SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
SATURDAY, APRIL 23
NEWS: Tomorrow we return to God’s house for the first Sunday after Easter. We are still celebrating our Lord’s glorious resurrection with spoken word and song! Pastor Al, Allen Kolkman, will be leading our worship as Pastor Joel spends time with his wife and kids in Tucson, AZ Pastor Al’s sermon is based on John 20:19-29 and titled, “Doubt and Faith.” We will have our fellowship time after the Lord’s supper and the conclusion of our service. Coffee and goodies will be there! Then, for those hungry for lunch, please meet up at El Pollo Loco, in the Mission Marketplace, on College Ave. (near Target and Fitness19). Also serving our Lord and congregation:
Fellowship: Margaret Paton
Flowers: The Neemia family
Techies: Ian Andrews, Bruce Woodward
Reader: Chris Roth
Acolyte: Open
Greeter: Margaret Paton
Ushers: Darryl Finley, Keith Neblett
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Kathy Andrews. We also pray for Pastor Joel and his family as they are set to close on their new home in Fallbrook on the 29th.
READINGS: Psalm 30:3-12; Psalm 68; Exodus 19:1-25; Hebrews 13:1-21
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“What Can We Do?”
1 Timothy 2:1-6 – First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
This is how the Word of God comes to us, in Christ, just like it did to a man named Paul. It turned him around from the agony of despair—which is the sort of thing that can make people say, “We can’t do anything about it”—to the joy of hope—which is the kind of thing that made Paul say, “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).
What happened to Paul can happen to anyone. It can happen to you. If you are pessimistic and beaten down by the world, the Word of God is for you! Jesus Christ died for you and He lives for you. There is forgiveness and peace in God’s Son, our Savior. There is victory in Christ over everything that stands in your way to real happiness, true peace, and everlasting life.
Paul told Timothy that there is always the Christ, who goes before us. Therefore, do battle for the right, armed with God’s Word, your faith, and a clear conscience. With faith in God, there is spiritual power to meet life’s obstacles; there is strength to withstand the wiles of the enemy and persevere (see Ephesians 6:10-20).
As Paul and Timothy both knew, they should pray for the welfare of the world—hopeful that God will reach others as they were both met by Him. To some people, this may sound like impractical advice. To them prayer is a desperate measure, something you try when everything else has failed. To people with faith in God, prayer is born not out of desperation but out of confidence in God which gives a man hope. Why? Because he knows the action of God is man’s first and best hope.
When you pray for others, be prepared for the possibility—the very real possibility—that God will begin with you. Pray that others—your family and friends, your enemies, leaders in high positions—may open their hearts and minds to the will of God, and be willing to be led by Him yourself. Pray with hope and courage, and be prepared for a call to action right where you are, where you live, where you work.
Pray and place your trust in God “who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
WE PRAY: Heavenly Father, we pray for those who need to hear and receive Your truth. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
From “We Can’t Do Anything About It,” a sermon excerpt by Rev. Dr. Oswald Hoffmann, former Speaker of The Lutheran Hour
Reflection Questions:
1. Why is it important to remember that Jesus died for everyone, everywhere, at all times?
2. How can we learn to pray for all people—even those we find less than loveable?
3. Do you pray to God that He will give you a godly concern for others, or do you leave it to Him to move your heart in that direction?
Today’s Bible Readings: 1 Samuel 1-3 Luke 17:20-37
To Download Devotion MP3 to your computer, right click here and select “Save Link As” or “Save Target As” or “Download Linked File As”
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:
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.
