SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION

MONDAY, AUGUST 1st

A BLESSED AUGUST TO ALL!

 NEWS: We had a great Sunday in God’s house yesterday and we give thanks to all who worshipped with us, in person and online. Also, we give praise and thanks to God for our Pastor Joel, who led our Bible study and worship service. For fellowship, we had delicious cookies with coffee that helped celebrate Kay Berni’s 70th birthday!

 PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for the Cerny family: Josh, Amanda, William and Daniel. We also pray for Warren and Nylene Naegele. Warren was in the hospital but has been released now and is starting rehab. Prayer requests from Nylene for a speedy rehab and healing process.

READINGS: Psalm 70; Psalm 75; 1 Samuel 17:1-19; Acts 26:1-23

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“Chosen and Blessed”

Psalm 33:10-12 – The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom He has chosen as His heritage!

Our psalm speaks of “the counsel of the nations” and “the plans of the peoples.” We hear quite a bit about those things in daily news reports—the policies of politicians, the schemes of dictators or military plans for domination or defense. The rulers of nations, with all of their plans, think that they are in charge, but they are not. “The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He frustrates the plans of the peoples” because He has plans of His own. God “makes nations great, and He destroys them; He enlarges nations, and leads them away” (Job 12:23). Rulers rule because God permits it, “for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (Romans 13:1b). God can frustrate human planning, but no one can frustrate His plans or His saving purpose. God loves the world and sent His Son to atone for the sins of all people of every nation.

When Jesus the Messiah came, the nations schemed against the Lord’s Anointed One in a conspiracy that unfolded according to God’s plan. It was a treachery doomed to failure and foretold by the psalmist centuries before: “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?” (Psalm 2:1). King Herod, Pontius Pilate, and the religious leaders of Israel joined forces against Jesus, who was condemned to death and crucified. Yet all of this was done according to the plan that God “had predestined to take place” (Acts 4:28b). Then, on the third day after Jesus’ death, according to God’s eternal counsel, the Son was raised up from death and exalted to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.

The psalmist rejoices in the blessings God gave to ancient Israel, His covenant nation. The Messiah was born among them and God’s covenant promise was fulfilled in Jesus. Through His Son, God creates for Himself “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession” (1 Peter 2:9a). This is no earthly nation or kingdom; those realms still rise and fall at God’s command. This blessed, enduring, holy nation is chosen by grace through faith in Jesus. All who trust in Jesus are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to God’s covenant promise. As God’s own people, His holy nation, we are called and set apart to proclaim repentance and forgiveness in Jesus’ Name to all nations. That is God’s plan and purpose. It is a plan that will triumph because “the counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations.”

WE PRAY: Lord God, help me to trust Your plans and Your promises. Amen.

The Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler.

Reflection Questions:

1. National governments do dastardly things all the time, and this can test our faith. How do we know that God is in charge even when we see horrible things going on around the world?

2. How does God work through governments to accomplish His purposes?

3. Have you ever considered running for public office? Why would you want to do so?

Today’s Bible Readings: Psalms 119:1-88    1 Thessalonians 5

 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