SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
THURSDAY, APRIL 28
NEWS: This evening Bible study takes place at the Kolkman’s house. It’s a change from Tuesday evening for this week only. Time is from 6:30 to 8 PM and the topic is Christian Care. The time together starts with a devotion, then the study and fellowship time. All are invited to participate.
The Wednesday evening Women’s Bible study, led by Lori Dowe, will resume on Wednesday, May 4th, at 5:00 PM. This is online via Zoom and Lorin can provide the information by contacting her, loridowe@gmail.com Study in the Max Lucado book, “Experiencing the Heart of Jesus” will continue.
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Victor and Deanne Dille. We also add John, the husband of Tom Morofski’s sister, as he battles lung cancer.
READINGS: Psalm 119:25-32; Psalm 9; Exodus 25:1-22; Luke 5:17-39
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“Joy and Love”
John 21:4-12a – Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered Him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.”
Poor Peter! He is waiting for Jesus to show up, and he’s getting twitchy. He’s not good at sitting still. So he says to the other disciples, “Let’s go fishing,” and they do. They catch nothing all night.
And of course Jesus shows up at sunrise—you knew He would, didn’t you? and basically re-enacts what happened when He first called these men to be His disciples (see Luke 5). Just like the first time, Jesus offers advice, the men do what Jesus says, and they catch a ton of fish.
John is no idiot—he recognizes this story! So he tells Peter, “It is the Lord!”
Well, Peter hears that and he wastes no time. It’s Jesus standing there on the shore—the One Peter almost lost forever—the One who died, but is alive again, and who has already made it clear He forgives Peter all the terrible things he said on the night he denied Jesus. Peter isn’t going to wait till the boat gets to shore—even if that’s just five minutes. He’s going to swim as fast as he can! And he’s not going to do it in his underthings, either. He puts back on all his clothes to show respect to Jesus before he jumps overboard. Who cares if he has to sit around wet all day? Jesus is here!
Just look at the love and the joy and the eagerness Peter has to be with Jesus. These are the marks of a man who has been forgiven—a man who knows he did a terrible thing to the Lord he loved, but Jesus has forgiven him completely and wiped all of that out. These are the acts of a man in love—a man who can think of nothing better than to be with Jesus, the Savior who loves him.
And it continues. Jesus says casually to all the disciples, “Why don’t you bring some of those fish you’ve just caught?” And Peter jumps up, quick as a flash, and goes off to handle the job himself. He doesn’t wait for anybody else. Singlehandedly he drags the net ashore and fetches the extra fish. But even that’s not enough for him. Because it looks like he counted the fish, too. How else did they know there were 153 of them?
This is love. This is joy. These are the actions of a man who knows that Jesus loves him—even to the point of death and resurrection. And we stand in the same place Peter did, because Jesus loves us with that same forgiving, redeeming love. What else can we do for Him but love Him back?
WE PRAY: Heavenly Father, give us the eagerness of Peter to serve and love Your Son. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Reflection Questions:
1. What is a small thing, even a silly thing, that you have done for love of someone else?
2. Did it feel unimportant when you did it?
3. How do you think Jesus feels about the small acts of love you do for Him?
Today’s Bible Readings: 1 Samuel 15-16 Luke 20:1-26
To Download Devotion MP3 to your computer, right click here and select “Save Link As” or “Save Target As” or “Download Linked File As”
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:
www.facebook.com/shepherdofthevalleyoceanside
Here is the website for Lutheran Hour Ministries: https://www.lhm.org/
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A very blessed Thursday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us.
