SVLC DEVOTION MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024

 A VERY HAPPY, HEALTHY, SAFE and SPIRITUALLY PROFITABLE NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!

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

 NEWS: We thank all who served our congregation yesterday in the various ministry opportunities we have each week. We especially thank Allen Kolkman, still loved as Pastor Al, for conducting our worship and his wonderful sermon message. There were 38 who joined us in person and some online as well. Apologies for the technical issues in the first part of our online feed.

Due to the New Years holiday, the next devotional email will be sent for Wednesday, January 3^rd.

The Board of Directors will be meeting online, via Zoom, at 6 PM this Thursday. Be on the lookout for an email with the Zoom link in the next few days.

This Saturday the Men will meet, one week earlier than usual, for their monthly Bible Breakfast/Study. It’s at 9 AM in our Community building. The monthly Work Party will follow

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Charlene Simpson in our prayers. For Tuesday we remember Bill and Pat Sperberg.

 READINGS: Ecclesiastes 3:1-13; Psalm 8; Revelation 21:1-6; Matthew 25:31-46

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“FEAR” January 1, 2024

 

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. (Matthew 2:1-4) King Herod wasn’t happy. He knew that whoever the wise men were looking for, it wasn’t one of his own children or grandchildren; no, this was a future rival for his throne, possibly the Messiah Himself. And his first impulse was to get rid of Him. No wonder Jerusalem was troubled! They knew Herod’s temper. They knew he was paranoid and had a history of murder. A man who killed his own wife and children when he thought they were plotting against him—who could feel safe around him? And there was the baby Jesus, just a few miles down the road. God understands danger. He understands abuse and violence—and the fear that comes from living in the shadow of it, day after day. If this is your situation, God cares deeply for you. He loves you, and He came into this world, your world, to rescue you. Call out to Him for help. Cry to Him when you are afraid. He loves you enough to die for you—and He has all power, even over death itself. He can help. WE PRAY: Dear Lord, have mercy on us who are afraid. Amen. Reflection Questions: * Have you been touched by fear in your life? * Does God ever agree with abuse? * Where can people who are afraid find help? What resources do you know of? Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Genesis 1-3; Matthew 1

 

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 Monday and new week to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us