SVLC DEVOTION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2023

by | Nov 8, 2023 | Daily Devotions

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2023

 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV

 NEWS: This Sunday we have our twice-yearly Congregational meeting. It takes place after our service and brief fellowship time. The various boards of the church will give their reports. Pastor Joel will give the Pastor’s report and the budget for 2024 will be discussed and voted on. We invite everyone to attend as we do this only twice a year.

Saturday, November 18th is when our annual Thankfeast takes place. Hard to believe it’s only one week from this Saturday! The sign-up sheet will be out this Sunday again for things to bring. The day will start in our chapel at 2:00 PM with a short service with Communion. About 2:30 is when we’ll proceed to the Community building and have our feast, with plenty of good food and fellowship!

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Barb and Gunti Galleisky in our prayers.

 READINGS: Daniel 2:24-3:30; Psalm 119:17-24; 1 Peter 5

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“Prepared for the Long Haul”

November 9, 2023

 

Matthew 25:1-13 – [Jesus said] “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

What was the problem with these girls? They expected the wedding to go smoothly. But the bridegroom was delayed. And when it was time to play their part, half the girls had run out of oil already. No party for them!

These poor, silly girls didn’t miss out on too much—a single party! But Jesus is warning us about a greater loss that we could experience, if we aren’t prepared to meet Him.

One of the hardest things about being a Christian is how long it takes! Even in Christianity, the first flush of faith grows cold sooner or later—if we aren’t careful. As we walk through life doing the same old things over and over, our hearts may become tired and cold. Facing the same old temptations … repenting the same old sins … facing, not persecution or suffering—because that might be interesting!—but the same old problems once again. It’s easy to lose heart. It’s easy to lose sight of Jesus. The long haul is too much for us. And then we face Jesus unprepared—out of oil, out of faith, out of life. That doesn’t bear thinking about!

So how do we avoid it? What was the difference between the wise girls and the foolish ones? The wise ones had oil to fuel their lamps. Oil in the Bible is often a symbol for the Holy Spirit, and that makes sense in this story, because there’s no way on earth our faith in Jesus will last unless the Holy Spirit is the One fueling it.

If we rely on our own efforts, we will get nowhere—like the poor foolish girls trying to light a wick by itself, with no oil in the lamp. But if the Holy Spirit is living in us, we can walk safely through the darkness to meet our Bridegroom, Jesus, who died and rose to make us His own. The Lord is Light for us, and He will never run out.

WE PRAY: Lord Holy Spirit, be with me and fuel my faith always. Amen.

This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.

Reflection Questions:

1. How have you changed since you were first a Christian?

2. Do you expect your future faith life to be easy? Why or why not?

3. How did the Lord bring you through a hard time in your life?

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Lamentations 3-5; Hebrews 13

 

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 hour  s: 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 Thursday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us

 Pastor Joel, pastor@svlcchurch.org