SVLC DEVOTION SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS AND PRAYERS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2023

 I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord! Psalm 122:1

NEWS: Today we return to God’s house, on the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost. The morning opens with Bible study at 9 AM. We’re still in the book of Genesis but getting closer to the end as Pastor Joel leads us. In our 10 AM worship service, the title of Pastor Joel’s sermon is, “All Are Invited, Few RSVP. ”It’s based on our Gospel reading, Matthew 22:1-14 The Old Testament lesson is Isaiah 25:6-9 Our Psalmody is part of Psalm 80 The Epistle comes from Philippians 4:4-18

 We pray all can join us for part of their Sunday but for those unable to worship in person, we stream our service live. The link is here: www.facebook.com/shepherdofthevalleyoceanside  Click on that, then click on the More dropdown arrow, then click Live. If you have a moment, please “Like” us and leave a brief comment about your online worship experience. Thank you! Also serving the Lord and our congregation today are:

Techies:  Ian Andrews, Victor Dille

Reader:  Margaret Paton

Acolyte:  Josephine Neemia

Greeter:  OPEN

Ushers:   Darryl Finley, OPEN

Flowers:  The Neemia family

Fellowship:  Terry & Alba Reilly

PRAYERS: Today we remember Margaret Paton in our prayers. We continue to pray for Margaret’s sister, Carmen, who has had two strokes.

 COLLECT OF THE DAY: Lord Jesus Christ, whose grace always precedes and follows us, help us to forwake all trust in earthly gain and to find in You our heavenly treasure; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

 READINGS: Ezekiel 42; Psalm 103; Hebrews 10:32-39

 Alleluia. Bear one anothers burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. Alleluia.

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“In Thee Is Gladness” October 15, 2023

 

“Since He is ours, we fear no powers, not of earth nor sin nor death. He sees and blesses in worst distresses; He can change them with a breath. Wherefore the story tell of His glory with hearts and voices; All heav’n rejoices in Him forever: Alleluia! We shout for gladness, triumph o’er sadness, Love Him and praise Him and still shall raise Him Glad hymns forever: Alleluia!” The powers of earth, sin, and death are frightening. We may experience that fear as we consider the threats of terrorism or war or when we face illness or death, our own or of those we love. Yet as our hymn verse reminds us, since Jesus is ours—and what is more, we are His!—”we fear no powers.” These fearsome forces once gathered against Jesus. Earthly powers, the religious leaders and the Roman authorities, joined forces to oppose and condemn the Savior. Weak and helpless, nailed to the cross, Jesus fell victim to those earthly powers, to sin, death, and Satan. Yet even then, those frightening powers were not in control. Everything that happened to Jesus was done “according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God” (Acts 2:23b). According to God’s plan for our salvation, Jesus shed His blood as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world. He suffered in our place the penalty of death that we deserved. On the cross, He was overcome by those death-dealing powers, but on the third day after His death, Jesus was raised to life, never to die again. He overcame the powers of earth, sin, and death, powers that are now subject to Him. The risen and exalted Lord now reigns at the right hand of God, “with angels, authorities and powers having been subjected to Him” (1 Peter 3:22b). As Jesus Himself said after His resurrection, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18b). Jesus overcame the powers arrayed against Him. “Since He is ours” and we are His, we do not need to be afraid. Those powers cannot overcome us as we stand, firm in faith, against them. Jesus “sees and blesses in worst distresses.” We may not readily see the blessings of His conquering might, but we trust Jesus’ promises. He has conquered in the fight. All authority is His and now we have a story to tell, the good news of our mighty Savior, who went down into death and the grave for us and rose up in the victory over every threatening power. Through faith in Jesus, we “triumph o’er sadness” and “tell of His glory.” With sins forgiven and hope restored, we sing today the glad hymns of praise that will continue in Jesus’ presence forever. WE PRAY: Jesus, I am Yours and You are mine. When I am afraid, comfort me with the promises of Your Word. Amen. This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler. It is based on the hymn, “In Thee Is Gladness,” which is number 818 in the Lutheran Service Book. Reflection Questions: 1. What is the biggest fear you have? Has it changed over the years? 2. How does knowing that Jesus has been given “all authority” help to ease your fears? 3. How are we able to help others who grapple with fear in their lives?

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: 2 Chronicles 33-34; Acts 23:16-35

 

WE HAVE TWO LIBRARIES AT CHURCH! One of them is in the back of our sanctuary. That has many books,m DVD’s and (I believe) CD’s that are available to check out and return on the honor system. We also have our “Little Library” just inside the driveway to our parking lot. Please feel free to take a book or leave a book. The main focus is childrens or Christian material, but other, appropriate for a church setting, is acceptable.

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 you 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.”

Now you can 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/

 Here is the website for Lutherans for Life: https://lutheransforlife.org/

A very blessed Lord’s Day and Sunday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us.

 Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org