SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
SATURDAY, APRIL 9
NEWS: Tomorrow is the day we meet up in God’s House again for PALM SUNDAY. Things begin with our Bible study at 9 AM. Pastor Joel continues to lead the study on the miracles of Jesus and what they mean to our lives. Our service is at 10 and Pastor Joel’s sermon is entitled, “I am Barabbas, I am the Thief.” The text is based on Luke 23:13-43 When worship concludes, we have fellowship time with coffee and goodies to eat. For those wanting and needing lunch, we’ll then proceed to Jersey Mikes, just up the road, It’s right between Starbucks and Dollar Tree.
Ministering tomorrow…
Fellowship: Diane Finley
Flowers: Daria Roth
Techies: Ian Andrews, Josh Cerny
Reader: Allen Kolkman
Acolyte: Open
Greeter: Margaret Paton
Ushers: Rick Adams, Keith Neblett
Please note that our usual Men’s Bible breakfast and Work Party on the second Saturday of the month will take place next week, on Holy Saturday, April 16.
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Keith Neblett. Prayers are requested for the Ukraine and their people, that peace my return. Also for his Mom, as new tenants are scheduled to move into the house.
READINGS: Psalm 78; Psalm 51; Exodus 7:1-25; Mark 16:1-20
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“HOPELESS?”
And there followed Him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for Him. But turning to them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ … For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?” (Luke 23:27-29, 31)
It always amazes me how much care Jesus shows for the people around Him, even on the way to His own death. The women of Jerusalem have come out to weep and lament for Him. But when Jesus sees them, He is grieved for them. Some of them will see the day when the Romans come to destroy the city and the temple. Some will doubtless lose children to the war, or even die themselves.
Jesus connects their suffering to His own. If He, the very Son of God, must suffer and die on a cross now, although He is innocent of any wrongdoing—what evils will happen to these people when the living presence of God is no longer physically among them? It will be like a wildfire sweeping through dry brush.
So is there any hope for them? Yes, the same hope that we have. For Jesus’ death is not the end. On the third day He will rise, never to die again—and He will share that hope and victory with everyone who trusts in Him. The promise is for everyone—these women, their children—you and me.
THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, when I am facing a situation with no hope, give Your hope and life to me. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Do you think any of these people were among the first Christian believers?
* Have you ever felt hopeless?
* How did God care for you during that time?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Joshua 10-12 Luke 10:1-24
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.
