SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2022
NEWS: The Men’s Bible Study/Breakfast takes place this morning at 9 AM. We are meeting in our sanctuary today, where we will be viewing a video on, “The Real St. Nicholas.” The monthly Work Party then starts at 10 AM and goes until Noon. All are invited to come and spend whatever time they can to help tidy up our church and property.
We come to the Lord’s house tomorrow to celebrate the Third Sunday in Advent. The first reading of the day is Isaiah 35:1-10 followed by James 5:7-11 Our Gospel lesson is Matthew 11:2-15 After we’ve celebrated the Lord’s Supper and our service is complete, please join us for fellowship time, with coffee and goodies. Then our fellowship continues at Killer Pizza from Mars, off of El Camino Real, near Stater Bros. They have pizza, pasta and salads. Also serving us in our service tomorrow are:
Fellowship: Allen & Margie Latall
Techies: Bruce Woodward, OPEN
Reader: K Berni
Acolyte: Josephine Neemia
Greeter: Daria Roth
Ushers: Rick Adams, OPEN
Note that we have an opening for an Usher and a Technical assistant.
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Allen and Debbie Kolkman.
READINGS: Psalm 86:1-7; Psalm 130; Isaiah 26:20-27:13; 1 John 4:1-21
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“BEING WHO YOU ARE”
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked on the humble estate of His servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His Name.” (Luke 1:46-49)
Lots of us grew up with false humility. “Don’t think about how great you are, ever,” people said. “Be humble; if anybody compliments you, turn it away.” But Mary doesn’t do that. Look at what she says right here: “From now on all generations will call me blessed!”
And of course she’s right. Mary is blessed, and the whole world does say so, because God has made her the mother of Jesus our Savior. What greater blessing could there be? It would be silly to claim otherwise.
So she admits it and rejoices in it. But it doesn’t turn poisonous for her because Mary joyfully puts the glory right where it belongs—with God who did this wonderful thing to her.
We can do that, too. No need to hide who we are—whether that’s a gifted mechanic, a wonderful singer, a great baker, or simply a person to whom God has given special gifts to. You are what God has made you—you give glory to God who made you this way. Because above all, you are God’s dear child—redeemed by Jesus Christ who loved you and gave Himself for you. In Him, you are always who you ought to be—forgiven, beloved, and a delight to the God who is remaking you in His own image, ever closer to His will.
WE PRAY: Dear Father, thank You for all the gifts You have given me. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Name one gift God has given you.
* How do you serve God or others with that gift?
* What is a gift in which you are growing right now?
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Zechariah 9-10 Revelation 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 Saturday and weekend to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
