SVLC DEVOTION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2023

 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! Psalm 98:4 ESV

 NEWS: Tuesday evening Bible study takes place today at the home of Debbie and Allen Kolkman. It’s session two and the title of the series is, “Jesus Says: A Study of the Sermon on the Mount.” It goes from 6:30 to 8 PM and starts with a short devotion. The study then follows and the evening concludes with fellowship time, where coffee and goodies are served. Debbie if the hostess for the eve3ning. All are invited to come and join in. The Kolkman’s address is 710 Fredericks Ave., Oceanside.

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Pastor Joel and his family inn our Prayers: Amy, Jeremy and Lucy Joy. Pastor requests prayers for strength, rest and God’s provision for the family. He also asks prayers for a possible ministry opportunity for the church. Additionally, prayers areasked for K Berni  and Linda Johnson.

 READINGS: Ezekiel 37; Psalm 98; Hebrews 9:1-10

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“Destroying Death” October 10, 2023

 

Isaiah 25:6-9 – On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined. And He will swallow up on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of His people He will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken. It will be said on that day, “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, that He might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for Him; let us be glad and rejoice in His salvation.” My husband regularly sleeps with a sheet over his face. I think it’s because of the years he spent in a Vietnamese prison camp having to avoid scorpions. But it gives me the creeps, because it resembles a shroud—the sheet that many cultures use to wrap dead people before they bury them. And that’s what Isaiah is describing in this passage—he talks about death itself as being like a shroud that covers everybody in the world. Now that’s creepy! Most of us try to avoid thinking about death, even though we know it’s going to get us in the end. But in Isaiah’s word picture, it’s right there in our faces—unavoidable—smothering us. Who can help? The Lord God. And where will He do it? On this mountain—the place where Jerusalem stands, and where God Himself will suffer and die on a cross to rescue us all from everlasting death. That is what Jesus came to do—to destroy the power of death that hangs over us from our very first breath. And He did this by becoming human, one of us, as the Holy Spirit tells us: “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery” (Hebrews 2:14-15). Jesus’ death is the death of death; and His resurrection is the gateway into life for everyone who trusts in Him. How do we know this is true? Because Jesus Himself has promised. As He says, “This is the will of My Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life, and I will raise Him up on the last day” (John 6:40). That’s what we have to look forward to. No more shrouds—only joy, peace, forgiveness, and life everlasting. WE PRAY: Lord God, help me when I am afraid of death and teach me to trust You with my whole heart. Amen. This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo. Reflection Questions: 1. Do you think of death as an enemy? Why or why not? 2. What scares you most about death? 3. How does Jesus’ resurrection and promise help you cope with your own eventual death? The death of those you love?

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Hosea 12-14; Romans 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