Weekly Devotional Helps, August 24-30

On Saturday, we observe the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist. St. John the Baptist did not shrink from telling the people that they needed to repent. Herod was one that John the Baptist spoke against. It is easy to point at those who cannot do anything to change your stature in life. It is harder to bring the law to those who can stop you from getting daily bread or even end your earthly life. We are told in Scripture not to fear those who only can kill the body. The Bible is correct, but that does not mean that it is easy to do. St. John the Baptist treasured the Word of God over his own life. He was confident in the Triune God. He put his head on the line in his proclamation. May we follow the example of John the Baptist in our own life, even when it brings persecution.

Readings-

Monday- St. Bartholomew, Apostle- Proverbs 3:1-8; 2 Corinthians 4:7-10; Luke 22:24-30

Tuesday- 1 Kings 7:51-8:21; 2 Corinthians 3:1-18

Wednesday- 1 Kings 8:22-30, 46-63; 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

Thursday- 1 Kings 9:1-9, 10:1-13; 2 Corinthians 5:1-21

Friday- 1 Kings 11:1-26; 2 Corinthians 6:1-18

Saturday- Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist- Rev. 6:9-11; Romans 6:1-5; Mark 6:14-29

Sunday- Jeremiah 15:15-21; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28

Collect for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost–

Almighty God, Your Son willingly endured the agony and shame of the cross for our redemption. Grant us courage to take up our cross daily and follow Him wherever He leads; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Small Catechism- (If you want, try and memorize this by next Sunday.)

From the Table of Duties)- To Bishops, Pastors, and Preachers- “The overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect.” (1 Timothy 3:2-4) (4th grade +)

Weekly Hymn of Emphasis- LSB 531 Hail, Thou Once Despised Jesus

Helpful prayers from the Lutheran Prayer Companion this week-235, 335, 352, 427, 428