SVLC DEVOTION TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2023

 This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

 NEWS: Blessings to all as we are in the summer season, with kids out of school and with travels being taken.

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Kyle Ross in our prayers. We ask the Lord to grant him safety as he travels each and ask guidance as he helps his elderly parents. In our Summer of Prayer we pray that the Holy Spirit and God’s truth would take root at Community Roots Farm as they continue providing food for the community.

 READINGS: Jeremiah 24; Psalm 146; Acts 14:8-18

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“The Real Good News” June 27, 2023

 

Jeremiah 28:5-9 – Then the prophet Jeremiah spoke to Hananiah the prophet in the presence of the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the LORD, and the prophet Jeremiah said, “Amen! May the LORD do so; may the LORD make the words that you have prophesied come true, and bring back to this place from Babylon the vessels of the house of the LORD, and all the exiles. Yet hear now this word that I speak in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people. The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many countries and great kingdoms. As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes to pass, then it will be known that the LORD has truly sent the prophet.” Prophets usually tell us bad news; this is what Jeremiah reminds us in this story. After all, it makes sense. God doesn’t usually send prophets except when there’s trouble coming. Why would He need to send a prophet to say, “Hey, everything’s going to be just fine”? No, if a prophet is telling us exactly what we want to hear, we need to be suspicious. If anyone—politician, pastor or teacher, doctor or sales person—tells us that our lives are going to be completely pleasant and we won’t need any courage, faith, or endurance—well, it’s time to run away! Because that person is a liar, and we know it. The world doesn’t work that way. Live for very long, and you’ll suffer. There’s no such thing as a free lunch. Someone, somewhere, is going to pay for it. But what about Jesus, then? What about the message of all the Old Testament prophets together—and John the Baptist, too? They pointed to God’s promise to send a Savior, Jesus, who would be God Himself. This Savior would rescue the whole human race from the power of sin, death, and the devil. He would die and rise again to bring us home to God. And now God offers salvation, forgiveness, peace, joy, and everlasting life—all as a free gift to anyone who trusts in Jesus. This is the best news ever. But what about Jeremiah’s warning, then? Is it too good to be true? Where’s the catch in this? Where’s the suffering? It’s right there, at the cross of Jesus. As true Man and true God at the same time, Jesus lays down His life to rescue us all. Through His blood He saves us; and through His death and resurrection He gives us everlasting life. Yes, there is suffering—but God Himself foots the bill for our salvation. Then what about us—will we ever suffer? Of course we will. Jesus said, “Where I am, there will My servant be also” (John 12:26b), and we can expect to follow in His footsteps. But we will do it with joy, knowing that nobody can ever take us out of Jesus’ hands, and we are safe forever. WE PRAY: Dear Savior, when I suffer, help me to do it to Your glory, in Your service. Amen. This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo. Reflection Questions: 1. What is the worst kind of suffering—the kind that just happens, or the kind that has a purpose? 2. Why do you think so? 3. How has God used your suffering in some area of life to bring about a blessing?

 

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

 Pastor Joel, pastor@svlcchurch.org