SVLC DEVOTION THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. Hebrews 1:3-4 ESV

 NEWS: Saturday is EAT-O-VISION at 4 PM in our church! The movie, “The Sandlot” is being shown. It’s not JUST the movie though: food and treats will be served at various points, corresponding to scenes in the flick. It’s for kids, adults, friends, family and neighbors…all are invited to share this fun time at SVLC!

 PRAYERS: Today we remember the Neemia family in prayer: Fale, Mike, Easter, Penny, JoJo and Jeremiah. In our Summer of Prayer, Day 2, we pray for thanksgiving for our family of Faith at Shepherd of The Valley.

 READINGS: Jeremiah 21:1-10; Psalm 141; Acts 12:18-25

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“Follow the Leader” June 22, 2023

 

Matthew 10:5a, 24-25 – These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, … “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.” You probably remember a children’s game called “Follow the Leader.” A group of children choose a leader and follow in a line behind him or her. They go where the leader goes and they do what the leader does. And what happens to the leader happens to them—if he gets muddy, so do they. If she gets burrs in her socks, so do they. Children accept those things as part of the game. Jesus tells us that it’s the same way for us when we follow Jesus. We must go where He goes and do what He does. If Jesus goes to places or among people we are not comfortable with, we follow Him. If Jesus cares for people in ways that take more time or commitment than we’re used to, we do that too—and become more and more like Him in the process. And if trouble comes to Jesus—and it did—we can expect it to come to us as well. All these things are part of being Jesus’ disciples. It’s kind of Him to warn us, isn’t it? Because a lot of us have got it stuck in our heads that if we are nice to people and do good things, the world will treat us kindly. But it doesn’t happen that way. Sooner or later, someone we help will betray us; someone we’ve defended will lie about us; someone we’ve trusted and loved will sacrifice us to get something they want more. And then we are shocked. When that happens, turn to your leader, to Jesus. He is the One who came into this world for your sake, though He knew full well what it would cost Him—hard work, suffering, and death on a cross at the end. He knows your suffering as well. Trust Him to bring you safely through it. Lean on His gentle strength and understanding. At the right time, He will raise you up again, even as He Himself rose from the dead for our sakes. In this life we will certainly suffer, but we will also certainly rise again—because Jesus is in charge, and we belong to Him. WE PRAY: Lord, help me as I follow You, especially in the hard times. Amen. This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo. Reflection Questions: 1. When has following Jesus got you into something you were not expecting? 2. How do you feel about that experience now, looking back on it? 3. Right now, would you say that you are living through a hard part or an easy part of following Jesus?

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Song 1-3; Acts 6

 

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 Thursday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us

 Pastor Joel, pastor@svlcchurch.org