SVLC DEVOTION MONDAY, JANUARY 15, 2024

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

MONDAY, JANUARY 15, 2024

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

 NEWS: Another great day in the Lord’s house yesterday. Many joined us for worship in person as well as online. Thank you to all who served our congregation before, during and after worship. Thank you also to Pastor Joel for his teaching and leading our worship!

Tuesday Bible Study!  We meet at the Kolkman’s, 6:30-8:00.  Topic: “Jesus Says – Discussing the Sermon on the Mount.”  The evening includes devotions and fellowship. All are invited to attend!

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Theodora Elias in our prayers.

 READINGS: Ezekiel 37:15-28; Romans 6

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“Salvation and Glory” January 15, 2024

 

Psalm 62:5-8 – For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. In a preview for a new, live action version of the old, animated movie Snow White, the main character announces that she will find strength within herself to confront the challenges she will face on her journey. That may or may not have been a factor in the plot of the older version of the movie, but in our culture, self-reliance and independence are highly valued traits. These are, of course, very useful qualities for anyone, but as followers of Jesus Christ we know that discipleship calls for an even more important trait—humility. In our verses today, the psalmist counsels his soul, engaging in some encouraging “self-talk,” but he is not searching for inner-strength or self-reliance. In humility he acknowledges that his own strength is not enough. He will not find hope and salvation within himself. He tells his soul, “For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him.” God alone can provide help and hope. Those words are wise and inspired counsel for our souls, too. We may have inner strength and courage—such qualities are also gifts of God—but in joy or in sorrow, in trying days and ordinary days, true help and lasting hope can only be found outside of ourselves. God alone is our firm foundation, our rock and our fortress. To Him alone we can pour out our hearts, our fears and worries, knowing that He is our refuge, our place of safety. God is our rock and foundation, not only for this present life, but for eternity. No powers of independence or self-reliance, no inner strength of character, can win for us salvation and eternal glory. In humility and hope we admit that we cannot save ourselves. Jesus our Lord has done that for us. As the psalmist writes, “On God rests my salvation and my glory.” We are to have the attitude of Christ, who humbled Himself to the point of death on the cross to save us. Jesus humbly placed His hope in His Heavenly Father. Even as He hung on the cross, Jesus “continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23b). Jesus was raised up in triumph over death and exalted to reign at the right hand of God: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the Cornerstone” (Psalm 118:22). Jesus is our Rock and our Fortress. Our salvation and our glory rest in Him alone. WE PRAY: Lord, when I am worried and fearful, help me to remember that You are my Fortress. Amen. This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler. Reflection Questions: 1. When do you most realize your strength alone is not enough to get you through? 2. Scripture often mentions waiting in silence on God? Why do you think that is important? 3. How do you surrender your life to God on a daily basis?

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Job 17-19; Matthew 10:21-42

 

Pastor Joel is Here for You.  If you have a pastoral need or a prayer request for Pastor Joel, please call or text him at 775-336-9680 or email him at luckemeyerj@gmail.com

 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