SVLC DEVOTION MONDAY, MARCH 6, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

MONDAY, MARCH 6, 2023

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

 NEWS: It was a beautiful day in God’s house yesterday, nice enough to do fellowship time outdoors again! We had 45 who attended in person, with more joining us online. Thank you to all who served before, during or after our service. Much thanks to Pastor Joel as well for his leadership in Bible study and our worship service!

Wednesday evening we have our third midweek Lenten service. Our church doors will be open at 5:30 PM for prayer time. Anyone can come and join us. Prayers could be for our church, the community surrounding our church, for Oceanside, our county, our state… Or if there are personal needs, that can be included as well. At 6 PM we have a Potluck meal in our Community/Fellowship Hall. Feel free to bring a dish, appetizer or soft drinks to share. Then we proceed back to our sanctuary for our 7 PM Lenten service.

 PRAYERS: Today we pray for Terry and Alba Reilly.

 READINGS: Micah 2:6-13; Psalm 60; Luke 1:39-56

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“TESTING” March 6, 2023

 

And Jesus went away from there … And behold, a Canaanite woman … was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came and begged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And He answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly. (Matthew 15:21a, 22-28) Jesus is acting really weird in this story, isn’t He? When did He ever ignore someone in need—let alone insult them? He’s not like that, and the disciples knew it. They should have smelt a rat. Jesus is clearly up to something. But no, they’re just so pleased that He’s finally behaving the way they think a good rabbi should! They miss the test. What should they have done? Well, they could have said, “Please help her, there’s a child involved.” They could have even said, “Lord, if You do what she wants, she’ll stop bugging us and go away.” But no. “Send her away.” And so Jesus gave up—for the moment—and went back to His usual kindness and mercy. He praises the woman and heals her child. He will heal His disciples’ stony hearts too—at the cost of His own life. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus will make them—and us!—like Him. WE PRAY: Lord, make my heart like Yours. Amen. Reflection Questions: * Who do you have trouble loving? * How is Jesus helping you in this area? * What small thing could you do to help someone you don’t naturally appreciate? Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Leviticus 21-22; Mark 10:1-31

 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 Monday and new week to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us

 Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org