SVLC DEVOTION FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2024

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2024

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

 NEWS: Please refer to the Shepherd of The Valley Church Newsletter that Allen Kolkman sent yesterday by email.

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Bruce and Carole Woodward in our prayers. Bruce and Carole request prayers for continued peace and comfort.

 READINGS: Psalm 37:34-40; Proverbs 22:1-9; Luke 6:27-31

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“THE WISDOM OF GOD” January 5, 2024

 

But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the Child and His mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.” And he rose and took the Child and His mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. (Matthew 2:19-22) It fascinates me to see the way that God guides Joseph as he brings Jesus and Mary home from Egypt. God sends Joseph dreams, but God also relies on Joseph’s common sense to protect Jesus from danger. Both are good, but God’s wisdom is greater. Common sense can only take you so far! When we trust in Jesus to rescue us from the power of sin and death, we are trusting God’s heavenly wisdom—because the cross doesn’t make sense in human terms. What power to save can there be in a dying man? Or in a newborn baby, lying in a manger? But when we look with the help of the Holy Spirit, we see that Jesus truly is “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” Through His death and resurrection He has made us God’s own children. “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Corinthians 1:24-25). Let’s trust in Him. WE PRAY: Lord Holy Spirit, lead me when I don’t know what to do. Amen. Reflection Questions: * When you have to make a decision, how do you seek God’s will? * What makes Christianity look silly to non-believers? * Why do you trust in Jesus anyway? Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Genesis 13-15; Matthew 5:1-26

 

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