SVLC DEVOTION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

ANNIVERSARY OF THE ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR, 1941

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

 NEWS: The Board of Directors have their monthly meeting this evening online, via Zoom, at 6 PM. Please refer to the email Bruce Woodward sent out on Tuesday that has the link.

Wine on the Patio (actually in the living room; we’ll be indoors this time) 

This Friday, 6:30-8:00  At the home of Debbie and Allen Kolkman, 710 Fredricks Ave. Please bring some wine (or other beverage; it need not be “adult”) to share, plus also an hors d’oeuvres, appetizer, or snack to go with that (also to share). Just fun fellowship!  

 For any other news, please refer to the Shepherd of The valley Church Newsletter that Allen Kolkman sent by email yesterday.

 PRAYERS: Today we remember the Cerny family in our prayers: Amanda, Josh, William and Daniel. We especially pray for Daniel who is fighting a cold and that William doesn’t catch it.

 READINGS: Nehemiah 10; Psalm 127; Revelation 4

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“BLESSED IN SPITE OF HIMSELF” December 7, 2023

 

And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” And the people … were wondering at his delay in the temple. And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them … And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. (Luke 1:18-22) Oh dear, arguing with an angel. That was a mistake. And doubting God’s Word was an even bigger one. No wonder Zechariah got nine months of silence to think about the error of his ways! But in spite of the embarrassment, it must have been a fruitful, blessed time as well. For Zechariah had time to think—to consider all the wonderful gifts God was showering on him and on all people through John’s birth. Because John is Jesus’ forerunner—the servant who comes immediately before the King to set everything in order. John’s birth meant Jesus Himself was just around the corner! Zechariah messed up—but God still blessed him and kept His promise. We too mess up and sin on a regular basis—but God blesses us with the Child of Promise, Jesus our Savior, who gave Himself for us so that we might belong to Him forever. WE PRAY: Thank You, Lord, for blessing me even when I mess up. Amen. Reflection Questions: * What do you think led Zechariah to argue with an angel? * How do you think he spent those nine months? * Where do you think he found out more about John’s work in the future—and Jesus’? Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

 

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

 

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