SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2022
NEWS: Bible study is taking place this evening at the home of Debbie and Allen Kolkman. It goes from 6:30 to 8 PM and the Parables of Jesus are being discussed. All are invited to this time of fellowship and learning God’s word. The Kolkman’s address is 710 Fredericks Ave., Oceanside.
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Ian Andrews.
READINGS: Psalm 111; Psalm 92:1-8; Daniel 2:24-49; Revelation 19:1-21
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“The Highest of the Mountains?”
saiah 2:1-5 – The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it, and many peoples shall come, and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob, that He may teach us His ways and that we may walk in H¬is paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the Word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD.
The mountains of Jerusalem are not particularly high. Mount Zion isn’t even the tallest in the immediate neighborhood; the Mount of Olives is taller. And yet God says that “the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established as the highest of the mountains”—if not literally, then certainly figuratively. It will become the center of all nations, and people everywhere will come to hear the Lord’s Word and obey it.
Why? Because the Lord will be there, Isaiah says, and His Word will go out from there to the whole world. That’s enough to make a mountain great. And that’s exactly what happened—because Jesus’ cross stood just outside Jerusalem’s gates, on the mountain of the Lord. Now Jerusalem is honored above all cities because this is where Jesus taught, suffered, died, and was buried—and rose again, breaking the power of death and evil for the whole human race.
And just as Isaiah notes, the Word of the Lord went out from Jerusalem—because Jesus sent out His disciples to tell everyone about Him and what He had done. He said, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His Name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24:46-48).
Mount Zion is great, not in itself, but because of what God has used it for. And the same is true for us, isn’t it? We all know that in ourselves we are not much. Jesus is correct when He says, “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5b).
But with Him—ah, that’s another story! Just as He did with lowly Mount Zion, so He will do with us. He will use us—even you, even me, if we will let Him!—to bring the Good News of His salvation to people everywhere. Because then it won’t be us doing it, but He Himself, working through us. And Jesus does wonderful things.
WE PRAY: Dear Savior, show me what You want to do through me—and please make it happen, in Your wisdom and strength. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Reflection Questions:
1. What is the highest mountain you have ever been on?
2. What is one great thing that God has accomplished in your life using humble people?
3. What is a great thing you think God might use you for, to bring about His will?
Today’s Bible Readings: Ezekiel 18-19 2 Timothy 3
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 Tuesday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
