SVLC DEVOTION THUIRSDAY, JULY 27, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

THURSDAY, JULY 27, 2023

 Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. Psalm 25:4-5 ESV

 NEWS: Bible study continues this evening at the home of K Berni. The title is, “How Happiness Happens” and it runs from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. For mkore information, contact K by email, kbernii@aol.com Her address is 1536 Peacock Blvd., Oceanside

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Charlotte Neblett in prayer. She is thankful for all the blessings in her life! We add Tom and Gloria Morofski: that Gloria’s stiff neck pain may be taken away and that Tom’s hip surgery, scheduled for September 1^st, goes well. In our Summer of Prayer series, we pray for Christians who are married to unbelievers, that God will help them remain faithful to Him and that they would be good witnesses to their spouse.

 READINGS: Jeremiah 44:1-19; Psalm 25; Acts 26:12-32

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“Love” July 27, 2023

 

Matthew 13:44-46 – [Jesus said,] “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” I can’t help thinking that both of these buyers are in serious trouble! After all, both of them have “sold all that they had” and purchased the thing they desired—the field with the hidden treasure, the pearl of great price. Now they have nothing left to live on. They have their treasure—and nothing else. That seems like a problem to me! But they would not agree with me, would they? People in this state are happy—no, overjoyed. They aren’t worrying about tomorrow. They are so happy to have the thing they wanted—the thing for which they gave everything else up—that future problems seem as far off as the moon to them. They are in love, and they have the thing they love. What more could they ask? “How reckless,” we may say, and turn the page. But Jesus is describing Himself! We are the treasure He found in the field (that is, the earth); and He gave all that He had, even His own life on the cross, to buy us. We are the pearl of great price that drew Him to leave heaven behind to become our Savior—to live and to die for us, so that He might have us for Himself. And now that He has us, He is happy. Do we deserve this great honor? Of course not! And yet, here we are. Jesus has chosen us—has bought us—and we are His forever. He may be happy, but we are truly blessed. What could be better for us than to be loved so passionately by the God who made us and redeemed us? WE PRAY: Dear Savior, I am Yours forever. Thank You. Amen. This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo. Reflection Questions: 1. Was there ever a time when you passionately desired something like the men in these stories? 2. Did you get what you wanted? Were you glad? 3. How does it make you feel, to realize God desires you with this deep abiding love and happiness?

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Psalms 99-100,102; Acts 17:16-34

 

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 Thursday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us

 Pastor Joel, pastor@svlcchurch.org