SVLC DEVOTION MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2023

 Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8 ESV

 NEWS: There were 54 who gathered in God’s house yesterday on Trinity Sunday, with more joining us online for worship. Thank you to all who served during our service and thank you to Pastor Joel for leading Bible study and worship. We appreciate his sermon message very much!

The Tuesday Bible study is now on hold for the summer months. Stay tuned for when it resumes in the fall.

 PRAYERS: Today we remember the Doan family in prayer: Chad, Marika, Lucille and Lydia.

 READINGS: Jeremiah 9:12-26; Psalm 124; Acts 5:17-42

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“Better Than Gold” June 5, 2023

 

Psalm 119:71-72 – It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes. The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. Many people hope to find a “get-rich-quick” scheme. Some people will line up and wait for hours to buy a lottery ticket. And who knows? Maybe that piece of antique furniture in the garage is really worth a fortune! The psalmist does not need a costly antique or a lottery ticket. He already has a treasure. For him, the law of God—the words and teachings of the Lord—are better “than thousands of gold and silver pieces.” This divine treasure is so wonderful that the psalmist says it is good for him to be afflicted so that he might learn more of God’s law. The psalmist explains, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your Word” (Psalm 119:67). When his enemies told lies about him, in his despair the psalmist turned to the Lord and His Word. Instead of seeking revenge, he sought to obey the law of God. Our Lord Jesus Christ knew what it was like to be afflicted and endure the lies of His opponents. One of His own disciples betrayed Him, and at Jesus’ arrest the rest of His disciples fled. False witnesses were hired to testify against Him. He was unjustly condemned to death, yet in that condemnation our salvation was won. On the cross Jesus suffered the penalty of death that we deserved for our sins. By God’s grace through faith in Jesus, we receive forgiveness and eternal life. Affliction was good for the psalmist and the affliction of our Lord is good for us. The Son of God “learned obedience through what He suffered. And being made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:8b-9). To obey the Lord, to trust in His Word, is better than thousands of gold and silver pieces. We grow in obedience and trust through suffering as, enduring affliction, we come to know the power and love of God. His grace is always sufficient for us and in the weakness that we experience in our lives His mighty power is at work (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). God invites us to satisfy ourselves with the rich treasure of His Word: “Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to Me; hear, that your soul may live” (Isaiah 55:2-3a). Even though we might like to have just a few of those gold and silver pieces, we already have a greater treasure. WE PRAY: Lord, Your holy Word is my treasure, better than gold and silver! Amen. This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler. Reflection Questions: 1. Lottery winnings these days are worth ridiculous sums of money. How do you think you would handle such a financial windfall? 2. How is God sufficient for anything that life throws our way—good or bad? 3. How does God’s Word protect us against an insatiable thirst for riches?

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Psalms 101, 103, 108; John 15

 

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, pastor@svlcchurch.org