SVLC DEVOTION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2023

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

 NEWS: The Tuesday Bible study continues this evening at the home4 of Debbie and Allen Kolkman. It goes from 6:30 to 8 PM and includers a devotion, the study material and fellowship time.

 PRAYERS: Today we remember K Berni in our prayers.

 READINGS: Nehemiah 9:1-15; Psalm 125; Revelation 3:7-13

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“CURSED—OR BLESSED?” December 5, 2023

 

In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah … And he had a wife … Elizabeth. And they 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 1:5a, 6-7) My husband and I were childless for many years. And how much it hurt, every time someone confidently told us they knew the reason why. God was punishing us for some sin—we were under a curse, and that’s why we couldn’t have children! Zechariah and Elizabeth must have heard that accusation many times. But even more hurtful than human blame is the silence of God in a situation like that. We pray—and God does not answer. Or if He does, the answer is unclear. What can we do? Nothing but keep praying—and continue to follow Him faithfully, even through doubt and darkness. You may be going through an experience like this right now. If you are, please remember that getting a “no” or “not yet” answer to your prayer doesn’t mean God is punishing you, or that you sinned. Elizabeth and Zechariah were in the same boat, and the Bible calls them “blameless.” As someone who trusts in Jesus, you too are blameless and righteous, chosen to be God’s own family. And as you walk through the darkness, you cling to the One who lay down His life on the cross for you—and rose from the dead, to make you His forever. WE PRAY: Dear Savior, help me in my times of darkness and doubt. Amen. Reflection Questions: * When have you had to deal with God’s “no” or “not yet” to your prayers? * How did it make you feel? * How did you keep trusting Jesus in that difficult time? Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Ezra 1-2; 1 John 4

 

Pastor Joel is Here for You.  If you have a pastoral need or a prayer request for Pastor Joel, please call or text him at 775-336-9680 or email him at luckemeyerj@gmail.com

 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 Tuesday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us