SVLC DEVOTION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS\

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023

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

 NEWS: Tomorrow morning the men meet for their monthly Bible breakfast/study. It starts at 9 AM in the Community building. Please join us for Bruces bisquits with gravy, fellowship and the studym of Gods word.

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

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Deanna and Victor Dille in our prayers. They thank the Lord for their blessings and ask Him for good health. Dee also requests prayers for her sons and Victor for his daughters.

 READINGS: Nehemiah 11; Psalm 128; Revelation 5

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“WAITING FOR A MIRACLE” December 8, 2023

 

And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home. After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.” (Luke 1:23-25) I wish I could have seen how Elizabeth took it when her husband let her know what had happened. Could she read? Did Zechariah write it down? Did he mime it? I don’t know. But it wasn’t long before she understood that God had answered their prayers, and she would have her longed-for baby. And she kept herself in seclusion. What did that mean? Probably not complete isolation, given that her husband was mute and somebody had to deal with the shopping! But it sounds like she kept this mighty gift of God close to her heart—wrapped up in silence and wonder. Soon enough the rest of the world would find out. For now, it was a private joy—the faithfulness of God, who had heard their prayer and answered with love. But Elizabeth wasn’t the only one who was waiting for a miracle. So were all the people who held on to God’s promises in faith—promises to send a Savior who would mend the broken world and make us beloved children of God. John’s coming meant that Jesus was on His way—and He would give Himself for the life of the world—for you and for me. What a wonderful thing to think about! WE PRAY: Dear Jesus, turn my attention and my love to You. Amen. Reflection Questions: * When you have wonderful news, do you shout it to the world or do you go quiet? * Can you give an example from your own life? * What do you think Elizabeth did with her time during those days? Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

 

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

 

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