SVLC DEVOTION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2023

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

 NEWS: There will be NO Tuesday evening Bible study this evening at the Kolkman’s home. It is now on hold until January 9.

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Darryl Finley in our prayers.

 READINGS: Haggai 2; Psalm 132; Revelation 8

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“A PLACE TO REST” December 12, 2023

 

In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. (Luke 1:39-40) After a stressful time in my life, I went to visit an aunt I loved dearly. I knew that she would welcome me and treat me gently when I needed it. God gave Mary a similar retreat when she needed time to adjust to the change in her life. To become a mother—to deal with morning sickness and all the physical changes that go with pregnancy. To think and pray about the future: Would her parents believe her? Would Joseph? Most terrifying of all, getting used to the idea of raising the Messiah—the very Son of God. No wonder she needed a break! And so God added this to the angel’s message: “And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren” (Luke 1:36). Of all the people on earth, Elizabeth would be able to understand and care for Mary. She would believe her, pray with her, rejoice with her. And Mary wouldn’t feel useless—Elizabeth could certainly use a younger woman’s help during the last three months of her own pregnancy! How kind of God to care for both of them in this way, before they even asked! But knowing Jesus, how should we be surprised? No one has ever loved us more—supplying all we needed at the cost of His own life. And He has become our rest. WE PRAY: Dear Lord, let me find rest in Your love. Amen. Reflection Questions: * When you need rest, where do you usually find it? * Tell about a time when God provided for you before you even asked. * How does God give you rest? Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Zechariah 13-14; Revelation 3-4

 

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