SVLC DEVOTION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2023

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

 NEWS: We had a beautiful Sunday in the Lord’s house yesterday. There were 48 who attended worship in person, with more joining us online. Thank you to all those who served for and during our worship. Thanks to Amy Luckemeyer for providing our fellowship treats. Thank yo also to Pastor Joel for leading our Bible study and our worship service. Also for his sermon message.

 PRAYERS: Today we remember the Cerny family in our prayers: Amanda, Josh, William and Daniel.

 READINGS: Ezekiel 22; Psalm 83; Titus 3

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“Still Learning” September 25, 2023

 

Psalm 25:4-6 – Make me to know Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day long. Remember Your mercy, O LORD, and Your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Jesus said, “If you abide in My Word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31b-32). In our psalm verses we pray that the Lord would teach us and help us to abide in the Word of God. Living in His Word, we find the truth that sets us free. It is not something we can accomplish on our own, so we pray, “Make me to know … teach me … lead me.” “You are the God of my salvation.” That is the place to start. God called the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt and formed them into a nation, a kingdom of priests to worship and serve Him. He gave them His commandments so they would walk in His ways. The lessons began with who God is and what He had done for them: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery” (Exodus 20:2). Our lessons begin in the same place, with the Lord who saved us and set us free. We were dead in our sins, unable to walk in the Lord’s ways. “But God being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him” (Ephesians 2:4-6). In Baptism, we are united to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Raised to new life, we are born anew. As newborn children of God—infants, children, or adults, yet all newborn—we begin the lifelong lessons of walking in the Lord’s ways. Our Savior holds us in His hands, just as little children learn to totter along, securely supported by an adult. Children learn by watching and imitating the adults in their lives. As children of God, we keep our eyes on our Savior as by faith we see and hear Him in God’s Word. “For you I wait all the day long.” Learning takes patience, as well as the humility to know that we still have much to learn. Following Jesus means bearing the cross. Yet as we follow and watch and learn, we continually review what we know and to whom we belong. Our learning continues as we are sheltered within the Lord’s mercy, chosen by grace and secure in the steadfast love of the God of our salvation. WE PRAY: God of my salvation, teach me to know Your ways and lead me in Your truth. Amen. This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler. Reflection Questions: 1. Does God teach us today in ways like He did the children of Israel so many years ago? 2. Can you name some instances of how God has led you in your life? 3. Have you turned whatever cross(es) you are bearing over to Jesus? Is this a daily surrender?

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Isaiah 37-38; Romans 5

 

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 hour  s: 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