SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS
MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2023
There is a real profit, of course, but it comes only to those who live contentedly as God would have them live. We brought absolutely nothing with us when we entered the world and we can be sure we shall take absolutely nothing with us when we leave it. Surely then, as far as physical things are concerned, it is sufficient for us to keep our bodies fed and clothed. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 J.B. Phillips New Testament Version
NEWS: We had 35 who gathered in God’s house yesterday for worship, with more joining us online. We thank all who attendeded and give thanks for all who served our congregation. We are especially grateful for Pastor Joel and the way he leads our Bible study and worship service: Thanks Be To God!
The Tuesday Evening Bible study continues tomorrow at the home of Debbie and Allen Kolkman. The Parables of Jesus are the study topic and it runs from 6:30 to 8 PM. A short devotion is said, followed by the study material and then fellowship time, with coffee and some goodies. All are invited and the Kolkman’s address is 710 Fredricks Ave., Oceanside.
Mark your calendar for Sunday, February 12th: we’re having a Super Bowl party in our sanctuary! It starts at 3 PM and we’ll be viewing the game on our screen. Bring food, snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic) to share. COME…EVEN IF YOU DON’T CARE ABOUT FOOTBALL. There will be tables for board games and this is meant to be a family event! Of course we’ll still have our regular Bible study and worship service that morning.
PRAYERS: Today we pray for the Neemia family: Mike, Fale, Easter, Penny, Josepine and Jeremiah.
READINGS: Psalm 139:1-6, 12-14; Psalm 81; Joel 2:18-32; Romans 11:25-12:13
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“Blameless”
Psalm 15:1-3 – O LORD, who shall sojourn in Your tent? Who shall dwell on Your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend.
“O LORD, who shall sojourn in Your tent?” It is an important question. Who is able to enter the presence of God and worship Him in His holy temple? This leads us to consider an even more critical question. Who will live in God’s presence and dwell with Him for eternity? We may hear the popular responses to such a question: “Good people go to heaven.” “Those who try hard to follow God’s Law or who, at least, do their best, will be saved.” We may fall into the tempting trap of those answers ourselves, foolishly hoping that our best efforts will be enough to earn eternal life.
The actual requirements for dwelling in God’s presence, now and forever, are far more demanding. According to the psalmist, those who are blameless, who do right and speak the truth, who do no wrong to a neighbor, will sojourn in the Lord’s tent. God told the people of Israel, “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2b). Jesus said, “You therefore must be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). When Jesus once spoke of the difficulty of salvation even for a wealthy person, His astonished followers asked, “Then who can be saved?” The Lord answered, “What is impossible with man is possible with God” (Luke 18:26b, 27b).
The impossible was accomplished when God the Son was born among us. Throughout His earthly life, Jesus walked blamelessly and did what was right. He spoke the truth; He is the Truth. He did not slander others or do evil to His neighbor. He gave His entire life in loving service to His neighbor, teaching, helping, and healing. “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in His mouth” (1 Peter 2:22). Innocent of all sin, Jesus took onto Himself the penalty of death for the sins of others, for the sins of the world. Even as He hung dying on the cross, He did not slander those who mocked Him: “When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten” (1 Peter 2:23a).
We are justified by God’s grace through faith. We are clothed in Jesus’ righteousness; His perfect life covers our sinful lives. “O LORD, who shall sojourn in Your tent?” We will dwell with God and for all eternity we will praise Him for doing the impossible: “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” (Jude 24-25).
WE PRAY: Lord, I look forward to worshiping in Your presence, now and for all eternity. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler.
Reflection Questions:
1. Do you go to church with a sense of awe or wonder or humility at going into the house of the Lord?
2. How can we ever come into the Lord’s presence if we are to be holy and blameless before Him?
3. Was the silent suffering of Jesus more profound than if He had ridiculed those who crucified Him?
Today’s Bible Readings: Job 36-37 Matthew 15:1-20
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 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
