SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15
NEWS: We’ll return to God’s house and being in the Lord’s presence tomorrow with fellow believers. The morning begins at 9 AM with Bible study. Pastor Joel is leading us in a study of the Lord’s prayer. Our worship service is at 10 and the title of Pastor Joel’s sermon is, “Welcoming God.” It’s based on the Gospel reading for the day, Luke 18:1-8 The other readings for this 19th Sunday after Pentecost are Genesis 32:22-30 and 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 After we’ve celebrated the Lord’s Supper and our service is complete, please join us outside for fellowship time, with coffee and goodies. Our fellowship will continue then at El Pollo Loco, in the Mission Marketplace, on College Ave.
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Kay Berni. Kay requests prayers for an issue she is having with her home. Also, for her grandson Kent. They have found a new doctor for him and prayers are being asked that they can find solutions for his medical needs that have carried on for years.
READINGS: Psalm 119:33-40; Psalm 34:8-18; Deuteronomy 13:1-18; Matthew 13:1-23
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“They Got It!”
Mark 1:14-20 – Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the Gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel.” Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed Him. And going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed Him.
Note how Jesus makes discipleship personal. He met these four men at their workplace; they were professional fishermen. To these four—Simon, whom we know best as Peter, Andrew, James, and John—Jesus makes a personal contact. He invites them into a deeper relationship with Himself. The Savior wanted them to understand repentance and faith and the Good News of God, and then share it with others.
Sure, the disciples were certainly blessed to see Jesus face to face. But how do we spend time with Jesus? Now, Peter and the others talked with Jesus, walked with Him, laughed with Him. But it’s not quite the same today, is it? So, how do we spend time with God? How can we too partake in a one-on-one relationship with the Almighty? The answer is when you spend time in His Word—diving in, digging deep, searching it intensely for the truths it holds. (See Psalm 119:160, 2 Timothy 3:16.)
Sadly, we see in Mark’s Gospel that Peter and the others don’t really get it. They don’t get Jesus’ message of repentant faith in the Good News. The same can be true for you and me, too. Where do we resist letting Jesus be our Lord? Where are we not repentant? Where do we trust in sight and not on faith? Against our stubborn hearts, our cry must be, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).
Do you know when the disciples finally got it? The resurrection! It was then that Peter and the disciples understood the words of Jesus, and it’s the same for us today. We now have the testimony of Jesus’ disciples written for our edification, pointing us to the cross and the forgiveness God has given us there. In fact, every time we engage the Bible, the Spirit of the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ is present, guiding us, working in our hearts a deeper repentance and faith in the Good News of God.
WE PRAY: Heavenly Father, lead us into Your Word and the light of Your Son Jesus. In His Name we pray. Amen.
From “Meeting Millennials Where They’re At,” a sermon excerpt from Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour
Reflection Questions:
1. Have you ever been picked to do a special job at work or school? What was it?
2. From what you know about Jesus’ disciples, what kind of people do you think they were?
3. Why is Jesus’ resurrection from the dead such a big deal for us?
Today’s Bible Readings: 2 Chronicles 33-34 Acts 23:16-35
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
