SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022
NEWS: Tomorrow evening the Board of Directors have their monthly meeting. It’s via Zoom, starting at 7 PM and please check your email as Bruce Woodward sent out the link yesterday to the board members.
Our COOKIE EXCHANGE is coming 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 family Christmas 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 Theodora Elias. Theodora requests prayers for her date with the DMV on Thursday, as she needs a drivers test to reclaim her license. Also, prayers for her son and daughter in their job situations.
READINGS: Psalm 123; Psalm 7; Isaiah 6:1-7:9; 1 Peter 2:13-25
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“WHY?”
[Zechariah and Elizabeth] were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. (Luke 1:6-7)
I feel for Zechariah and Elizabeth—two faithful people who loved God and served Him with all their hearts. And yet, they had no children, though they wanted them very much.
No doubt their neighbors had a lot to say about that. “You must have sinned,” they said. “God is punishing you.” As if this family didn’t have enough grief to carry already!
But this was not a punishment from God. The Bible shows us that God doesn’t play mind games. When He disciplines people, He makes the connection between the sin and the result very clear!
No, the fact is, we live in a broken world, and bad things happen, even to the people God loves. And we may go for years, even a lifetime, with no explanation for why God allowed it.
You, too, may be suffering and wondering why. If so, put your trust in the God who saw and loved these two—and you as well. He may not explain Himself, but He sees you and He cares. So much, in fact, that He came into this unfair, broken world to take your suffering on Himself—to mend you, and all creation, with His own blood on the cross. And when He rose from the dead, He gave us the sure and certain hope that some day, He will put all things right.
WE PRAY: Dear Lord, help me trust You as I wait for the day when You make all things new. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Why do people blame others for their own troubles?
* When have you asked God “Why?” about some evil?
* How has Jesus helped you carry a heavy burden in your life?
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Ezekiel 37-39 2 Peter 2
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 Wednesday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
