SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2023
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
NEWS: The Board of Directors are meeting online tomorrow evening at 7 PM. It’s via Zoom and Bruce Woodward sent out the link on Monday.
Wine on The Patio will NOT take place at the Kolkman’s house on Friday. It has been moved to next week, Friday, January 13.
PRAYERS: Today we pray for the Cerny family: Amanda, Josh, Wiliam and Daniel.
READINGS: Psalm 40:6-10; Psalm 65; Isaiah 63:15-65:7; Luke 2:41-52
WHY PRAY: We are studying this book together, as a congregation, for the next five weeks. For those who already picked up a copy, Pastor Joel would like to share the following DISCUSSION GUIDE AND POINTS:
What stood out to me in today’s reading?
Do I have a new way of seeing prayer?
Was there anything in the reading I didn’t like? (There is some bad theology in this book, not much, but some. And we can learn from that too.)
How am I going to apply this reading to my own prayer life with God?
How should I pray for my Church today?
Who comes to mind that could use prayer?
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“EVIL”
Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” (Matthew 2:16-18)
There are some things that nobody on earth can explain, because they are evil. They cannot be explained away, and they cannot be tolerated. We can only weep and cry out to God when they happen. The death of the children in Bethlehem is one of those things. We too have our unbearable evils—and we cry out to God when they come.
It does no good to rationalize these evils. Nothing will make them bearable. We need someone to destroy them—a Savior who will break the power of evil, right at its source, so that it will never rule again.
That was the job of the final baby of Bethlehem—the last survivor, Jesus. He escaped the sword that day, not for Himself, but for all of us. There was a cross waiting in His future, where He had a battle to fight. On that cross He would put a decisive end to the works of the devil and all his angels, conquering them with His own blood. And three days later He would rise from the dead, breaking the power of death forever—for Himself, and for everyone who trusts in Him.
Our hope is in that last baby, the Son of God and Man. He is our Rescuer, and we put our trust in Him—until the day He returns in glory, and all evils are gone forever.
WE PRAY: Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* What evils in the world trouble you now?
* How do you find peace and help when you are grieving or horrified?
* When has God helped you through a time of great evil?
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Genesis 10-12 Matthew 4
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 Lutheran Hour Ministries: https://www.lhm.org/
Here is the website for Lutherans for Life: https://lutheransforlife.org/
A very blessed Wednesday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
