SVLC DEVOTION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2023

 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, ²⁸ so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:27-28 ESV

 NEWS: Link of the Week:  We continue a series on Baptism.  This week: “5 Proofs that Babies Can Believe” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yo7GPP2UbLY

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Tom and Gloria Morofski in our prayers. Tom gives thanks for Gloria, who celebrated her birthday yesterday. He also gives thanks that physical therapy for his back has been approved and he asks prayers for that to alleviate the back pain he has. He asks prayers for Israel as well.

 READINGS: Ezekiel 38; Psalm 99; Hebrews 9:11-28

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“Leaning on Jesus” October 11, 2023

 

Philippians 4:4-9, 11b-13 – Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. … I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Some years ago I spent a week in ICU with a collapsed lung and several other problems. I came close to dying, and when they finally decided I was recovered enough for a shower, I couldn’t trust my legs to hold me up. My husband had to come into the shower with me—to keep me standing, and to help me with the washing. He is the reason I didn’t fall down! There are times in our lives with God when we need exactly that kind of help from Jesus. We are facing something difficult, something we can’t handle on our own. We need Jesus. We need His strength to hold us up, His forgiveness to wash us clean, His wisdom to show us what to do next. In this passage, Paul tells us that’s exactly what we have! He says, “The Lord is at hand.” Not far off, not on the other side of the room—He is right here with us, in arm’s reach, whether we can feel Him there or not. We can lean on Him. And in our anxiety, we can talk to Him—pour out our feelings and ask for His help and guidance. We may not know what to do next, but He does. His Holy Spirit will guide us. In a time that has no peace, His peace will guard our hearts and minds. We can lean on Jesus, knowing He will never let us down. How do we know this? Because He has already laid down His life for us—yes, and risen from the dead as well. Now we know that He loves us as far as love can possibly go. Now we know that He has all power, and can overcome even death itself. How could we be safer than when we are in His hands? Let’s trust our weakness to Him, and let Him hold us up. WE PRAY: Dear Savior, You know the worries of my heart. Hold me up during this difficult time. Amen. This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo. Reflection Questions: 1. How do you visualize Jesus holding and protecting you? 2. Do you have other people in your life who can help support you, or is it Jesus alone? 3. How can you hold up other people in their time of need, with Jesus’ help?

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Micah 1-3; Acts 21:1-17

 

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

 Pastor Joel, pastor@svlcchurch.org