SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
MONDAY, MARCH 21
NEWS: Yesterday was another beautiful day in God’s house. We had 41 in attendance and we give thanks for Pastor Joel and all others who served the Lord and our congregation. This Wednesday we have our next Potluck and midweek Lenten service. The Potluck begins at 6:15 PM in our Fellowship Hall with our service at 7 in the sanctuary. Please plan to join us after work or your daily activities.
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Kathy Andrews. We also pray for our neighbors at Camp Pendleton, for all serving there and for our armed forces and military around the world.
READINGS: Psalm 38:13-15, 21-22; Psalm 54; Psalm 130; Genesis 29:1-30; Mark 9:14-32
DEVOTION:
“REJECTED STONE”
When they heard this, they said, “Surely not!” But He looked directly at them and said, “What then is this that is written: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’? Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.” (Luke 20:16b-18)
In ancient days, if you were going to build a stone house or temple, the cornerstone was the first piece of the foundation you would lay. It set the direction for both walls originating at it; it bore the weight of the whole house.
You would never want to pick a weak or crooked stone to do this job. It would mess up the whole building. No, you’d do your best to find a square or rectangular stone that was strong and straight, with no cracks or breaks in it.
And yet Jesus quotes Psalm 118 and makes it clear that He Himself is “the stone that the builders rejected,” the one refused by the religious leaders, even to the point of arrest and death.
It’s so tempting to call those men idiots. What were they thinking, to reject this cornerstone, Jesus our Lord? Did they want someone prettier—more impressive—someone weak and moldable who would do their bidding? That would be an utter disaster!
What we needed is exactly what God gave us—Jesus, who is strong enough to bear the weight of the entire world on His back, with all our sins and griefs and burdens. Jesus, who had no cracks or breaks in His own integrity, and no crookedness either. Jesus, who makes the entire building strong and holy—including all of us, the stones God is building upon Him.
Because of Jesus’ strength, we will never fall. Because of His love for us, we have become part of God’s house, God’s temple—where we are forever welcome, honored, and useful. You have a place in God’s building—safe and strong, built on Jesus our Rock.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, be my foundation forever. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Did you play with building blocks as a child?
* What specific things did you need, to make your building stand up strong?
* How do you see those characteristics reflected in Jesus’ dealings with you?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Numbers 28-30 Luke 1:21-38
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 Monday and new week to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us.