SVLC DEVOTION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023

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

 NEWS: Link of the Week: “Why Lutheran?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GVpJr-3DxQ  

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Allen and Debbie Kolkman in our prayers.

 READINGS: Zechariah 7; Psalm 139; Revelation 14

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“FAITHLESS TO FAITHFUL” December 19, 2023

 

And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. (Matthew 1:19) Joseph is the quiet hero of the Christmas story. Matthew introduces him to us as “a just man … unwilling to put [Mary] to shame.” What does that mean? Probably that Joseph followed the Lord faithfully, with all his heart. He knew the Law of Moses—that betrothed women who committed adultery could be put to death. But there was no revenge in Joseph’s heart—no wish to hurt Mary, or even put her to shame in the village. In spite of the pain he must have been feeling, he put her needs first. What a wonderful choice God made when He picked Joseph for Jesus’ foster father! Because Jesus, too, put the needs of His beloved people first, even though we rebelled against God and went our own faithless way. He did not consider His own pain or think about taking revenge on us. Instead, He planned to bring us back—to restore us to Himself, no longer faithless but beloved, forgiven, and faithful people. How? Through the power of His own death and resurrection. Joseph reflects God’s mercy in miniature. The best he could think of to help Mary was a quiet divorce, and no shame to him. It takes God Himself to do much better than that—to do the miracle of turning faithless people into the loving Bride of Christ, Christians who love their Lord so much they would rather die than be without Him. And why? Because He loved us first. After what Jesus did for us, who can resist Him? WE PRAY: Dear Jesus, set my heart on You always. Amen. Reflection Questions: * When have you seen love transform someone’s heart? * Can you think of a time when Jesus’ love made a difference in your life? * How can you show that same sacrificial love to someone you know who is in need of it? Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Ezra 5-7; Revelation 11

 

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