SVLC DEVOTION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023

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

 NEWS: A very blessed Thursday to all as we continue our preparations for the coming Christ child!

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Gordon and Lois Friske in our prayers.

 READINGS: Psalm 27:1, 4-5, 11-14; Isaiah 30:15-26; Revelation 2

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“GUARANTEED” December 14, 2023

 

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior … for He who is mighty has done great things for me, and Holy is His Name. And His mercy is for those who fear Him from generation to generation. … He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” (Luke 1:46-47, 49-50, 54-55) Listen to what Mary says in her song! She describes what God has done, and she does it in the past tense. She says that God has scattered the proud and brought down the mighty (not that He will scatter the proud and bring down the mighty). She says that He has filled the hungry and sent the rich away empty; He has helped Israel, remembering His promises of mercy to Abraham and all believers. Why put all this in the past tense? We can look around us every day and see that these things have not all happened yet. Mary can use the past tense because she is describing a world where God has set everything right—where evil is destroyed, and God’s kingdom has come in full blessing. And she knows that all of this is so certain and sure that we might as well put it in the past tense—it is guaranteed to happen. Why? Because Jesus has come into the world. That tiny baby is God Himself, keeping His promises; and nothing will stop Him from saving us and all creation from the power of evil. For this He became a human being, and for this He will suffer, die, and rise again. It’s guaranteed. WE PRAY: Heavenly Father, thank You for the assurance of Your love for us. Amen. Reflection Questions: * How do you emphasize that something is sure to happen? * What good things do you look forward to in God’s kingdom? * Why is Jesus our guarantee of everything good and necessary? Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Psalms 77-78; Revelation 6

 

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