SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
NEWS: Please refer to the Shepherd of The Valley Church Newsletter sent via email yesterday byn Allen Kolkman.
PRAYERS: Today we pray for Margaret Paton. She asks prayers for the pain she has been dealing with in both legs and alsom for back issues.
Linda Johnson is in PT now and doing well. She gives thanks for the prayers from her church family at Shepherd of The Valley.
READINGS: Micah 1:1-7; Psalm 57; Luke 1:1-4
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“HOLY ROBBER”
Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to Him, and He healed Him, so that the man spoke and saw. … But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.” Knowing their thoughts, He said to them … “How can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house.” (Matthew 12:22, 24-25a, 29)
Have you ever noticed how oddly fond Jesus is of comparing Himself to a robber? He does it again right here, when He talks about a man invading another man’s house and tying him up. Then he steals all the good stuff the man has.
So when is it okay to steal? When you’re stealing from the devil. And that’s exactly what Jesus came into this world to do—to overcome the “strong man” we call Satan and to plunder his house. He will leave not a single treasure in it—no valuable human being, nobody God loves. He will search every nook and cranny to find us all.
But notice how He does it! Jesus isn’t sneaking in this time (see Revelation 3:3). No, He’s going straight through the door. He’s wrestling down the devil by main force.
That’s the kind of robber we need, isn’t it? One who carries us off, away from the house of slavery—only to make us free, valued citizens of heaven. One who is forever strong enough to protect us against all comers. One who will risk His life for us—and share His resurrection with us, and all who trust in Him.
WE PRAY: Thank You, Lord, for stealing me back for Yourself! Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Does it bother you that Jesus pictures Himself as a robber?
* How do you think the devil feels about it?
* How could Jesus use you to help someone else get free?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Leviticus 15-16 Mark 8:22-38
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
