SVLC DEVOTION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13,, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023

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

 NEWS: It was a great day in the house of the Lord yesterday. We thank everyone who joined us in person and online. Thanks to all who attended our twice yearly All Member meeting. Thanks to all who served our congregation and to Pastor Joel for his leading Bible study and our worship, especially his sermon message.  

Tomorrow evening Tuesday Bible study takes place at the home orf Debbie and Allen Kolkman from 6:30 to 8 PM.

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Chet Laird in our prayers. We also pray for those who share in the sorrow of death and the joy of resurrection for Linda Johnson, who the Lord called home to be with him.

 READINGS: Daniel 6:1-7:8; Psalm 119:49-56; 2 Peter 2:10-22

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“A Dwelling Place” November 13, 2023

 

Psalm 90:1-2 – Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God. In what kind of dwelling do you live? It may be a small apartment or a huge mansion or something in between. A dwelling place will usually meet a few basic requirements, at least we hope so. The place must be sturdy enough to provide shelter from weather. There is a need for safety, so a dwelling place may have strong doors and locks. We hope for a home that provides comfort, rest, and security In the psalms, God is often described as a very secure shelter. He is “our refuge and strength … our fortress” (Psalm 46:1b, 7b) and “the stronghold of my life” (Psalm 27:1b). God is “my rock … my shield” (Psalm 18:2b). He is the One to whom we turn in times of trouble, in a crisis of fear or doubt or in days of grief and loss, because He has promised to help us: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me” (Psalm 50:15). We turn to our Lord in prayer and find comfort and encouragement in the promises of His Word. In our psalm verses today, God is not described as a great stone fortress or secure stronghold. In these verses, the Lord is simply “our dwelling place.” He is our fortress in times of trouble, but at all times, good and bad, we place our trust in Him. He is the Lord in whom “we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28b). Just as we hope to find rest in our earthly homes after a long day, in God we find forgiveness, peace, and rest. Jesus also spoke of Himself as the One in whom we dwell. He is the true Vine, our Source of life: “Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5b). He 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). The Lord has been our dwelling place “before the mountains were brought forth,” before He “formed the earth or the world.” God chose us to be His own in Christ Jesus “before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4b). Baptized in the Name of the Triune God, we are united with Jesus in His death and resurrection. We have been adopted as sons and daughters into the household of God. His Spirit dwells within us, and by faith we live in Him. Our dwelling place is secure, both now and forever, in the One who is God from everlasting to everlasting. WE PRAY: My God and Savior, You are my dwelling place. In You I have rest and peace. Amen. This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler. Reflection Questions: 1. What do you like most about where you live? (You can name more than one thing.) 2. How does God provide for us beyond supplying material goods and physical shelter? 3. What is the ultimate security we know that we have in God?

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Daniel 8-10; Philemon

 

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