SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS
SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2023
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
NEWS: Tomorrow is the First Sunday after Trinity as we return to God’s house. The day begins with Bible study at 9 AM. Thebook of Genesis is our topic and Pastor Joel will continue to lead us. In our 10 AM worship, the title of Pastor Joel’s sermon is, “Love that Finds You, Love that Moves You.” It’s based on the Gospel lesson, Matthew 9:9-13 Our Old Testament reading is Hosea 6:1-6 The second passage is taken from Romans 4:13-25 After we’ve celebrated the Lord’s Supper and our service is complete, please join us for fellowship time with coffee and goodies. Then fellowship continues at Carl’s Jr. Those serving our Lord and congregation tomorrow are
echies: Ian Andrews, OPEN
Reader: Keith Neblett
Acolyte: Josephine Neemia
Greeter: OPEN
Ushers: Victor Dille, Keith Neblett
Flowers: OPEN
Fellowship: OPEN
PLEASE NOTICE we do have some ministry spots open if anyone can help out. Thank you!
PRAYERS: Today we remember Gordon and Lois Friske in prayer.
READINGS: Jeremiah 12:5-17; Psalm 129; Acts 10:24-33
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“Complete Authority”
Mark 1:21-22 – And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He [Jesus] entered the synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.
As a pastor, I drive a sensible and dependable vehicle. But when a friend offered me a ride in his Corvette, I jumped at the opportunity. The car was stunning to look at and, after some squirming, impressive to sit in. Riding only a few inches off the ground, my friend put the machine through its paces. In first gear, I was thrown back. In second gear, I was firmly compressed into my seat. In third gear, I understood why the Corvette is a sports car with a lot of muscle.
Before long, we came upon a parked police car. My friend hit the brakes in a hurry. The 18-wheeler we left in our smoke squealed to find the speed limit. Everybody slowed down, on both sides of the road, which is the point: the Corvette had the power; the 18-wheeler with the big diesel engine had the power, but it was the parked police car that had the authority.
Who is the “authority” in your life? I’m not asking who can make you afraid. A bully may terrorize and a dictator may intimidate, but they should never have the authority. A person’s authority should be that individual that he or she respects and honors. And that respect should be given, not because it is demanded or because of some real or imagined compulsion, but because it has been earned.
There is no one who deserves our honor and respect more than Jesus. Those who heard Him here on earth would attest that He taught as one with authority. He taught people to love their enemies and do good to those who persecuted them. He told all who would listen that God wanted people to show their appreciation for His love by how they lived and the sincerity of their hearts—not by the money they put into the temple treasury.
But as important as Jesus’ teachings are, His authority is based on much more. Leaving His throne in heaven, Jesus came to earth and substituted Himself for sinners, that means all of us. There was nothing logical about His sacrifice. Nevertheless, because of His suffering, stripes, and crucifixion, all who trust in Him as Savior know that they are forgiven and life eternal is their future. It is the kind of thing that only a loving Lord would do. It’s the kind of action that gives Him the authority worthy of our worship.
WE PRAY: Heavenly Father, Ruler of the universe, teach me to submit to Your wisdom and authority in all that I say and do. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
From “God’s Authority,” a devotional by Rev. Dr. Kenneth Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour
Reflection Questions:
1. Name three people you would consider an “authority.” What kind of authority do they have?
2. Jesus speaks with authority. Why should we listen?
3. How is living according to God’s authority helpful to us?
Today’s Bible Readings: 1 Kings 3-4 Proverbs 1 John 19:1-22
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/
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 Saturday and weekend to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us
Pastor Joel, pastor@svlcchurch.org
