SVLC DEVOTION MONDAY, MAY 1, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

MONDAY, MAY 1, 2023

A BLESSED MAY TO ALL

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

 NEWS: We had a wonderful day in the Lord’s house yesterday. Thank you to all who served our congregation and to Pastor Joel for his leadership in Bible study and our worship.

Tomorrow the Tuesday evening Bible study takes place at the home of Debbie and Allen Kolkman. The topic is, “Life in the Year One: The Holy Lands.” It starts at 6:30 PM with a short devotion, followed by the study material. Then fellowship time takes place, with coffee and some goodies. Things wind down around 8 PM. All are invited to attend. The Kolkmans address is 710 Fredericks Ave., Oceanside.

 PRAYERS: Today we raise up Gordon and Lois Friske in prayer.

 READINGS: 2 Chronicles 35:1-19; Psalm 110; Luke 18:15-30

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“Plans That Last” May 1, 2023

 

Psalm 146:3-5 – Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God. The psalmist often tells us that we are to trust in God, but the psalms also warn against trust that is wrongly and dangerously misplaced. We cannot be saved eternally by the sword or bow, weapons of our own making (see Psalm 44:6). Lies, of course, are never a source of true hope (see Psalm 40:4). However desirable earthly wealth may be, it is not a trustworthy place of refuge (see Psalm 52:7). We are warned against putting our trust in princes, in earthly rulers. According to God’s command, we respect and obey our rulers, but we are not to place our ultimate trust in them. The plans of a prince may promise so much, but when the prince dies, his plans die with him. Earthly plans cannot support lasting hope. We are not to place our trust in a mortal man, “a son of man in whom there is no salvation.” We build our hope on the Son of Man, Jesus our Lord, in whom there is  salvation. He is the Son of Man who came “to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45b). On the day of our ransom, the day we call Good Friday, it appeared that the plans of the Heavenly Prince of Peace were doomed to failure. As Jesus hung on the cross, His enemies mocked Him for what they believed to be the Messiah’s misplaced trust: “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). The breath of Jesus departed and His body was returned to the earth, buried in a tomb, yet the plans of our Heavenly Prince could never perish. Jesus, the Son of God and Son of Man, rose from the dead and, because He lives, He promises that we too will rise from death. No earthly prince can keep such a promise. We place our trust in our crucified and risen Lord and in Him alone we have forgiveness and eternal salvation. Misplaced trust cannot comfort us or help us to endure the trials and trouble we face each day. Our own strength and wealth and the most impressive princely promises will finally fail. Even our own plans will perish, but God has chosen us to be His own in Christ Jesus. He guides our steps and our plans according to His gracious will. We place our trust in the Lord our God and in Him we have hope now and for eternity. His plans and His promises will never fail! WE PRAY: Jesus, Son of God and Son of Man, I place my trust in You. Amen. This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler. Reflection Questions: 1. How hard is it for you to trust others? Whom are you most likely to trust? 2. What makes placing our confidence in politicians so difficult these days? 3. How has God shown us that our trust in Him is well placed?

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: 1 Samuel 20-21; Psalms 34; Luke 21:20-38

 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/

 Hereis 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, pastor@svlcchurch.org