans 2:1-16

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“Jealousy” January 9, 2024

 

1 Samuel 3:1-6a, 8-10, 15b-17a – Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD in the presence of Eli. And the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision. At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was. Then the LORD called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. And the LORD called again, “Samuel!” … And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the LORD was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if He calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant hears.'” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the LORD came and stood, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant hears.” … And Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli. But Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son.” And he said, “Here I am.” And Eli said, “What was it that He told you? Do not hide it from me.” I wonder if it was hard for Eli to deal with Samuel’s first vision from the Lord. After all, Eli was the high priest of all Israel; Samuel was just a boy. And it would have been worse, I think, because Samuel’s first vision had to do with the downfall of Eli’s family. How painful for Samuel, who loved his foster-father! How difficult for Eli, who seems to have loved Samuel as well. Jealousy is not a stranger to the Christian church, either; there are plenty of people who have a hard time when a fellow believer gets praise or opportunities that they feel they themselves should have had. And when they look at the gifts the Lord has actually given them, those seem smaller … diminished … less than. And then nobody’s happy! How do you get rid of jealousy? There’s only one way I’ve ever found—and that is to run to the feet of Jesus, grab Him round the ankles, and beg Him for help. He can and will give it. And what’s more, He won’t blame us or look down on us. After all, Jesus is the One who came into the world to take away all our sins—including this one. He took our jealousy to the cross, along with everything else; and through His resurrection He gives us everlasting life instead. What could be better? WE PRAY: Dear Lord Jesus, when I am jealous, help me and set me free. Amen. This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo. Reflection Questions: 1. Tell about a time you felt jealous. 2. What did you do to get over it? Did it work? 3. Does it help to remember how incredibly beloved you are in Jesus’ eyes?

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Job 1-2; Matthew 7

 

Pastor Joel is Here for You.  If you have a pastoral need or a prayer request for Pastor Joel, please call or text him at 775-336-9680 or email him at luckemeyerj@gmail.com

 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