SVLC DEVOTION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2023

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

 NEWS: The Tuesday Bible study is this evening at the home of Debbie and Allen Kolkman. The title of the study is, “Jesus Says – Discussing the Sermon on the Mount.” It starts at 6:30 PM with a short devotion, followed by the study material. Then fellowship time takes place with coffee and goodies. The evening ends around 8 PM. All are invited to attend.  

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Brandon Reilly in our prayers.

READINGS: Ezekiel 44; Psalm 104:19-35; Hebrews 11:13-28

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“A Better Cyrus” October 17, 2023

 

Isaiah 45:1-7 – Thus says the LORD to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped, to subdue nations before him and to loose the belts of kings, to open doors before him that gates may not be closed: “I will go before you and level the exalted places, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron, I will give you the treasures of darkness and the hoards in secret places, that you may know that it is I, the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name. For the sake of My servant Jacob, and Israel My chosen, I call you by your name, I name you, though you do not know Me. I am the LORD, and there is no other, besides Me there is no God; I equip you, though you do not know Me, that people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides Me; I am the LORD, and there is no other. I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity; I am the LORD, who does all these things.” I really wonder about Cyrus. I mean, here he is, the founder of the Persian Empire, a man who conquered huge areas of Asia. His titles included names like “King of the World,” “King of the Four Corners of the World,” and even “King of the Universe”! Great as he was, those titles are going a bit too far. But what then are we to make of the title God Himself gave to him in this passage from Isaiah, where He calls him “My anointed”? Most people know this term in its Greek or Hebrew forms: “My christ,” or “My messiah.” What kind of a name is that for a Gentile ruler who doesn’t even believe in the Lord? Anointing was a ritual God used to appoint people in ancient Israel to do a job—usually the job of a king or priest. Cyrus is no Israelite, but he too has a job—to start sending God’s people home from their exile, back to their land to rebuild the temple of the Lord (see 2 Chronicles 36:22-23). And this is the temple Jesus Himself will visit—first as a baby, and later when He teaches in its courts as a Man. The first “anointed” one, Cyrus, is getting things ready for the real “Anointed One”—Jesus. Jesus is like Cyrus—but much better! Because Jesus’ job is to bring all God’s people home from exile—home from the sin-shattered world where we have lived ever since humanity first rebelled against God. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus is bringing us home to God’s kingdom of peace and joy—and better than that, home to God’s family, now as God’s own dear children. We will never be lost again. WE PRAY: Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to bring me home. Amen. This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo. Reflection Questions: 1. Do you know what it feels like to lose your home and have to move elsewhere? 2. How do you think the Israelites felt about going home again? 3. How do you feel as you look forward to the day Jesus brings us all home?

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: 2 Chronicles 35; Habakkuk 1-3; Acts 25

 

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