SVLC DEVOTION MONDAY, MAY 22, 2023

by | May 21, 2023 | Daily Devotions

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

MONDAY, MAY 22, 2023

 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life. Psalm 119:93 ESV

 NEWS: It was a blessed day in the Lord’s house yesterday with Bible study and our worship service. There were 51 who attended in person, with more of us joining online. We are thankful for everyone who served and most certainly for Pastor Joel in his teaching, leading our worship and the wonderful message he preached. Thank you also to those who attended and participated in our congregational meeting.

Tomorrow evening the Tuesday evening Bible study, “Life in The Year one: The Holy Lands,” continues at the home of Debbie and Allen Kolkman. It goes from 6:30 to 8 PM with a brief devotion, followed by the study and then fellowship time. The Kolkman’s address is 710 Fredricks Ave., Oceanside

 PRAYERS: Today we lift up Daria Roth in prayer.

 READINGS: Jeremiah 2:14-28; Psalm 119:89-96; Luke 24:1-12

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“Trust in the Lord”

May 22, 2023

 

Psalm 25:1-3 – To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul. O my God, in You I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none who wait for You shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

“Let me not be put to shame.” Unbelievers may mock the Christian claim that salvation is found only through faith in Jesus. Others sometimes dismiss our beliefs, claiming that what is “true” for us does not have to be “true” for them. They may simply deny any need for salvation. Whatever the world around us may or may not believe, we confess the truth of our faith in Jesus. We do not need to be ashamed of bearing the Name of Christ: “If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that Name” (1 Peter 4:16).

There is another kind of shame, something more personal. We may struggle with sin and guilt and with thoughts, words, and actions of which we are ashamed. That kind of shame becomes a very heavy burden. Even if no one else sees or knows that shame, we know it and we may be afraid because God knows it, too. It is the fearful shame known by Adam and Eve when they ate the fruit forbidden to them. “The eyes of both were opened” and they recognized their shame before one another and before God (Genesis 3:7a).

The psalmist’s answer to shame, whether from our opponents or found within ourselves, is trust. “O my God, in You I trust … none who wait for You shall be put to shame.” We trust in our Lord Jesus Christ, who bore our guilt and shame in His own body on the cross. He hung helpless, dying a shameful death as His enemies exulted over Him. Yet Jesus put His trust in His Heavenly Father as He prayed, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46b). It was the mocking triumph of Jesus’ enemies that was put to shame. The Savior’s trust was fulfilled when, on the third day after His death, the Father raised His Son to life in victory over sin, death, and the devil.

Opponents of our faith may still seek to shame us for our beliefs. Sometimes we will feel the heavy burden of our own guilt. At such times we pray with the psalmist, “To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul. O my God, in You I trust.” We place our trust in our Lord Jesus, who died and rose to take away our guilt and shame. Our sins are forgiven and are forever removed from the sight of God. Trust in the Lord. None who wait for Him shall be put to shame.

WE PRAY: “Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.” Amen. (Psalm 31:5).

This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler.

Reflection Questions:

1. Do you find it hard in general to trust other people? Why?

2. Why is there such simple power and peace in just trusting God when life is tough?

3. What do you do when you feel you are mocked or put down because of your faith?

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Psalms 7-8; John 7:28-53

 

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

 Pastor Joel, pastor@svlcchurch.org