SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
Your righteousness, O God, reaches the high heavens.You who have done great things, O God, who is like you? Psalm 71:19 ESV
NEWS: Link of the Week: “Five Reasons Why I’m Lutheran” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeCIv86xBUs
PRAYERS: Today we remember Chris Roth in our prayers.
In our Summer of Prayer series, we pray that the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod will remain faithful to its doctrine. We also pray that the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) would repent of their wayward teachings.
READINGS: Ezekiel 9; Psalm 71; 1 Timothy 5:1-16
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“Long Shadows”
Genesis 50:15-21 – When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”‘ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
Old sins cast long shadows, as many people have said. Long ago, Joseph’s brothers had been jealous of him. When they saw an opportunity, they sold him as a slave into another country, and told their father Joseph was dead. Over many years, God used this evil situation to make Joseph a leader in Egypt. Joseph then used his power to rescue his family from famine and provide for all their needs.
But although on the surface everything was fine, Joseph’s brothers were still carrying a lot of fear and guilt. When their father Jacob died, it all came boiling to the surface. Did Joseph truly forgive them—or was he just faking it to keep their father happy? Would they finally suffer the consequences of what they did so long ago?
This sort of thing happens in our families too, doesn’t it? A major change like a death in a family causes everyone to re-evaluate their relationships. Old sins and guilts may come back to the surface and destroy the peace of everyone involved.
What can we do about these things? The same thing we do when sin and guilt are fresh: run to Jesus. Seek His help to deal with the matter. Ask for His wisdom, His courage, and His mercy. Then, if possible, talk with other people involved. In many cases, it is wise to involve a pastor or counselor, especially if the sin is major, or if you fear that the people involved might react in painful or harmful ways. The Lord doesn’t expect you to put yourself in danger by confronting an abuser.
What if it’s impossible to talk with the others involved—because they’re dead, absent, or suffer from dementia? Take it up with Jesus, who can and will help you heal in these situations as well. He who lay down His life for you is able to bring you out of the shadows of old grief and sin, into His own everlasting light and life.
WE PRAY: Dear Savior, You know the things in my past that trouble me. Help me and heal me. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Reflection Questions:
1. Do you think Jacob really gave that command to forgive before he died, or did the brothers make it up to tell Joseph later?
2. Why do you think so?
3. Where can you find help to forgive someone who has sinned against you? Name as many sources as you can.
Today’s Bible Readings: 2 Chronicles 31-32 Acts 20:1-16
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
Pastor Joel, pastor@svlcchurch.org
