SVLC DEVOTION SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

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

 NEWS: This morning the men meet for their monthly Bible Breakfast/Study. It starts at 9 AM in the Community building. Please join us for a great breakfast prepared by Bruce Woodward, fellowship and the study of God’s word.

At 10 AM the monthly Work Party takes place. Any and all are invited to come and help tidy up our church and property. It goes until Noon.

Tomorrow is the Second Sunday in Advent as we are back in God’s house. Bible study, led by Pastor Joel, begins at 9 AM. At 10 our worship service takes place and the title of Pastor Joel’s sermon is, “Repent, Receive, Be Reminded, Be Restored and Repent.” The text is based on Psalm 85 where our Psalmody is taken from and our Gospel of the day, Mark 1:1-8 The Old Testament reading comes from Isaiah 40:1-11 The Epistle is 2 Peter 3:8-14

After the Eucharist and our service draws to a close, please join us for fellowship time, with coffee and goodies. Then join e3veryone at El Pollo Loco on College Ave. to continue the fellowship!

Also serving our Lord and congregation tomorrow are:

Techies:  Ian Andrews, Bruce Woodward

Reader:  Allen Latall

Acolyte:  Josephine Neemia

Greeter:  Kathy Andrews

Ushers:   Rick Adams, Keith Neblett

Flowers:  Charlene Simpson

Fellowship:  Daria Roth

PRAYERS: Today we remember the Doan family in our prayers: Marika, Chad, Lydia and Lucille.

 READINGS: Nehemiah 1:1-43; Psalm 129; Revelation 6

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“THE LORD IS WITH YOU” December 9, 2023

 

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. (Luke 1:26-29) What was Mary doing, when the angel came to her? Sweeping the floor, feeding the chickens, carrying water? Probably something very ordinary. How strange, then, to have an angel call you “O favored one” and say that the Lord was with you! Of course she was afraid. Angels come for a purpose. And Gabriel was there to tell her that the Lord would soon be with her in a way more intimate and close than she could possibly imagine—incarnate within her as a baby in her womb. How could she comprehend such a thing, that God would come to her like that? How can we comprehend it, when Jesus comes to us, to live within us as our Savior and Redeemer? It takes some getting used to. But Mary would have that time—nine months of it!—before she began raising the very Son of God as her own Son. And we, too, have time to get used to Jesus’ loving presence with us—from the day we first trust Him who died and rose for us, until the day we see Him face to face. WE PRAY: Dear Jesus, help me to get used to living with You day by day. Amen. Reflection Questions: * How strange would it be, to have the Lord as your child? * In how many ways is the Lord with you? Name some of them. * How does God remind you of His loving presence? Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Zechariah 5-8; Jude

 

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