SVLC DEVOTION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2023

by | Feb 23, 2023 | Daily Devotions

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2023

 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

 NEWS: Please refer to the Shepherd of The Valley Church Newsletter sent by Allen Kolkman through email yesterday.

 PRAYERS: Today we pray for Doug Lara.

 READINGS: Isaiah 62; Psalm 50; Galatians 2:15-3:9

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“AVOIDING THE CROSS”

February 24, 2023

 

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [And he] said to Him, “If You are the Son of God …” (Matthew 4:1, 3b)

How terrible it must’ve been for Jesus. Though He is the Son of God, He is also truly Man—and in all of these temptations, the devil was offering Jesus a way to avoid His suffering and death.

It would be easy to convince people to follow you if you were willing to do miracles to meet their every need, like turning stones into bread. Or if you commanded angels to protect you from every disaster. No need for repentance, no trust or faith—just an easy life for everyone. No cross.

And then the last, most direct temptation—where the devil offers to turn over all the kingdoms of the world to Jesus for such a tiny price—just a little kneeling, a single lie—an act of idolatry. No wonder Jesus drove him off! Better to suffer and die—better to be crucified naked between two thieves, then to betray God the Father, whom Jesus loves. Jesus will give that worship to no one else.

And that is our salvation. The devil’s shortcuts lead only to death. But Jesus’ own freely chosen suffering and death on the cross lead to life not only for Jesus, who will rise from the dead, but for all of us as well, who trust in Him as our Savior.

WE PRAY: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for standing firm for our sakes. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

* Why did the devil take aim at Jesus so early in His ministry?

* Which of these temptations—safety from need, from danger, or the whole world on a silver platter—would be the hardest for you? Why?

* What do you think helped Jesus stand strong under attack?

Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Psalms 90; Leviticus 1-2; Mark 5:1-20

 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:

 Our church website is: https://www.svlchurch.org/

 Below is our Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/shepherdofthevalleyoceanside

 Here is the website for Lutherans for Life: https://lutheransforlife.org/

 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 Friday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us

 Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org