SVLC DEVOTION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2023

by | Nov 14, 2023 | Daily Devotions

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS\

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2023

 This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

 NEWS: THANKFEAST is this Saturday! If you signed up to bring food, please bring your turkeys or dishes to the Community building kitchen and have it there by 1:45 PM. At 2, we will have a brief Thanksgiving service in our sanctuary with Holy Communion. Around 2:30 we will proceed to the Community building for our feast and fellowship. You are still invited, even if you didn’t sign up to bring something. There will be plenty to share and give thanks for!

 PRAYERS: Today we remember the Luckemeyer family in our prayers: Amy, Pastor Joel, Jeremy and Lucy Joy. Pastor Joel gives thanks for a promotion received at his part-time job with FedEx.

 READINGS: Daniel 8; Psalm 119:65-72; 2 Peter 3:14-18

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“Planning for Jesus”

November 15, 2023

 

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 – Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with Him.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

There’s one thing about labor—you can’t get out of it. There’s no saying, “Oh, today is inconvenient, can we try for next week instead?” No. That baby is coming, ready or not. If you have no crib yet, you’ll have to use a dresser drawer. It’s too late for you to do anything but deal with the baby!

The same is true for Jesus’ return, isn’t it? When we hear the angel’s trumpet and see the glory of God spread across the sky, it’s going to be too late to put off … whatever we have been putting off, when it comes to our life with God. What comes next will be joy—or shame.

For Jesus’ people—who have been washed and forgiven and brought into God’s kingdom, all through His gracious, loving choice—that will be a wonderful day! It will be the consummation of everything we’ve waited for.

But even God’s people may be embarrassed if that day catches us behaving like people of darkness rather than people of light. I really don’t want to face Jesus with my mouth still full of nasty gossip—with my mind clouded with pride or selfishness—with my hands stretched out to grab rather than give. It’s true I’m still a sinner, as well as a forgiven saint—but let Jesus catch me behaving like the saint, please. Which is Paul’s whole point.

“Be what you are,” is a decent summary of Paul’s advice. If you are on the verge of giving birth, make sure the nursery is ready—have a go-bag by the door—take a shower! And if you are a Christian waiting for Jesus’ return at any moment, tell your friends and family about Him—pray for them—and show your love for Jesus in what you do and say. Ask the Holy Spirit to do it through you. He can, and He will.

WE PRAY: Lord Holy Spirit, help me to live ready for Jesus’ coming. Amen.

This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.

Reflection Questions:

1. Tell about a time when you were caught unprepared.

2. What one thing could you do today that would make you happier if Jesus returned tonight?

3. Ask the Lord to show you how to share your faith with someone you care about.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Psalms 137; Ezekiel 1-2; 1 Timothy 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 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 Wednesday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us

 Pastor Joel, pastor@svlcchurch.org