SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9
NEWS: This evening we have both a meal and a church service. First, we have a Potluck in our Fellowship Hall at 6:15 PM. There was not a sign-up sheet so please bring something if you can. This is followed by our second midweek Lenten service, in our sanctuary, at 7 PM. We will have a Potluck for each Wednesday evening service through the duration of Lent so you can plan on eating with us before church.
Saturday, the men will meet for their monthly Men’s Bible breakfast and study at 9 AM in our Fellowship Hall. Then we will have our monthly work party from 10 AM to Noon. Please come and spend as much time as you can helping tidy up our church and property.
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Brandon Reilly. We also pray for Margaret Paton’s nephew Johnny, who had to have one of his feet amputated.
READINGS: Psalm 74:10-17; Psalm 126; Psalm 6; Genesis 8:13-9:17; Mark 4:1-20
DEVOTION:
“JUSTIFIED”
And behold, a lawyer stood up to put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” … Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. … But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.'” (Luke 10:25, 30, 33-35)
It was a trick question, of course. The lawyer summed up the Law in a few pithy words—”Love God, and love your neighbor.” Jesus agreed: “Do this, and you shall live.” But who can actually do this? Who among us never fails in loving God or our neighbors? No wonder the lawyer wanted to justify himself!
But that isn’t possible. We are broken, sinful people, in desperate need of help. In God’s eyes, each of us is just like that man who fell among robbers—stripped, beaten, and left for dead. Who will help us?
Jesus will. Like that kind-hearted Samaritan, He comes to us, binds up our wounds, and takes us to safety. He stays with us and cares for us. He provides for us and gets us back on the road to life—not with mere money, but at the price of His own suffering and death on the cross. And He promises to return for us. Jesus Himself is our eternal life.
THE PRAYER: Lord, thank You for having mercy on me. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Have you ever helped a stranger you found in trouble? If so, why?
* What moved Jesus to help you?
* Would you rather be justified by your own efforts or by Jesus? Why?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Leviticus 26-27 Mark 11:19-33
To Download Devotion MP3 to your computer, right click here and select “Save Link As” or “Save Target As” or “Download Linked File As”
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:
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 Wednesday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us.
