SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2022
NEWS: It was a beautiful day in the Lord’s presence yesterday as we had 41 in-person worshippers and more online. Thank you to all who served our congregation in various capacities and special thanks to Pastor Al for leading our Bible study and conducting our service.
Tuesday evening Bible study continues this week at the home of Debbie and Allen Kolkman. It starts atb 6:30 PM with a short devotion, followed by a study on the parables of Jesus, then fellowship time. Things wrap up around 8 PM. All are invited to attend. The Kolkman’s address is 710 Fredericks Ave., Oceanside.
This Saturday we have a Family Christmas Celebration and Cookie Exchange! It’s in our sanctuary and starts at 2 PM.
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Victor and Deanna Dille. Prayers are requested for Dee’s sons and Victors daughters, especially Lisa.
READINGS: Psalm 102:13-17; Psalm 85; Isaiah 2:1-22; 1 Peter 1:13-25
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“FAMILY TREE”
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham. (Matthew 1:1)
It seems funny that God would start the most important story in history with a boring genealogy. Who cares who Jesus’ great-great-great-grandparents were?
Well, apparently God does. He knows those people. He knows you, too. And when He sent His Son into the world to become part of the human race, He did it for every single individual—for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; for Ruth and Rahab; for you and me.
Jesus sprang from those people—sinners and saints, rulers and peasants, foreigners and native-born, wise and fools. He suffered, died, and rose again for those people. And He did it for you and me.
Maybe it’s no surprise the whole range of humanity shows up in Jesus’ family tree. He is theirs, and they are His. And we are His, too. Because God, in His great love, has created us, redeemed us, and called us to be His own—the people who belong to Jesus and trust in Him forever.
WE PRAY: Father, thank You for making Your Son our own as well. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Who in your opinion is the greatest in Jesus’ family tree (see Matthew 1 for a list)? Who is the worst?
* Why do you think God gave Jesus such a mixed bag of people for a family?
* Does this have anything to do with the kind of people who are in the church, do you think?
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Ezekiel 33-34 1 Peter 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
