SVLC DEVOTION SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2023

by | Aug 18, 2023 | Daily Devotions

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2023

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

 NEWS: It’s the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost tomorrow and the doors to God’s house will be open once again. At 9 AM, Bible study takes place, with Pastor Joel leading us in studying the Book of genesis. In our 10 AM worship service the title of Pastor Joel’s sermon is, “Dogs, Crumbs and Perseverance.” It’s based on our Gospel selection for the day, Matthew 15:21-28 Our Old Testament reading is Isaiah 56:1, 6-8  The Psalmody is taken from Psalm 67 Our Epistle comes from Romans 11:1-2, 13-15, 28-32 After we have celebrated the Lord’s Supper and our service is complete, please proceed to the Community building for our monthly Potluck! If you can help, we need another main dish or two and drinks. Thank you!

Also swerving our Lord and congregation tomorrow are:

Techies:  Ian Andrews, Victor Dille

Reader:  Allen Kolkman

Acolyte:  Josephine Neemia

Greeter:  Carole Woodward

Ushers:   Rick Adams, Neith Neblett

Flowers:  OPEN

Fellowship:  Potluck

 PRAYERS: Today we remember the Doan family in our prayers: Marika, Chad, Lucille and Lydia. In our Summer of Prayer series, we pray to the Lord that all His children in Oceanside would speak respectfully of their neighbors and put the “best construction” on all matters.

 READINGS: Lamentations 2:13-22; Psalm 47; Philippians 4:2-23

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“Resisting the World”
August 19, 2023

 

Romans 12:2 – Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

The world around us has a huge impact on what we think, how we feel, even what we believe. This is true in our day, and it was true in the time of the apostle Paul. Because this is so, he was concerned that Christians not become saturated by their culture.

Now while we may not want our mindset to be overly shaped by the superficial and self-centered ways of this world, it’s hard to resist this potent lure. After all, we’re daily inundated by outside influences, and these shape our thinking on many levels.

In our struggle to resist the world, Paul gives us good news, and it’s centered in the Lord Jesus Christ: “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16).

Here, Paul was echoing the words of Jesus, who was crucified on the cross and raised again from the dead. This is what the Savior said: “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63b). When Jesus was tempted by the devil—as we all are tempted to conform to the world—Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4b).

Friends, grappling with the world all around us is a full-time job and one that we’re ill equipped to do on our own. But God’s Holy Spirit can empower us, sustain us, and give us the victory we so desperately want and need. We cannot do it on our own. James tells us, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

To this end, let the Word of God richly dwell in your heart. Let its divine nourishment encourage your soul, renew your mind, fortify your faith, and guide you in the way everlasting. God knows the battles you face and He has given you triumph in every one of them through Christ Jesus.

In your fight to resist the world, seek strength from God in His Word. Then, going forth, live with the assurance that He will sustain you in your faith, protecting you as a loving father watches over his child. “The Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3).

WE PRAY: Heavenly Father, give us the power to resist the world around us and to stay close to You. Amen.

From “New Life Comes from Christ, Not Culture,” a sermon excerpt from Rev. Dr. Wallace Schulz, former Speaker of The Lutheran Hour

Reflection Questions:

1. What helps you resist the things you shouldn’t do?

2. Can praising God help us in our struggles in the world? Can you cite an example from your life?

3. What advice or assistance do you give others who are struggling with temptations?

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Psalms 73, 85; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

 

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/

 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 Saturday and weekend to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us

 Pastor Joel, pastor@svlcchurch.org