SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
TUESDAY, MARCH 22
NEWS: Our next midweek Lenten service takes place tomorrow evening…after we eat! Our Potluck takes place at 6:15 PM in the Fellowship Hall with good food and fellowship. Our worship then takes place at 7 in our sanctuary as Pastor Joel continues his messages on “Psalms on The Way to The Cross.”
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Ian Andrews.
READINGS: Psalm 105; Psalm 143; Genesis 35:1-29; Mark 9:33-50
DEVOTION:
“PREMEDITATED”
And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put Him to death, for they feared the people. Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray Him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of a crowd. (Luke 22:2-6)
They call it “premeditated” when a murderer plans ahead of time how to kill someone. For days or weeks the murderer has been choosing a time, a place, a weapon. Premeditation usually gets greater punishment, because it wasn’t spur of the moment; the person had plenty of time to change their mind. But they didn’t, and that proves their hearts were committed to doing what they did.
There is no clearer word for what the chief priests and scribes did when they plotted to kill Jesus. Judas is guilty of this, too. He had days, maybe weeks, to change his mind. He did not. His heart was committed to it.
And what about God? Oh, what He did was definitely premeditated. From the foundation of the world He planned to save us, to rescue us from the evil that had destroyed our lives. In Genesis 3:15 He promised that a human baby would be born to destroy the power of the devil and save us. That baby was Jesus—God come as a Man, to live, serve, suffer, die—and rise again.
What Jesus did was definitely premeditated. His whole heart was in it. His plan has always been to rescue you, the one He loves, and make you alive, forgiven, and blessed—with Him forever.
THE PRAYER: Thank You, Lord, that Your heart has always been set on saving me. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* What is one thing you planned for a very long time?
* How do you know when someone is committed to loving you?
* Do you see these things reflected in Jesus? How?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Numbers 31-33 Luke 1:39-56
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 Tuesday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us.
