SVLC DEVOTION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

 This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

 NEWS: Crafternoon!  Crafternoon will be this Saturday, September 30, beginning at 2:00 in the Community Building.  This is an opportunity to get together and complete a craft. Step by step directions will be given. Bring a snack to share.   Questions? Contact Amanda at amandareneecery@gmail.com 

 Day of Service will be this Saturday, September 30, at Faith Lutheran Church in Vista.  It will begin with a continental breakfast at 8:30 am followed by devotions at 8:50 am, an opportunity to break into your selected service group and meet your Team Leader.  At 9:00 am everyone is released to go to their selected area of service.  Please return at 12:15 for lunch and an opportunity to share your experiences! 

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Theodora Elias in our prayers. The Doan family also a prayer of gratitude for their blessings, Even through trials, they have been blessed to make it through them.

 READINGS: Ezekiel 25; Psalm 86; Hebrews 1:8-14

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“Expedience or Truth?” September 28, 2023

 

Matthew 21:23-27 – And when He [Jesus] entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to Him as He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?” Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, and if you tell Me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. The Baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?” And they discussed it among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And He said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” This passage really bugs me, because the leaders consider their answer from every angle but one: What is the truth? They plan it out like a game of chess—”If we say this to Jesus, He will say this, and that’s no good; but if we say that, then the crowd will kill us.” It’s all political. They never stop for a moment to say, “Hey, what’s the truth on this subject?” No wonder Jesus won’t answer them! They aren’t looking for a true answer; they are looking for an answer they can use. And Jesus doesn’t play those games. But we do, don’t we? All too often I’ve caught myself considering questions this way. And I forget to ask the only important question, which is, “Which is the right, true thing to do?” Against all this, Jesus calls us to a much simpler way to live. “Is it true?” He asks. “Is it right? Is it what God wants from you?” Those are the questions that matter. In the eyes of the world they may make us look childish, unsophisticated, unworldly; but that’s okay. In Jesus’ eyes, they are the questions that mark a faithful Christian. It doesn’t really matter if the world thinks we are too naïve to live; we care about Jesus’ opinion. And He is the One who called Himself the Way, the Truth, and the Life. So, how can we go wrong, following the truth? Let’s forget the world and all its scheming, and follow Jesus—the One who loves us so much He lay down His life for us. That’s something the world has never done, and never will do. But Jesus has. He gave Himself for us on the cross, so that we might share in His resurrection and live forever as children of God. Because of Him, we live in the light of truth—not in the shadows of scheming and plotting. Now that’s worth celebrating! WE PRAY: Dear Lord Jesus, turn my heart to follow You in truth and gladness. Amen. This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo. Reflection Questions: 1. Have you ever had someone look down on you because you cared about truth? 2. Why do you think truth matters so little to many people today? 3. Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). When has that happened for you?

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Isaiah 43-44; Romans 8:1-21

 

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 Thursday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us

 Pastor Joel, pastor@svlcchurch.org