SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2022
NEWS: Our Board of Directors is meeting online tomorrow evening, via Zoom, at 7:00 PM. Bruce Woodward sent out the link yesterday through email, so please check your inbox for that.
This Friday, Wine on The Patio takes place at the Kolkman’s house. Please bring a beverage plus a hors d’oeuvre, appetizer or snack to share. It may take place indoors, depending on the Friday evening weather. The Kolkman’s address is 710 Fredericks Ave., Oceanside.
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Tom and Gloria Morofski. Tom especially requests prayers for their grandson Sean, who has Spinal Bifida and is dealing with a bladder infection.
READINGS: Psalm 118; Jeremiah 1:1-19; Matthew 21:23-46
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“Family Resemblance”
1 John 3:1-3 – See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when He appears we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure.
When my son was born, we traced his features. The eyes were his Dad’s, no question. The mouth and chin came from my mother. The hair was mine. But the ears—where in the world did he get those unusual ears?
It drove us crazy. Finally, an old photo of my husband’s father from Vietnam turned up. Yep, those were the ears! The resemblance question was solved.
John tells us that Christians bear a family resemblance to God. We are children of God, and we know it, because Jesus has come into the world as our Savior, to live and to die and to rise again. Now everyone who trusts in Him will be reborn into God’s family. We have Jesus’ word on the subject, and we trust Him.
We can even see the resemblance a little for ourselves. After all, we have seen Jesus in action in the Gospels and in our lives. “He is the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15a), so we know what God the Trinity “looks like,” just by looking at Jesus. And we can look at other Christians and see how the Holy Spirit is working in them to make them grow, more and more, to resemble Jesus.
But the rest of the world looks at us and has a problem. “Look at those strange people,” they say. “What is going on with them? They aren’t like us. Why did that guy take a homeless person into his house? Why did she spend hours doing paperwork for refugees who will never pay her back? Why did those kids work hard to raise money just to help hurting people they don’t even know?”
God knows we often get it wrong as Christians. But by the grace of the Holy Spirit, we get it right often enough that people ask questions. And what they are really asking is, “Who do you look like? I see a family resemblance among you—who is your Father?”
This is the time we can point them to Jesus, our Savior and older Brother. His picture is right there in the Gospels—they can see for themselves what kind of person He is, and the things He does: caring, helping, teaching, rescuing. By God’s grace, they will see enough resemblance to Him in our lives that they will be willing to listen. And the Holy Spirit can plant faith in their hearts as well, making them children of God and our brothers and sisters—one blessed family, growing in love and care for the world.
WE PRAY: Dear Father, make me more like Your Son Jesus. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Reflection Questions:
1. Who do you resemble—not necessarily in appearance, but also in habits, quirks, smile, favorite phrases?
2. Tell about a fellow Christian in whom you see a strong resemblance to Jesus. How can you tell? Be as specific as you can.
3. If Jesus suffered, we too should expect to suffer. It is part of our resemblance. How do you lean on Jesus when you go through hard times?
Today’s Bible Readings: Jeremiah 31-32 Hebrews 8
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 Wednesday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
