Shepherd of the Valley Messages

By Shepherd of the Valley

Weekly messages from Shepherd of the Valley Church in Afton, Minnesota... more

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How many episodes does Shepherd of the Valley Messages have?

The podcast currently has 444 episodes available.

Shepherd of the Valley Messages episodes:

November 30, 2025Light of Creation
Icebreaker
As the days grow darker this time of year, what’s one thing you do to cope with the early sunsets?

Scripture
Read together: John 1:1–5; Genesis 1:1–5; John 1:14; Psalm 119:105
What words or phrases stand out to you in these passages?
What do these scriptures teach us about God’s Light – its nature, its power, and its purpose?

Observation
In Genesis 1, God’s first spoken words were, “Let there be light.” What does this reveal about God’s character and priorities?
The sermon mentioned that darkness isn’t a thing in itself. It’s the absence of light. Where do you see this play out in your life?
How does John 1 deepen your understanding of Genesis 1? What does it mean that Jesus is the Light that has always existed?
John 1:14 says the Light became flesh and “dwelt among us.” What difference does it make that God didn’t just send light but became Light in human form
Psalm 119:105 reminds us God’s Word is “a lamp for our feet. Why do you think God gives us “one step of light” instead of the whole path?

Application
Where in your life right now does darkness seem overwhelming or confusing?
Pastor Jeremey asked: “Where are you trying to create your own light?” What would it look like to invite Jesus into that exact place this week?
The Advent devotional this week (at sov.church/christmas) notes that a human spirit surrendered to God becomes a lamp (Prov 20:27). How might you reflect God’s light to someone else this Advent season?

Prayer
Close by inviting group members to pray about the areas where they need God’s light as discussed above.
Then pray something like:
Jesus, Light of the World, we thank You that Your light has always been – before creation, before our stories, before our darkness. Shine into every shadowed place in our lives. Give us courage to trust the light You give, even when it’s only the next small step. Fill us with your Spirit, to reflect Your hope, Your truth, and Your love to those around us this Advent. Make us people who carry Your light into a dark world. Amen.
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23min
November 23, 2025 Less is More
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32min
November 16, 2025 More Than A Feeling
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Getting Started
• What was something you saved up to buy as a kid?
• What is one way you like to be generous?
• Are you a saver or a spender? How does that shape how you view money?
Scripture
• Read Matthew 6 specifically – 1-13 and 19-34.
Observation
• Why do you think Jesus is concerned with how we choose to give?
• Look over the Lord’s prayer, what does each line communicate about God?
• What sorts of things might represent “treasures on earth” and “treasures in heaven?”
• After reading the passage about worry, what point is Jesus making in verse 33-34?
Application
• Do you tend to live from a scarcity mindset or an abundance mindset? Can you identify anything in your history that shaped your view in that direction?
• How does the idea “everything belongs to God,” sit with you? In what ways do you accept and resist that statement? If it’s true, how might it change our view on what we have?
• Can you think of some creative ways to be generous?
Prayer
Lord, help us to see you as the provider of all that we need. Remove any fear or worry we have about not having enough, help us see you as our Father that delights in giving us good things and believe You when You say it’s more blessed to give than to receive. Help us live with grateful and generous hearts.
Generosity Stories
God and Money https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RN3wYVRkmno
What Money Says About Your Values https://youtu.be/3ti5mXYGLJ8?si=O2v-_QNF01uwUD8_
Uncompromising Resistance to Materialism https://youtu.be/cO8JPblu1dA?si=k78f6-L_j1vrmGZR
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0min
November 09, 2025More Trouble Than It’s Worth
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Ice Breaker Pick one.
What was your favorite job you’ve ever had?
What do you enjoy spending money on?
What was money like for you growing up? How did it shape the way you view money now?
Scripture
Read Luke 16:1–15; 1 Timothy 6:9–10
Observation
In the parable of the shrewd manager, what does Jesus seem to admire, and what does He not admire?
According to verse 10–13, how does Jesus connect money and trust?
Why do you think the Pharisees “sneered” at Jesus’ teaching about money? Why do you think Jesus gave this teaching to his disciples as well?
How does Paul’s image of “the root of all kinds of evil” help us understand the deeper problem beneath greed?
Application
Paul warns that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. What signs might indicate someone loves money?
What safeguards can we keep in our life to make sure that we don’t love money? How does the illustration Pastor Sam used about removing buckthorn from the root apply to our finances and generosity?
What’s the hardest part about giving consistently?
Prayer
Lord, help us believe You when You say it’s more blessed to give than to receive. Pull up the roots of greed, fear, and self-reliance in our lives. Teach us to trust You with everything we have.
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30min
November 02, 2025 One Leads to Everyone
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33min
October 26, 2025 Advocate For The One
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34min
October 19, 2025 God Can Use Any-ONE
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34min
October 12, 2025 Welcome the Different One
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31min
October 05, 2025 See The Hurting One
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0min
September 28, 2025 Wait For The One
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0min

FAQs about Shepherd of the Valley Messages:

How many episodes does Shepherd of the Valley Messages have?

The podcast currently has 444 episodes available.