SVLC DEVOTION SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2023

by | Nov 24, 2023 | Daily Devotions

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2023

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

 NEWS: Tomorrow is the last Sunday of the church year and we celebrate, “Christ The King Sunday.” Bible study will hap-pen at 9 AM with Pastor Joel teaching us about the book of Genesis. Our worship takes place at 10 and the title of Pastor Joel’s sermon is, “What If He’s On our Side?” It’s based on the Psalm of the day, where our Psalmody is from, Psalm 95 The Old Testament reading is Ezekiel 34:11-16,, 20-24 The Epistle lesson is Ephesians 1:15-23  Our Gospel comes from Matthew 25:31-46

After we have taken the Eucharist and our service is complete, please join us for fellowship time with coffee and goodies. Then fellowship continues at the Pit Stop Diner, on Mission Ave., near police headquarters.

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Daria Roth in our prayers. She requests prayers for all who are traveling to and from home this weekend.

 READINGS: Nehemiah 4:1-14; Psalm 119:137-144; 2 John 1

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“Laying Low”

November 25, 2023

 

Matthew 26:58 – And Peter was following Him [Jesus] at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end.

The Gospel writers tell it like it was for Peter the night Jesus was betrayed and handed over to the chief priest for questioning. They tell us that Peter was following Jesus—but at a distance.

That had to be one of the most difficult nights in Peter’s life. He was on a roll—and not a good one. At the Last Supper, Jesus tells Peter and the other disciples they would all “fall away” from Him (Matthew 26:31b). Later, Peter’s poor showing at staying awake while Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane (see Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46) was topped off by Peter’s impulsive swipe with a sword, lopping off the right ear of one of the high priest’s servants. (See John 18:10-11.)

Clearly, things were not going well at that point. And it’s little wonder Peter wasn’t eager to go rushing in to help Jesus. So, Peter’s strategy—if we can call it that—was to lay low, stay within earshot of what’s going on but still far enough back to make a quick exit if necessary. We’ve all been there, probably, right?—hanging back when getting too close could cost us, and may cost us dearly.

Because following at a distance is easy, isn’t it?

But, my friends, Jesus does not want you and me to follow Him at a distance. He wants us near Him, so He can guide us. As much as we are able, we must follow Christ closely. He is inviting us to do just that. “My sheep hear My voice,” Jesus says, “and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand” (John 10:27-29).

It may seem like lagging behind in our faith-walk with Jesus is the way to go, but we must learn to lean forward into Him, trusting that He is there for us every step of the way. My hope is that we let the love of Christ draw us to Himself, as we follow Him closely, diving into His Word, embracing His mercy and forgiveness as shown to each of through His life, death, and resurrection.

Then we can say with the hymn-writer, “Jesus! And shall it ever be, a mortal man ashamed of Thee? Ashamed of Thee, whom angels praise, whose glories shine through endless days? Ashamed of Jesus? Yes, I may, when I’ve no guilt to wash away, no tear to wipe, no good to crave, no fear to quell, no soul to save. Till then—nor is my boasting vain—till then I boast a Savior slain; and oh, may this my glory be, that Christ is not ashamed of me!”

WE PRAY: Heavenly Father, grant unto all who hear Your Word today the courage to follow You more closely. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

From “Following Jesus at a Distance,” a sermon excerpt from Rev. Dr. Wallace Schulz, former Speaker of The Lutheran Hour

Reflection Questions:

1. Showing loyalty can be hard. What might keep us following Jesus at a distance sometimes?

2. What do you think was going through Peter’s mind as he watched things unfold from the shadows?

3. How can we learn to lean into Jesus when things are difficult?

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Ezekiel 24-26; 1 Peter 2

 

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/

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

 Pastor Joel, pastor@svlcchurch.org