SVLC DEVOTION SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5

by | Feb 4, 2022 | Daily Devotions

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5

 NEWS: Tomorrow we are blessed to have Pastor Eric Kaelberer with us once again. He’ll lead our 9 AM Sunday Bible study and our 10 AM worship. Afterwards we will have our fellowship time with coffee and other goodies. Also serving us tomorrow:

Altar flowers –  The Roth Family

Reader – Darryl Finley

Greeter – OPEN

Acolyte – OPEN

Ushers – Keith Neblett & OPEN

Communion Assistant – Allen Latall

Fellowship – The Woodward Family

ONE WEEK FROM TODAY is a BIG DAY at our church, as we install “Pastor Joel” Luckemeyer as our new Pastor! Please see the sign-up sheet to add your name where help might still be needed. After the service, we will have a Lasagna meal in our Community building with bread from Fratellis. Take it from Margie and I: their food is EXCELLENT! Salad will also be provided.

 PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for the Santiago family: Dennis, Elizabeth, Carlos and Sebastian.

 READINGS: Psalm 31:1-2, 23-24; Psalm 88; Job 2:1-3:10; John 1:19-34

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“Looking Back”

February 5, 2022

 

Exodus 19:3-6a – Moses went up to God. The LORD called to him out of the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you shall be My treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is Mine; and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.'”

I remember a TV documentary about a star football player from a tough community. His key to dealing with life’s successes and failures was not to forget where he came from. He meant in every circumstance, don’t forget the love of family, the realness of community, and that how you treat others shows what kind of person you are.

His words got me thinking. It reminded me of visiting my grandparents and flipping through photo albums, or the fun of looking at slides of relatives and events that were dear to us. Those pics spoke of my family’s faith in Jesus Christ, the love my family had for each another, and the real challenges we had in life just like everybody else. The point: don’t forget where you come from, especially in respect to the love, sacrifice, honor, and perseverance that so many did so you could be the person you are today.

That’s a glimpse of what God is saying to all who believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the One who sent His Son Jesus to be our Messiah, our Savior. Moses is telling the people of God to look back on the loving actions of God who redeemed, restored, and still resources His believers with eternal life and salvation, joy, and peace.

When we consider God’s actions, it empowers us to live hopefully—no matter what the future may bring. So the next time you enjoy your family photos, look to the Bible and see how God rescues His people from bondage, leads them into freedom, and promises them life and salvation in His Name. We see this clearly in the cross and resurrection of Jesus—a picture beyond Moses’ lifetime, but one he knew God was developing.

Moses never forgot where he came from. He was a believer in the God who always keeps His promises, and that good news made all the difference in living now and in the future. We too can look back, boldly moving forward because we have a Savior who has already secured the future you and me by His grace.

THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, teach us to remember Your faithfulness and love, especially as shown to us in Your Son Jesus Christ. In His Name we pray. Amen.

From “Look Back, So You Can Move Ahead with Confidence!” a message from Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, former Speaker of The Lutheran Hour

Reflection Questions:

1. Do you know someone (maybe yourself) who’s made it through a difficult upbringing? How was success achieved?

2. What did God want Moses to remind the people of Israel about concerning Egypt?

3. What actions of God inspire you?

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Genesis 46-48; Matthew 23:1-22

 

 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 are to go to your work 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.”

Then you are to go to sleep quickly and cheerfully.

 OTHER RESOURCES:

 www.svlchurch.org

www.facebook.com/shepherdofthevalleyoceanside

 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 hours: 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 Saturday and weekend to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us. Our email address is above under Other Resources.