SVLC DEVOTION THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

 This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

 NEWS: A very blessed Thursday to all!

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Chet Laird in our prayers.

 READINGS: Psalm 6:4-10; Zechariah 1; Romans 14

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“Looking for Help in the Right Place” January 25, 2024

 

Mark 1:21-28 – And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, “What have You to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” And at once His fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee. It seems odd to me that a man with an evil spirit would be in a synagogue, of all places. Maybe I’ve read too many vampire books. But it seems like evil would want to stay away from places where God is worshipped? Maybe I’ve got the wrong handle on this, after all. For I remember how many people in trouble used to come to the parsonage door, asking for help. When we talked to them, usually they had no church connection at all—there might be a grandmother long ago who was a believer, but mostly not. But when they were hungry, or stranded, or sick—they automatically turned to the church. And that’s a good thing, isn’t it? As long as Jesus is in the church, that is. Because on our own, we can’t do much to help. Oh, we can provide some things—lunch, a reference to an organization that works with homeless people, those kinds of things. But only Jesus can really meet those deeper needs that everybody has. A need for safety and security. A need to be loved. The need, in some cases, to have your entire life reframed—to be born again as a beloved child of God, with a whole new life ahead of you. Jesus can provide that. And He does that—how? By giving His own life for our sakes—whether we are the person who’s obviously in need or the person who looks like they’ve got it all together (as if!). Jesus went to the cross for all of us, because He loves us—and He rose from the dead so that whoever needs life will find it in Him. And He sends the Holy Spirit to live in His people—so the lesser needs, whether they are food or a place to stay—get met through them. Because He loves, we love too. WE PRAY: Dear Lord Jesus, make my heart more and more like Yours. Amen. This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo. Reflection Questions: 1. How do you handle it when someone asks you for food or money? 2. What is the church’s role in meeting human needs? 3. How has Jesus met your needs? Name a specific one.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Job 41-42; Matthew 16

 

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