SVLC DEVOTION SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2024

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2024

THE DAY OF EPIPHANY

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

 NEWS: Today the men meet for their monthly Bible Study/Breakfast at 9 AM. It’s in the Community building and includes food, fellowship and the study of God’s Word.

At 10 AM the monthly Work Party takes place where all are invited to participate in making our church and property cleaner and fresher.

Tomorrow, we celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord. We’ll start with Bible study at 9 AM. Pastor Joel is finishing up our study in the book of Genesis for the next couple of weeks.

In our 10 AM worship the title of Pastor Joel’s sermon is, “Pep Talk.” The basis is the Gospel reading, Mark 1:4-11 Our Old Testament lesson is Genesis 1:1-5 The Psalmody is taken from Psalm 29 Our Epistle comes from Romans 6:1-11

After the Eucharist is taken and our service closes, please join uis for fellowship time with coffee and goodies. Then come on over to the Pit Stop Diner to continue fellowship time.

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Noah Adams in our prayers.

 READINGS: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-11; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“YEARS OF QUIET” January 6, 2024

 

And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the Child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon Him … And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:39-40, 52) These are the quiet years of Jesus’ life—years when the most unusual thing that happened was the time His parents misplaced Him in Jerusalem for a couple of days and found Him again (see Luke 2). Other than that, what? A normal life for the Son of God. Learning basic life skills from His mother and carpentry skills from His father. Praying with His parents. Going to school with His classmates at the local synagogue. Learning to read and write. Learning to know the Bible by heart. And throughout it all, there was the world around Him, from which He drew so many of His parables later. Harvest and planting. Shepherds with their sheep. Men out on fishing boats. Builders who did their job well—or poorly. Families and their arguments. During these years, Jesus was getting ready for the heart of His mission—three years when He would teach, preach, heal, and finally save the people God loves through His own suffering and death on the cross. Three years until His death and resurrection—which opened everlasting life to all of us who love Him. Just look how He loves us! WE PRAY: Dear Jesus, come with me as we leave the days of Christmas behind and enter a new year of life. Keep me with You forever. Amen. Reflection Questions: * Do you, too, hope for a year of quiet? * What do you hope for or fear in the new year? * How will you rely on Jesus to get you through it all? Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Genesis 16-17; Matthew 5:27-48

 

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