SVLC DEVOTION MONDAY, DECEMBER 11,, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2023

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

 NEWS: We had another great day in God’s house yesterday as we celebrated the Second Sunday in Advent. Our Sunday school children sang for us to open our service and thanks to all who directed them. We had 43 who attended in person with more joining us online. Thank you to all who served before, during and after our service…the efforts are truly appreciated. Thank you to our wonderful Pastor Joel for his teaching and leading and for his sermon message. Thanks also to Amy, Jeremy and Lucy Joy!

The Tuesday evening Bible study is now on break until after the new year. As we get closer tom the restart date, more information will be provided.  

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Bill Erne in our prayers.

 READINGS: Haggai 1; Psalm 131; Revelation 7:9-17

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“DETAILS” December 11, 2023

 

And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the Child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. … For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:34-35, 37-38) After that glorious announcement, Mary has a question. “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” Notice that Mary is not arguing with the angel like Zechariah; she simply wants to know the details. Will Joseph be the father? If so, she needs to move the wedding up. The angel is happy to explain to her: God is going to do a miracle like never before. This Child will be conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, and He will be holy—not just a prophet, but the Son of God Himself. So Mary herself doesn’t need to do a thing. And so she left it in God’s hands, confident that He would deal with everything. And He did—just as He does for us, broken people who need His salvation. God sent His Son Jesus into the world for Mary and for us, so that we who need Him so much might become the forgiven children of God through Him. No need for us to do anything; on the cross and at the empty tomb, God has done it all. WE PRAY: Thank You, Lord, for loving and saving us. Amen. Reflection Questions: * How do you think Mary felt: Happy? Confused? Relieved? * How does it make you feel, to know that God has done it all? * Why do you think God chose to handle our salvation all by Himself? Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Zechariah 11-12; Revelation 2

 

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 Monday and new week to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us