SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2023

 This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

 NEWS: A very Blessed March to all! Our second midweek Lenten service takes place this evening. Before our 7 PM service though we will have prayer time, with our church doors opening at 5:30. At 6 PM we have a Potluck meal in our Community/Fellowship Hall. Bring some food to share if you can. Otherwise, just come and enjoy the food and fellowship. Then we’ll proceed back to our sanctuary for our service at 7.

 PRAYERS: Today we pray for Keith Neblett. He asks healing for the cold he and others in our congregation and community are dealing with. He also ask prayers that a cure for cancer may be found and that those dealing with it may find peace and be cured. We include the doctors and medical people treating cancer patients.

 READINGS: Isaiah 66:1-6; Psalm 55;, Galatians 5:16-6:5

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“DOUBT—AND COMFORT”
March 1, 2023

 

Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to Him, “Are You the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’ And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by Me.” (Matthew 11:2-6)

Poor John. Stuck in prison and unable to see for himself what this Jesus, the One he baptized, has turned into. Is He really the Messiah? John thought so, the day the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended.

But now John has nothing to do but think. And he worries: Did I make a mistake? Wasn’t the Messiah supposed to set the prisoners—like me—free? Who is this man, anyway?

Jesus has mercy on him. He doesn’t say a flat “Yes”—any liar could do the same. No, He invites John’s disciples to take the evidence of their own ears and eyes back to their teacher. These are the miracles of the Messiah. The Good News is being preached, even if John is sitting in darkness. God’s plan is going forward.

From this time on, John’s disciples will be able to comfort him any time he falls into doubt. They are witnesses—and ones he can trust.

And we, too, can comfort our fellow Christians during times of fear and doubt. We can sit with them and listen. We can remind them of all the times God has been there for them—starting with Jesus’ own suffering, death, and resurrection.

WE PRAY: Lord Holy Spirit, use me to strengthen my fellow Christians. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

* When have you doubted?

* Who or what helped you the most in those times?

* How could you comfort and strengthen a doubting friend?

Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Leviticus 13; Mark 7:14-37

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

 Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org