SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
SATURDAY, AUGUST 27
NEWS: Tomorrow we are in God’s house and it’s a very special day: we will have TWO received into the kingdom of Christ through holy baptism! The day starts with Bible study at 9 AM, led by Pastor Joel. The study continues to be on the Lord’s prayer and it includes material from Luther’s Large and Small Catechism’s. Our worship service follows at 10. The title of Pastor Joel’s sermon is, “Religion or Relationship,” and is based on our reading from Luke 14:1-14 After we’ve received the Lord’s supper and our service comes to a close, please be sure to join us outside for fellowship time, with coffee and goodies. Then, we continue fellowship by meeting up at the Oceanside Bakery, off of Mission, by El Camino. It’s a great place for breakfast or lunch, whatever tickles your fancy in the late morning.
Also serving our Lord and congregation tomorrow are:
Fellowship: Bruce & Carole Woodward
Flowers: The Woodwards
Techies: Ian Andrews, Chris Roth
Reader: Carole Woodward
Acolyte: Josephine Neemia
Greeter: Allen Kolkman
Ushers: Victor Dille, Doug Lara
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Daria Roth.
READINGS: Psalm 72; 1 Kings 9:1-9 and 1 Kings 10:1-13; 2 Corinthians 5:1-21
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“Like Trusting Children”
Matthew 18:1-3 – At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to Him, and placed the child among them. And He said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Who’s the greatest? That’s a question we often hear. We want heroes, powerful men and women who can overcome the odds, do great and mighty things. Why do we want to know what our favorite performer or athlete has to say about this or that? Well, perhaps many of us hope we can glean something from them—some nugget of wisdom, some insight into the workings of humanity. And then maybe we too can gain more power, prestige, and control.
I think that’s what Jesus’ disciples were looking for from Him. He was a big deal in their world. They heard Him speak; they saw the miracles of healing and feeding and even walking on water. They were on the inside track of His new kingdom; they were His chosen ones. Now they wanted to know what that might mean for them.
So they asked Jesus a very modern question: “Who is the greatest?” But why? Did they really want to know if Jesus was proud of them? Did they really want to know if they met His high standards for leadership and service? Quite possibly not. I don’t think their concern was over excellence or holiness or faithfulness from God’s point of view. No, they—like many of us—just wanted to know who’s in charge!
So who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? It’s the one totally dependent on God as his Source of life and strength—like a little child. A child looks to his or her mom and dad, looks to the one who loves and cares for them. That’s why Jesus calls a little child to Him in their presence. He’s showing His disciples that their greatness and strength with God comes from knowing they’re completely dependent on Him, from knowing that He alone is the One they should trust.
That’s one reason why Christians call themselves “children of God.” It’s not because we’re young and naïve. It’s not because we’re trying to avoid the tough questions and issues of life. No, it’s because we never want to forget the ultimate Source of our strength, our wisdom, our life, even our peace in this tense world.
As children of God we place our trust in Him who provides all things for us. So think about your spiritual life with God in Christ this week. It is there you will find the power to face the tough decisions in your job, your personal life, your family life. Be powerful like a child who trusts a Savior who really loves them!
WE PRAY: Dear Lord, give me the faith of a child to trust in You in all things! Amen.
From “Like a Child,” a message from Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, former Speaker of The Lutheran Hour
Reflection Questions:
1. Do you know any child who might be called heroic or powerful? For what reasons?
2. For those who are adults, how might we incorporate positive childlike traits into our lives?
3. Were there qualities you had as a child that you wished you had more of now? What has changed?
Today’s Bible Readings: 2 Chronicles 4-6 2 Corinthians 1
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 Saturday and weekend to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
