SVLC DEVOTION TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024

by | Jan 22, 2024 | Daily Devotions

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024

 9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:9-10 ESV

 NEWS: TONIGHT: The Tuesday Bible Study! It’s at the Kolkman’s, 6:30-8:00.  Topic: “Jesus Says – Discussing the Sermon on the Mount.”  The evening includes a devotion and fellowship. ALL are invited to join in!

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Berand Kirschner in our prayers.

 READINGS: Psalm 139:1-6, 12-14; Joel 2:18-32; Romans 11:25-12:13

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“A Prophet Like Moses”

January 23, 2024

 

Deuteronomy 18:15-20 – [Moses said,] “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen—just as you desired of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, when you said, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God or see this great fire any more, lest I die.’ And the LORD said to me, ‘They are right in what they have spoken. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. And whoever will not listen to My words that he shall speak in My Name, I Myself will require it of him. But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My Name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.'”

Moses was talking to the people of Israel on the day before he died, and he reminded them of a pretty embarrassing moment from their past. God had brought them to the mountain of Horeb (Sinai), and they heard God’s voice speaking directly to them—and it was too much for them. They freaked out. And they begged Moses to ask God to stop it, and to talk only to Moses from then on, so they wouldn’t have to be exposed to God in all His power and possibly die.

So now, Moses, says, remember what you asked for, because God has promised to do it. God will send someone else like Moses to speak the words of God to all the people—so make sure you pay attention. Whoever doesn’t pay attention will be in deep, deep trouble.

So when did God keep this promise? He kept it when He sent Jesus.

Jesus is a prophet like Moses—and yet, so much more than just a prophet. Jesus is God Himself, come down from heaven to be a human being like us. He was born as a tiny baby, grew up in a village in the back of beyond, and grew to manhood doing all the same work we do. And then He went out into the world to do the work that only God could do—to speak God’s Word to the people, to teach, preach, heal, and forgive.

But that wasn’t all. At the end of His ministry, Jesus willingly lay down His own life for the sake of God’s people. He allowed Himself to be betrayed by a friend, and was arrested, mocked, whipped, and crucified. How could God let things like that happen to Him? Only for love—love of us.

And then He rose from the dead, never to die again, so that you and me who trust in Him will never have to suffer eternal death. No, we will be with Him forever, happy and joyful—if indeed we listen, and trust in the One God promised to us. That’s Jesus!

WE PRAY: Dear Father, thank You for sending us Jesus, the One who speaks Your Words to us. Amen.

This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.

Reflection Questions:

1. Would you prefer to look at Jesus in human flesh or to look at God Himself in His glory?

2. Why?

3. Why do you think God took on human nature when He came to us?

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Job 36-37; Matthew 15:1-20

 

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