SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
SATURDAY, MARCH 12
NEWS: This morning our Men’s Bible study/breakfast starts at 9 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Pastor Joel will be talking about the man Saint Patrick, his life and Christian ministry. At 10 AM the monthly Work Party takes place and goes until Noon. For all who would like tio help, we’ll fix up and tidy up our church and surrounding property.
Tomorrow our Sunday starts with our 9 AM Bible study. Pastor Joel is talking about the miracles of Jesus and how they relate to us today. Our worship service follows at 10 AM. After Pastor Joel’s children’s message, please follow Ms. Margie to the Fellowship Hall for Bible Buddies. We’ll have our fellowship time after our service is complete. Whoever is hungry for lunch is then welcome to join us at Jersey Mikes just up River Road from our church for a great sandwich!
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Krag Ross.
READINGS: Psalm 32:1-5; Psalm 3; Psalm 51; Genesis 15:1-21; Mark 5:21-43
DEVOTION:
“LET’S SAVE IT!”
And He told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.'” (Luke 13:6-9)
I really like the attitude of the vinedresser in this story. Most workers would just get out the axe and the tree would be firewood by sundown.
But this man is different. He asks the owner to give the tree one more year. During that time, the vinedresser is going to dig and fertilize and do all this extra work—and why? Because he cares about the tree. Even though so far it’s been useless, he doesn’t want to see it die. He wants to save it.
There’s no denying that we can be an awful lot like that tree in Jesus’ story. We know we should be bearing fruit for God—living lives that are good and holy and bring honor to Him—but, well … and so we fear the judgment we know in our hearts we deserve.
But Jesus says, “No. I’m going to save these people. I love them, and will do everything that can possibly be done for them, to make sure they live. I will live with them, suffer for them, die for them, and rise again. I will share My own life with them. Then they will live and bear wonderful fruit!”
THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You for giving Yourself to save me. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Do you enjoy growing plants? Why or why not?
* Have you ever saved something other people thought was useless? Tell the story.
* How do you imitate Jesus’ love in your own life towards others?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Numbers 5-6 Mark 13:1-20
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 Saturday and weekend to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us.
