Trinity Lutheran Church

~Today, in The Word~ 2 Nov. 2020 So shall they put My name upon the people . . . , and I will bless them. Numbers 6:27... My New Jersey At one point or another, to tackle the monotony of travel with young children, my wife would break the boredom by asking, Hey, what did Delaware? The response, of course, was her New Jersey. And what did Tennessee? What Arkansas! How about a road-trip game that makes states’ names into the names of food? Eggs and New Hampshire anyone? God’s name is not so easily manipulated, nor is it to be treated with frivolity. Indeed, the name that God puts on us by grace, the one we wear by faith, carries great power and blessing. It serves both to humble us in our sin and to resurrect us in His mercy. To call upon it in prayer is to beckon the Lord who created us and redeems us. It is His name, above every other name, by which we are saved and given assurance not only for this life but also for the next (Acts 4:12). In worship, as in life, God’s name marks both our beginning and our end. Child of the heavenly Father, rejoice to wear God’s name. Be pleased to call upon it in every trouble and moment of joy. It is God’s gift to you, as sure as He gifts Himself to us allFather, Son, and Holy Spirit. O God, save me by Your name, and vindicate me by Your might. In Jesus’ name. Amen. (Psalm 54:1) . Daily Devotion via Portals of Prayer Photo: Canva

~Today, in The Word~ 31 Oct. 2020 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2... Nonconformists Martin Luther was a well-known nonconformist. Through his study of God’s Word, Luther learned that forgiveness comes by grace through faith in Jesus alone, not by purchasing indulgences to fund a new cathedral. Luther also could not conform to the idea that only the priest was allowed to read the Word of God. This conviction led him to translate the New Testament into German so that common people could read it for themselves. We can be thankful for nonconformists like Luther. As Christians, we also are to be nonconformists in regard to ideas that are contrary to Scripture. What does Scripture say about the hot topics of our day, like abortion and homosexuality? Let’s get into God’s Word and be transformed by the renewal of our minds. By testing worldviews against the Word of God, we can discern what is good and acceptable to Him. We can be the nonconformists of our day, not through violent protests or hatred, but by living and sharing the truth of God’s Word along with the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Lord Jesus, let me stand on the truth of Your Word alone. Amen. . Daily Devotions via Portals of Prayer Photo: Canva

What a fun day today!

~Today, in The Word~ 30 Oct. 2020 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. Matthew 13:44... Treasured Possession One of my favorite pastimes is shopping at thrift stores. I am a treasure hunter. I enjoy looking for that diamond in the rough. To find a name-brand piece of clothing with the tags still on for a third of its retail price is exciting to me! I don’t mind sacrificing some of my time in order to get the most for my money and bring home a treasure. Whether you like to treasure hunt or not, to have something new is thrilling. The problem with new things on earth, though, is that they never stay that way. New cars become old and rusted. New homes can be destroyed by fires, earthquakes, tornadoes, or hurricanes in a matter of moments. New items can be stolen by thieves. Loved ones can be instantly killed in an accident. We can rejoice that God is a treasure hunter. He enjoys making diamonds from the rough. He willingly sacrificed His only Son in order to bring us home as His treasured possessions. He promises us an inheritance that can never be destroyed, get old, or be taken from us again. Lord, the finest things of this earth cannot compare with the treasures You have prepared for me in heaven. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. . Daily Devotions via Portals of Prayer Photo: Canva

~Today, in The Word~ 29 Oct. 2020 When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, You are not far from the kingdom of God. And after that no one dared to ask Him any more questions. Mark 12:34... On the Same Page Game shows and reality TV have become popular in recent years. There’s something about watching how others respond to questions and circumstances that piques our interest. The scribe in today’s reading was drawn to the answers he heard Jesus giving. He recognized the authority of God in Jesus’ words. To be sure, he challenged Jesus with some questions of his own. When Jesus answered well, the scribe commended Him and gave a solid testimony of his faith in the one true God. In return, Jesus commended the scribe for his faith and told him he was not far from the kingdom of God. In essence, Jesus said to him, We are on the same page. We are on the same page when we believe in the salvation that Jesus won for us by His death on the cross and victory over the grave. We are on the same page when we respond to His gift of salvation by living our lives to His glory. How great it is to be on the same page with the One who writes our names in the Book of Life! Dear God, let us be on the same page with You. Let Your kingdom come; let Your will be done in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. . Daily Devotions via Portals of Prayer Photo: Canva

It's Pastor Appreciation Month and a HUGE thank you to Good Shepherd Lutheran School - Simi Valley and Trinity Lutheran Preschool for honoring Pastor Barker with such a wonderful display this morning outside his office.

~Today, in The Word~ 28 Oct. 2020 You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you. Psalm 128:2... No Artificial Sweeteners You may have seen food labels stating that a product contains no artificial sweeteners. Many health experts believe that artificial sweeteners can have ill effects on the body. Some see them as a temporary solution to help someone cut calories and lose weight. However, studies have shown that they can lead to obesity in the long run. There are many desires of the flesh that provide temporary gratification. They can feel good in the moment but have really bad effects on our minds, bodies, and relationships. They are selfish and self-destructive. They pull us in the opposite direction of God and eternity. In contrast, the Spirit pulls us in the direction of God and things that last. The Spirit enables us to honor others above ourselves. We who believe in Jesus and are baptized into His name have crucified the flesh along with our evil desires. We still have those desires, but we have a new chance each day to put our evil desires to death. We have the choice to allow a new man to rise as we let the Spirit guide our thoughts and actions. Lord, let us walk and live by the Spirit, that we may enjoy the sweet blessings of life with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen. . Daily Devotions via Portals of Prayer Photo: Canva

Reminder: Don't be late for Church on Sunday!

~Today, in The Word~ 27 Oct. 2020 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. John 15:5... Abide in Me When you spend a lot of time in a relationship with someone, you start to finish each other’s sentences. There are even times when you feel like the other person knows you better than you know yourself. The key to a fruitful relationship is concentrating not on what you want to get out of it but on remaining close and nurturing it. Jesus calls us to be in close relationship with Him by focusing on two things. He says, [Let] My words abide in you and Abide in My love. Letting His words abide in us means spending time in His Word and in conversation with Him until His words become our words, almost like we’re finishing each other’s sentences. We abide in His love by keeping His commandment to love one another. Jesus, a friend who knows us better than we know ourselves, gave up His life for us. We fully experience His love for us when we let it overflow to others. Instead of concentrating on how we can bear fruit, we focus on remaining close to Jesus. When we abide in His words and do what He commands, bearing fruit will be automatic. Lord, help me to abide in You. Apart from You, I can do nothing. In Jesus’ name. Amen. . Daily Devotions via Portals of Prayer Photo: Canva