SVLC DEVOTION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023

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

 NEWS: Link of the Week:  We continue the series of “Five Myths.”  This one is “Five Myths Catholics Have about Lutherans.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4ATQA_  Good and helpful stuff, just  as much for Lutherans as Catholics.  Point 5 is a little bit obscure but the first 4 are really good.

 PRAYERS: Today we remember David and Melissa Carlisle in our prayers.

 READINGS: Nehemiah 9:16-38; Psalm 126; Revelation 3:13-22

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“READY OR NOT” December 6, 2023

 

Now while he was serving as priest … there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him … But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great before the Lord.” (Luke 1:8a, 11a, 12a, 13-15a) Poor Zechariah! After a long life of disappointment, suddenly an angel appears to tell him he will have a son in his old age. Surely we can forgive him if he wondered, “Do I really still want a baby at this point?” But it doesn’t matter, does it? God’s joyful, glorious plan is already sweeping him away, and that child is going to be born no matter how many doubts Zechariah has about it. Why? Because God knows what is best—and this is part of His plan to send His own dear Son Jesus into the world to conquer evil and bring us all back to God’s family. We, too, have times when life changes suddenly, and we’re not sure we can cope. That’s human. But God still has hold of us, and He knows where He is going. And no matter what comes, we have Jesus—the One who loves us so much He lay down His life for us, to rescue us from all evil. Now that He has risen from the dead, we know He will be with us every step of the way. WE PRAY: When I’m scared, Lord, be close to me! Amen. Reflection Questions: * Do you ever want to yell “Stop!” when things are happening too fast? * Tell the story of a time when you felt “swept away” by events. * How did God uphold you during that time? Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Ezra 3-4; 1 John 5

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