SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1st, 2022
A HAPPY, BLESSED OCTOBER AND LAST QUARTER OF THE YEAR TO ALL!
NEWS: We’re into a brand-new month and a good one it is! We’ll be in God’s house tomorrow, meeting up with our fellow brothers/sisters in Christ. The day starts with Bible study at 9 AM. Pastor Joel is leading us in a study of the Lord’s prayer, with sections from Marin Luther’s Large and Small Catechisms. Our worship takes place at 10 AM and the title of Pastor Joel’s sermon is, “That’s Impossible!” It’s based on our Gospel reading for the day, Luke 17:1-10 Our Old Testament reading is from Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4 Our second lesson is 2 Timothy 1:1-14 After all have received the Lord’s Supper and our service is complete, please join us outside for fellowship time, with coffee and other goodies. Then, meet up at Carl’s Jr. on Douglas, near River Rd., for continued fellowship time!
Those who are also serving on Sunday are:
Fellowship: OPEN
Flowers: The Neemia family
Techies: Ian Andrews, Bruce Woodward
Reader: Allen Latall
Acolyte: Josephine Neemia
Greeter: Allen Kolkman
Ushers: Victor Dille, Keith Neblett
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Terry and Alba Reilly.
READINGS: Psalm 130; Psalm 51; Deuteronomy 2:16-37; Matthew 6:16-34
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“God’s Written Witness”
2 Chronicles 29:15, 24 – They gathered their brothers and consecrated themselves and went in as the king had commanded, by the words of the LORD, to cleanse the house of the LORD. … and the priests slaughtered them [the goats] and made a sin offering with their blood on the altar, to make atonement for all Israel. For the king commanded that the burnt offering and the sin offering should be made for all Israel.
Our text today deals with reforms made under King Hezekiah. When Hezekiah restored the divine Word, he knew that atonement would have to be made for the sins of his people. For this reason, the priests made atonement for the people of Israel with “blood on the altar.” As Christians our reconciliation with God the Father has been made possible by the spilt blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ.
Martin Luther understood this very well. During the Reformation his eyes were opened to the fact that in Christ alone, but in him completely, every believer has the forgiveness of sins. It became Luther’s all-consuming object in life to lift up the atoning Savior, to preach the crucified, sin-destroying Christ, the risen, life-bestowing Redeemer.
Hezekiah carried out his reformation by returning to the Word of God. Luther was successful, too, because he went back to the sacred Scriptures and grounded his teachings in its truths, not on human speculation or the errors of man. Similarly, churches today need that loyalty and love for the whole Bible which, as the apostle Paul promises, is able to do so much for us: “And now I commend you to God and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20:32).
God’s blessed Word is the sacred treasure of every Christ-confessing believer. No minister or priest, no high-and-mighty official or ecclesiastical ruler has exclusive rights to God’s divine truth. His Word-from Genesis to Revelation—belongs to everyone, in every place, at every time. It is as life-transforming right now as it was when it was first set down in writing for our benefit and instruction. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).
It is the Bible which point us to God’s mercy, to His love and grace, and to His beloved Son Jesus. As you consider the struggles of life and the challenges you encounter to your faith, remember that God has given us His Word as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (see Psalm 119:105). It is for our next step, and the one we take after that. It is through the Words of Scripture that the Heavenly Father speaks to us about His Son, “the Light of the world” (John 8:12b). And as Jesus said, it is “they that bear witness about Me” (John 5:39b).
WE PRAY: Heavenly Father, lead us to the truth of Jesus in Your Word. In His Name we pray. Amen.
From “O God, Cleanse Our Churches!” a sermon excerpt from Rev. Dr. Walter A. Maier, the first Speaker of The Lutheran Hour
Reflection Questions:
1. Originally, what two languages was the Bible written in? (Extra credit if you know a third language used for some parts of the Old Testament and a smattering of words in the New.)
2. What were some of King Hezekiah’s reforms? (Read 2 Chronicles 29-31 for a few details.)
3. What parts of the Bible speak most clearly to you?
Today’s Bible Readings: Isaiah 50-52 Romans 9:16-33
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 hours: 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 Saturday and weekend to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
