SVLC DEVOTION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

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

 NEWS: October is Pastor Appreciation Month!  We do this by special donations.  Please specifically designate your check for “Pastor Appreciation.”  Questions?  Contact Josh at joshua@familycerny.com or Bruce at bruce_woodward@hotmail.com

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Charlotte Neblett in our prayers.

 READINGS: Ezekiel 39; Psalm 100; Hebrews 10:1-10

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“Darkness or a Party?” October 12, 2023

 

Matthew 22:1-3, 8-13a, 14 – And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited, … but they would not come. … Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’ And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. …’ For many are called, but few are chosen.” The last wedding guest sticks out like a sore thumb. Everybody else is dressed for the occasion! They’re all sitting there in lovely clothes, clean and fresh, admiring one another. Clearly the king had people handing out wedding clothes at the door. Which is only sensible—if you’re going to grab your guests off the street and you care about their dress, you’d better provide for their needs yourself. But there’s this one guy, still wearing a ratty T-shirt and cut-off shorts. How could that happen? The king assumes there must have been some mistake and asks about it. But no, the man has no excuse. Apparently he refused the clothing that was offered him! The king has had it with human beings and their attitudes today, so he has the man thrown out. Everyone else enjoys the party. The king in this parable is of course God, and the guests—well, they’re us! God has reached into our sinful, messed-up ordinary lives and grabbed us to be part of His Son’s wedding. But of course we’re in no state to be seen at Jesus’ reception! So God has washed and dressed us—that is, He has forgiven us and made us clean and new, fit for a heavenly party. So there we sit, honored and happy and joyful—except for those who refuse God’s generous charity. “I’m not wearing borrowed clothes,” they say. “If my life isn’t good enough for Him,” they say, “then to hell with Him!” Well, the Heavenly King will accept a lot of things—but not deliberate rudeness to His Son. Such people can keep their dirt if they insist—but they’ll have to do it outside. They get thrown out—into eternal darkness. What alternatives! Darkness or a party? Our own rags—or clean, new hearts, provided by Jesus Himself through His death and resurrection? This is no choice at all. Give us Your good gifts, O Lord! WE PRAY: Dear Lord, give me the clean heart and forgiveness You won for me at the cross. Thank You! Amen. This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo. Reflection Questions: 1. Why do some people insist on holding on to their own rags? 2. Why is the king upset with that? Why would God be upset with us refusing His gifts? 3. What good gifts has God given you in Jesus? Name as many as you can.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Micah 4-5; Acts 21:18-40

 

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