SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2023
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
NEWS: We return to God’s house tomorrow on the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost. The day opens with Bible study at 9 AM. Pastor Joel ios leading us in studying the book of Genesis. Our worship service begins at 10 and the title of Pastor Joel’s sermon is, “Wages of God.” The basis is our Gospel reading, Matthew 20:1-16 The Old testament lesson is Isaiah 55:6-9 Our Psalmody is taken from Psalm 27 The Epistle reading comes from Philippians 1:12-14, 19-30
We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper, as we do every Sunday. After we do that and our service is complete, please join us for fellowship time with coffee and goodies. Then we’ll continue our fellowship at Jersey Mikes, just up River Rd., between Starbucks and Dollar Tree. Please plan on joining us!
Also serving our Lord and congregation tomorrow are:
Techies: Ian Andrews, OPEN
Reader: Charlotte Neblett
Acolyte: Josephine Neemia
Greeter: Darryl Finley
Ushers: Victor Dille, Bill Sperberg
Flowers: David & Melissa Carlisle
Fellowship: Amy Luckemeyer
PRAYERS: Today we remember K Berni in our prayers. K requests prayers for severe allergy and asthma symptoms she has been experiencing the past few months. Also, for her grandson Kent, that they may find competent healthcare for Kent’s digestive and stomach issues, which have been going on for years.
We also pray for Janessa, the daughter of Lori and Terry Dowe. Janessa has been dealing with very serious health issues since this past spring and needs to find competent doctors for her needs,
READINGS: Ezekiel 20; Psalm 81; Titus 1
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“Knowing Better”
John 6:26-27 – Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on Him God the Father has set His seal.”
A few years ago, a woman invested her life savings in a promising financial scheme sold to her by a swindler. With her investment gone and her dreams shattered, she then sought some professional third-part advice on the matter. “Why on earth didn’t you come to us first?” the representative asked. “Didn’t you know that we’re here for just these circumstances?” “Yes,” said the lady, sadly. “I didn’t come because I was afraid you would probably tell me not to give them my money.”
We all feel sorry for her loss. Yet she provides us with a good example of how humanity operates in its dealings with the Lord. Most people know that God is out there. They have a general idea that the Lord has some good advice about how they should live their lives. Maybe they even think He knows how they can be saved. In spite of such knowledge, however, they still want to do things their way.
This was the sin of our original ancestors in the Garden of Eden. The Lord had given them instructions, but they wanted to do things their way. “We know better” is what they told themselves, and they—and us—have paid the price ever since. After Jesus fed thousands with a few loaves and fishes, the disciples were impressed. But they followed Him as a provider of earthly wants, rather than spiritual necessities. Jesus said very clearly, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
But people still think they know better. They want to do things their way, creating a god in their own image. The Bible tells us—and a look at human nature quickly shows us—that the sin of knowing better than God has been repeated again and again. Some believe that if you say a prayer a certain way God will be compelled to give you wealth and riches, health and rewards beyond your wildest imagination. If getting “the goods” of life is your motivation when you go to Jesus, please think again. He who left heaven’s high throne to become one of us, to redeem us, knows what is best for us. Listen to Him. Believe in Him. He has the answers you need for this world and the next.
WE PRAY: Heavenly Father, keep us from the folly of trying to do things our way. Lead us to trust in Jesus in all that we do. In His Name. Amen.
From “Looking for Jesus,” a sermon excerpt from Rev. Dr. Kenneth Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour
Reflection Questions:
1. How do you stay on guard against crooked people?
2. How does God provide us with food that lasts forever?
3. Why is possessing wealth something that might hinder our reliance on God?
Today’s Bible Readings: Isaiah 32-33 Romans 3
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 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/
Here is the website for Lutherans for Life: https://lutheransforlife.org/
A very blessed Saturday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us
Pastor Joel, pastor@svlcchurch.org
