SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
MONDAY, JUNE 13
NEWS: Thanks to all who helped make Trinity Sunday a great day in God’s house yesterday: all who attended Bible study and worship, all who served and of course our Pastor Joel! Also, a big Thank You for all who assisted with our Work Party on Saturday and for those who attended the meeting for the Fellowship Team.
For this week, Tuesday evening Bible study at the Kolkman’s is now on summer hiatus. The Wednesday evening Women’s Bible study is still in session. The ladies are going through, “Experiencing the Heart of Jesus,” by Max Lucado. Lori Dowe is the leader .
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Keith Neblett. Keith requests prayers for a quick resolution to tenant issues he is dealing with and for the people of the Ukraine. We include a prayer for the Holy Spirit, taken from the LSB (Lutheran Service Book): “Almighty God, send Your Holy Spirit into our hearts that He may rule and direct us according to Your will, comfort us in all our temptations and afflictions, defend us from all error and lead us into all truth that we, being steadfast in faith, may increase in all good works and in the end obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
READINGS: Psalm 68:32-35; Psalm 85; Proverbs 13:1-25; John 14:18-31
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“His Holy Hill”
Psalm 3:2-4 – Many are saying of my soul, “There is no salvation for him in God.” But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the LORD, and He answered me from His holy hill.
“There is no salvation for him in God.” We may have heard similar comments in our culture today. Unbelievers may ridicule our faith as useless. From their point of view, our beliefs are merely a collection of outdated rules and myths. The Christian faith is thought to be just another religion among many. Our worship of Jesus alone as the only way of salvation is thought by some people to be “true for us” but not necessarily true for them. Christians may even be accused of “hate speech” if they witness to our Lord or speak of God’s design for marriage and life.
We want to be lights of the world, as Jesus has called us to be. We respect the beliefs of others and seek to witness in gentle, winning ways, yet we should not be surprised if we are hated. Jesus warned us of what lay ahead: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you” (John 15:18). Jesus was hated and rejected by many of the people He came to save. He was betrayed and arrested. During His trial, Jesus was mocked as a false king. His true claim to be the Messiah and the Son of God was condemned as blasphemy. The hatred and ridicule of His enemies followed the Savior to the cross. The notice posted of His “crime” called Him “The King of the Jews” to mock His teaching about the kingdom of God. His enemies said there was no salvation for Him in God. As He hung on the cross, they taunted Him, “He trusts in God; let God deliver Him now, if He desires Him. For He said, ‘I am the Son of God'” (Matthew 27:43). They mocked His ability to save: “He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel; let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him” (Matthew 27:42).
The Son of God did not come down from the cross. He did not save Himself. “He saved others.” He saved us through His redeeming death and victorious resurrection. Through Christ our Lord, there is salvation for us in God. We pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who are persecuted because of their faith. We pray that we, with them, will be faithful in our witness to Jesus because the Lord is our shield and our glory. God our Savior lifts our heads. Through His Spirit, we have confidence in the face of the world’s hatred. There is salvation for us in God. On a hill we call Mount Calvary, the Son of God laid down His life to atone for the sins of the world. God has answered from His holy hill.
WE PRAY: Lord, strengthen those who face persecution for the sake of Your Name. Keep all who trust in You steadfast in faith. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler.
Reflection Questions:
1. People saying the Bible is full of outdated myths and ancient stories is nothing new. How can talking about what Jesus did for us be helpful here?
2. Why does society seem to be indifferent or anti-God in so many ways?
3. How can we be a light to the world even when people reject our verbal witness about Jesus?
Today’s Bible Readings: Proverbs 8-9 John 21
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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 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 Monday and new week to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
