SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2022
NEWS: The Parables of Jesus are the study topic in the Tuesday evening Bible study. It takes place at the home of Allen and Debbie Kolkman this evening. The start time is 6:30 PM and it begins with a short devotion. The study material follows and then fellowship time happens, with coffee and some goodies. The night conclude around 8. All are invited to attend. The Kolkman’s address is 710 Fredericks Ave., Oceanside.
Our COOKIE EXCHANGE is coming! It happens this Saturday at 2 PM in our sanctuary. It’s open to all. We ask that, if you can, bring four dozen home baked or store bought cookies (or a combination of such). Cider will be provided and a movie, “The Star,” will be shown. All are invited to spend an afternoon of fun, cookie eating and fellowship!
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for the Doan family: Chad, Marika, Lucille and Lydia
READINGS: Psalm 118; Isaiah 5:1-25; 1 Peter 2:1-12
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“NOBODY?”
Zerubbabel [was] the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ. (Matthew 1:13-16)
I hope whoever has to read this devotion out loud forgives me. Because these ancestors of Jesus are people who are so obscure, most of us can’t even pronounce their names right.
By this point in Jesus’ family tree, the once-grand line has dwindled to ordinary people—shepherds and farmers and carpenters. Only their names are left to us.
But not to God. God knows far more than their names. God knows their hearts and their souls, what they loved and hated, the interests and work that filled their days. He knows them intimately—just as He knows us. And He loves them.
And He loves us—even me, even you, all these two thousand years later. You are not “Nobody” to Him. God came into this world for you—was conceived by a young woman, carried and born a human baby for you. Jesus came to die and to rise for you—and to give you everlasting life with Him forever. If you belong to Him, you are somebody. You are His.
WE PRAY: Lord, let me be forever Yours. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* What is the first thing you think of when someone says, “Who are you?”
* Is it hard to believe God cares about you?
* How can you be sure He does, whether you are great or small?
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Ezekiel 35-36 2 Peter 1
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 Tuesday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
