SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20
NEWS: From our Pastor Emeritus, Allen Kolkman: “Lutheranism 101” It’s now all online at www.svlchurch.org/about-us/lutheranism101/ This series, written by yours truly, has evolved from the Adult Confirmation Class I’ve taught for years, as well as the Doctrine Class I’ve taught for the Pacific Southwest District of our Synod. I’m currently teaching it at Faith Lutheran Church in Vista where it has been very well received. It’s now a resource on our church’s website (go to the site, click on “about us,” a drop down menu appears, click on Lutheranism 101). There is an index by subject. Check it out!
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Theodora Elias. Theodora asks prayers for guidance for her two children. Also, prayers for her and her husband Rod’s health. Prayers too for Rod’s job situation, that he may find work.
READINGS: Psalm 138; Psalm 140; Deuteronomy 19:1-20; Matthew 15:1-20
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“Carried to Jesus”
Luke 18:15-17 – Now they were bringing even infants to Him [Jesus] that He might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to Him, saying, “Let the children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”
That last verse is a difficult one: “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” What does Jesus mean exactly? How do children receive the kingdom of God—and what does that mean about how we should receive it, too?
Maybe I’m being too literal, but when I looked back at the beginning of the story, I found this: “Now they were bringing even infants to Him that He might touch them.” How do you bring infants to Jesus? You carry them, of course! They can’t walk or drive or ride a bicycle. They can’t even crawl. They need to be carried. For them, receiving the Kingdom—coming to Jesus—is something that happens to them. Somebody else does the work, and they get the blessing.
This is true for us too, isn’t it? Oh, as adults we can walk and drive and go pretty much everywhere we want to. But when it comes to trusting in Jesus, we can’t make that happen by our own decisions and choices. We need the Holy Spirit to carry us to Jesus, like the spiritual babies we are. And when He puts faith in our hearts, we become part of God’s kingdom—all by the good gift of God. The Spirit does the work; we receive the blessing.
WE PRAY: Dear Lord Holy Spirit, thank You for bringing me to Jesus! Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Reflection Questions:
1. When did you first become a Christian—if you know?
2. Who (humanly speaking) was instrumental in bringing you to Jesus?
3. Is the Holy Spirit working through you to bring others to Jesus? Whom?
Today’s Bible Readings: Jeremiah 6, 11-12 Acts 27:27-44
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 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
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
