SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17
NEWS: Some might still ask how our daily readings come about so here is a quick review: our current hymnal in the Missouri Synod is The Lutheran Service Book (LSB). There they have the Daily Lectionary, which includes an Old Testament and New Testament reading. The Psalms I include on a daily basis come from a book I learned about called Treasury of Daily Prayer, published by Concordia Publishing House. It truly is a treasure that has daily devotions, plus the lectionary readings, along with the Psalm readings and other great material. The book can also be found online on Apple and Amazon devices under the title, “Pray Now.” I use a non-Apple desktop for much of my work, including our devotions but there the book won’t come up. C’mon CPH! Anyway, that’s how our readings are put into our devotions.
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Carol Bass.
READINGS: Psalm 37:25-29; Psalm 77; Job 13:1-12; John 6:1-21
DEVOTION:
Luke 6:27-38 – “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
These are some of Jesus’ hard sayings. They tell us to do good things contrary to our human nature. They’re like directions that only those who really love Jesus would ever want to follow.
It would have been really easy for the Gospel writers to try and water down these sayings of Jesus, don’t you think? (Though God’s Holy Spirit would have none of that, I presume.) I mean, “Love your enemies”? With centuries of bad blood between nations, tribes, and even among families, who’s interested in loving their enemy? How about I start with simply ignoring them first, and then maybe they’ll just die without me having to do anything rash.
Jesus’ words show, as Scripture so often does, how God’s ways are not our ways—not even close. God would have us give; we’d rather take. He would have us forgive; we’d rather punish. Though created in God’s image (see Genesis 1:26), our resemblance to our Maker quickly fades when the rubber hits the road. But Jesus gives you and me the opportunity to become a little more like Him, doesn’t He? And how refreshing that is—to be like Jesus—the One who gave His life for us so that we can have life eternal.
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, make us like Jesus. In His Name. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Paul Schreiber.
Reflection Questions:
1. Being kind to an “enemy” is tough. Can you remember the last time you were?
2. Can you give some examples of Jesus doing the things He mentions above? What are they?
3. Is there a person in your life who truly resembles Jesus in his or her attitude? How so?
Today’s Bible Readings: Exodus 25-26 Mark 1:1-22
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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 are to go to your work 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.”
Then you are to go to sleep quickly and cheerfully.
OTHER RESOURCES:
www.facebook.com/shepherdofthevalleyoceanside
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 hours: 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 Thursday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us.
