SVLC DEVOTION SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2022

by | Dec 30, 2022 | Daily Devotions

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2022

 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…Ecclesiastes 3:1

 NEWS: The bad news (?) is that we won’t have the chance to see everyone until next year. The good news is… that’s tomorrow, January 1, 2023! The focus of our worship will be God’s grace – past, present and future. Please invite anyone you can bring as being in God’s house is a great way to start the New Year off in good fashion. Our readings for the day are Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 followed by Revelation 21:1-6 and then our Gospel lesson, Matthew 25:31-45 After we’ve celebrated the Lord’s Supper and our service is complete, please join us for fellowship time with coffee and goodies. Depending on the weather this may be inside or outside.

There is NO Bible study tomorrow: that resumes next week, on January 8th. The theme is, “Why Pray.” Pastor Joel will ber leading a study in the book of the same name. All are invited to pick up a copy and participate. The suggested donation is $5.00 but you can certainly defer that if that’s an issue.

We have some openings for anyone who would like to serve our Lord and congregation tomorrow, and Thank You to those who did sign up:

Fellowship:  OPEN

Techies:  Ian Andrews

Reader:  Keith Neblett

Acolyte:  Josephine Neemia

Greeter:  OPEN

Ushers:  Victor Dille, OPEN

Flowers:  OPEN

PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Noah Adams, serving our country in the military. We remember all those serving us in the military, first responders, police, paramedics, fire fighters and medical personnel in hospitals. We ask the Lord to guide and protect them in their work as they serve and protect us.

 READINGS: Psalm 111:1-6, 10; Psalm 8; Isaiah 60:1-22; Luke 1:39-56

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“GUILT AND GRIEF”

December 31, 2022

 

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.” (Matthew 2:1-2)

I wonder whether the wise men ever found out about the children who died as a result of their visit. I hope not. They were doing a very normal thing—taking presents to the new heir to the throne of a nearby country. From their viewpoint, it was a diplomatic mission like dozens of others. How were they to know it would end up in tragedy?

It wasn’t their fault, of course. Looking for a new royal baby? You should look in the capital city, of course—in the palace, in the king’s family! And they did—and babies died as a result.

What do you do, when your innocent action brings unintended harm? The only thing you can do—run to Jesus for help. He whose own innocent birth resulted in massacre, how could He not understand what you are feeling? Seek comfort in Him. He is well able to deal with your guilt, rational and irrational alike. He understands the whole mess, nobody better. And He will draw you close to Him, enfold you in His mercy, and heal you. He will hear your prayers for those caught up in evil. It’s what He does—because He gave Himself to become your Savior.

WE PRAY: Lord, draw near to me when I can’t draw near to You. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

* Do you think the wise men found out?

* What would you say to someone facing this kind of irrational guilt and grief?

* Has God helped you through a time when your well-meant actions led to trouble? If you are willing, tell the story.

Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Malachi 3-4; Revelation 22

 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 hours: 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 Saturday and last day of 2022 to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us

Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org