SVLC DEVOTION THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2024

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2024

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

 NEWS: The Board of Directors have their monthly meeting tonight at 6 PM. It’s online through Zoom and Bruce Woodward sent the link by email oln Tuesday.

The Mens Bible Study/Breakfast happens this Saturday at 9 AM in the Community building. Join in for food, fellowship and the study of God’s word! The Work Party follows at 10 AM and goes until Noon. This is where anyone can pitch in to help tidy up our church and property.

 PRAYERS: Today we remember the Terrill family in our prayers: Amy, Abby, Lot and Asha.

 READINGS: Proverbs 3:1-12; James 4:11-17

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“THE LAST BABY OF BETHLEHEM” January 4, 2024

 

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the Child and His mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the Child, to destroy Him.” And he rose and took the Child and His mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. … Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. (Matthew 2:13-15a, 16-17) This story used to make me feel uneasy. “Why did God save His own Son but not the other babies?” I wondered. It seemed … unfair, somehow. Unjust. Was God playing favorites? Years later I realized that in fact, Jesus did not get away safely. The final baby of Bethlehem also died at the hand of a king named Herod—thirty-some years later, as an adult. And it wasn’t a quick death by the sword but the long-drawn-out agony of crucifixion. But even that’s not the real point, is it? Because out of all those babies and toddlers, Jesus is the One who came into this world on purpose to die. He gave Himself into death on purpose, for all those babies and for us as well. And then He rose from the dead, just as He will raise those children—and us as well. WE PRAY: Lord, overcome the darkness with Your light. Amen. Reflection Questions: * Does this story make you feel uneasy about God? Why or why not? * Some call those children the first martyrs for Christ. Would you agree? * How does Jesus help you cope with the darkness of great evil? Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Genesis 10-12; Matthew 4

 

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