SVLC DEVOTION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2023

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

 NEWS: Please refer to the Shepherd of The Valley Church Newsletter that Allen Kolkman sent by email yesterday and faithfully sendsn out each week. Thank You!

 PRAYERS: Today we remember the Luckemeyer family in our prayers: Amy, Pastor Joel, Jeremy and Lucy Joy.

 READINGS: Zechariah 10; Psalm 142; Revelation 17

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“CARETAKER” December 22, 2023

 

When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a Son. And he called His Name Jesus. (Matthew 1:24-25) The English Standard Version of the Bible gets a bit shy in this verse. It says that Joseph “knew her not” when he brought Mary home to be his wife. Of course, what it really means is that they did not have sex. Mary remained a virgin, so no one would have any reason to doubt Jesus’ miraculous conception. But this is just one way that Joseph acted as caretaker for both Mary and Jesus. By going through with the wedding, Joseph gave them the protection of his name and his home. Joseph guarded them with love under God’s direction, and deserves all honor for it. It makes me wonder if, humanly speaking, Jesus learned His caretaking love from Joseph. Here is a father who would encourage his Son to be gentle with people, especially those who are in trouble. Here is a father who lived faithfully, caring for others at his own expense and protecting them from danger. Because, of course, that’s what we see Jesus doing—for us!—as an adult. He came to us, people scarred by sin and full of shame—and what did He do? He had mercy on us. He taught, fed, healed, corrected, forgave, and comforted us. And He put His own body between us and danger. On the cross, He broke the power of the devil and set us free. And when He rose from the dead, He shared that everlasting life with us. WE PRAY: Lord Jesus, thank You for taking care of us. Amen. Reflection Questions: * Who has taken care of you in your life? * What specific ways did they care for you? * How can you reflect Jesus’ love and care to someone you know who needs it? Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Esther 6-8; Revelation 13

 

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