SVLC DEVOTION MONDAY, JUNE 27

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION

MONDAY, JUNE 27

 NEWS: It was an awesome day in God’s house again yesterday and we had 45 in attendance. We pray all who attended Bible study and the worship service, as well as those who were with us online, were blessed by Pastor Joel and his teaching/message. We also thank all who served our congregation yesterday in their various roles.

 PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Kathy Andrews. Kathy prays that she can stay healthy as Ian recovers from his cold/Covid diagnosis. Margaret Paton requests prayers for her daughter and husband. Also, that her grandchildren return safely from vacation in Africa. Additionally, Margaret asks prayers that her health will improve. We have another prayer from the LSB (Lutheran Service Book) for the care of children: “Almighty God, heavenly Father, You have blessed us with the joy and care of children. Give us calm strength and patient wisdom that, as they grown in years, we may teach them to love whatever is just and true and good, following the example of our Savior, Jesus Christ, our Lord.”

 READINGS: Psalm 51; Joshua 2:1-24; Acts 8:26-40

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“Awesome!” June 27, 2022

 

Psalm 66:5-6 – Come and see what God has done: He is awesome in His deeds toward the children of man. He turned the sea into dry land: they passed through the river on foot. There did we rejoice in Him. The psalmist invites us to come and see what God has done, to celebrate the Lord’s awesome deeds among His people. So where does the psalmist start? What is the first awesome deed mentioned? There are, after all, so many. The psalmist might have spoken of the creation of the world, when God called light into existence and formed a man from the dust of the earth. Our attention might be drawn to God’s acts of judgment in the Flood or at the Tower of Babel, deeds both awesome and terrible. Another awesome deed was the Lord’s gracious covenant promise made to the patriarch Abraham, whose descendant would be a blessing for all nations. Those are awesome deeds, but we do not hear about them in this psalm. The psalmist begins with Israel’s exodus from Egypt, when they crossed the Red Sea and finally arrived at the Promised Land’s Jordan River. God “turned the sea into dry land,” and “they passed through the river on foot.” With mighty acts of power God delivered His people from slavery. The blood of the slain lambs saved them on the night God destroyed the firstborn of Egypt. Trapped at the Red Sea and facing certain death, God made a way through the water. The Israelites passed through in safety, and the sea returned to its place, drowning the pursuing enemy. When they came to the flooding Jordan, God caused the waters to pile up so that the people could cross the river on dry ground. These were the awesome deeds of the Lord as He led His people through water into freedom and new life. Suppose that we extended the same invitation to others: “Come and see what God has done.” Where would we begin? We might choose the place where God’s awesome deeds began in our own lives, at the baptismal font. There, through the power of the Holy Spirit at work in the water and the Word, we were buried with Christ and raised to new life. From that day forward, the mighty deeds of the Lord continued in our lives. But perhaps we should go back to earlier awesome deeds. We might start at the foot of the cross, where the Lamb of God was slain to save us from death and our slavery to sin. In a mighty act of power, Jesus was raised from death, a victory that is now ours by faith. At the empty tomb, an angel said to the women who had come seeking the Lord, “Come, see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead” (Matthew 28:6b-7a). Standing by faith at the cross and empty tomb, we invite others to meet our crucified and risen Lord: “Come and see! This is awesome!” WE PRAY: Lord God, by mighty acts of power You saved the Israelites. With mighty acts of power You saved me. Amen. This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler. Reflection Questions: 1. How do you think God actually works in His creation? 2. What are some New Testament examples of Jesus displaying power over nature? 3. Which is more awesome: to move a mountain or to forgive the sins of the world? Which cost God more?

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: 1 Kings 10-11; Acts 8:26-40

 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 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 Monday and new week to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us

Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org