SVLC DEVOTION FRRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 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 sent by email from Allen Kolkman yesterday.

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Brandon Reilly in our prayers.

 READINGS: Psalm 78:1-7; Isaiah 55:1-13; Luke 1:1-25

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“BACK TO THE SHEEP” December 29, 2023

 

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds … went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this Child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. (Luke 2:15a, 16b-20a) The shepherds go see the baby, of course. And they tell everyone what they saw and heard. But after that … they go home. Back to the sheep! Because glorious as the news is, the sheep still need minding, and that is the work God has given them to do. This happens to us, too, doesn’t it? We may have some wonderful spiritual experience, and for a moment, we see God’s glory. But then it’s back to the desk—back to the chores—back to the children. Because whatever it is, that is the work God has given us. And by doing it, we honor God and bless our neighbor. Jesus, too, would shortly be doing the work God gave Him. At first it was the same work every child is given—to grow, to play, to learn how people behave with each other. But in the end it would be the special work nobody but the Son of God could do—to give Himself up, even to death, so that everyone who trusts in Him might live. Jesus’ loving work for us is our salvation. WE PRAY: Come with me, Lord, into my everyday life. Amen. Reflection Questions: * What is the most boring part of your day? * Have you seen God at work in that area? If so, how? * How can God use your daily life to bless other people? Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Nehemiah 12-13; Revelation 20

 

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