SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS
SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2023
O Lord, all my longing is before you; my sighing is not hidden from you. Psalm 38:9
NEWS: Almost another week has passed since we’ve been in God’s house but we’ll be returning there tomorrow as we prepare our hearts and minds. At 9 AM our Bible study takes place, with Pastor Joel reviewing the fourth week of readings in, “Why Pray.” The title of Pastor Joel’s sermon in our 10 AM worship service is, Blueprint for the Church.” It’s based on our Gospel lesson for the day, Matthew 5:1-12 Our Old Testament reading comes from Micah 6:1-8 and the second reading is taken from 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 We will celebrate the Eucharist as we do each Sunday. After we’ve done that and our service is complete, please join us for fellowship time, with coffee and goodies. Then fellowship will continue at the Oceanside Bakery, near police headquarters on Mission Ave. They’ll have breakfast or lunch available and it’s always a great place to dine!
Those serving our Lord and congregation tomorrow are:
Techies: Ian Andrews, Bruce Woodward
Reader: Allen Latall
Acolyte: Josephine Neemia
Greeter: Margaret Paton
Ushers: Keith Neblett, Open
Flowers: The Neemia family
Fellowship: Daria Roth
PRAYERS: Today we pray for Kyle Ross. Wee ask the Lord to grant him safe travels and strength as he drives up north seven days a week to tend to his elderly parents.
READINGS: Psalm 12; Psalm 133; Zechariah 6:1-7:14; Romans 16:17-27
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“Drinking Deeply”
John 7:38-39a – [Jesus said] “Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'” Now this He said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive ….
It’s that time of year again for me: time to get in shape. It seems every time I go to the doctor lately he says things like, “Everything looks okay, but you could lose a little weight.” Thanks, doc, like I didn’t see that myself. And, of course, then I tell him about the aches and pains that come with getting back in shape, then he gives me the old chorus line: “That’s what comes with getting older.” Oh, yes, and there’s one more thing he tells me: “If you want some help with that working out thing—running, lifting weights—then remember to drink lots of water!”
Drink deeply a half hour before you work out or run. Why? You are going to need it.
There is power in being satisfied with the spiritual blessings that come from Jesus Christ alone. He said it, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink” (John 7:7b). Yes, how bold, yes, but how clear and to the point! Some might call it “arrogance” to say such a thing. But, if you can deliver what you offer, if you offer it as a gift, and you offer it to all who ask—that’s not arrogance, that’s grace. And that is the forgiveness, life, and salvation that Jesus is offering to you and to me today.
He knows what it is like to be parched in this sinful world. Even though He was sinless, even though He had a perfect harmony with the Heavenly Father by His own righteousness, He entered our brokenness. He took on our pain. He entered the dark places of our sin and rebellion. Why? It was in order to give us living water to drink, living water to empower our new life with Him, living water to satisfy our thirst for God’s righteousness, justice, and peace. He knows the water He gives can quench that thirst: it’s faith in Him as your Savior.
Have you ever been on a long run or a strenuous hike where you pushed yourself beyond what your body was capable of doing? I’ve had those days when I barely made it back from the run or when I went out to exercise in heat and humidity that was overwhelming. At the end of that kind of exercise, it would be crazy to even consider coffee or soft drinks or alcohol. What tastes best then? It’s lots of water. Wow! There are times in life when you know it’s true: it’s back to the basics with everything.
So, if you are struggling at the moment, kind of lost in life, or feeling emotionally parched, it’s time to get connected to Jesus through the truth of the Bible. There’s a message of grace, love, and life that will quench your ultimate thirst. Keep listening with me, and we’ll drink this living water of life together.
WE PRAY: Dear Lord Jesus, give me the kind of faith, hope, and love that flows out of my life because I know and trust You as my Lord and Savior. Amen.
From “Drink Deeply; You are Going to Need It!” a devotion by Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, former Speaker of The Lutheran Hour
Reflection Questions:
1. When was the last time you worked up a sweat enough to crave water?
2. How can “rivers of living water” flow from a Christian’s heart to others?
3. Sometimes a quick sip of water is all we need. How do you tap into God’s Word in brief, rewarding ways?
Today’s Bible Readings: Genesis 27-28 Matthew 18:21-35
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/
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
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
