SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS
SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 2023
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
NEWS: Hey men, this morning we gather at 9 AM for our monthly Men’s Bible Breakfast/Study in the Community/Fellowship building. We’ll have coffee to get the day started right, food, fellowship and a study of God’s word.
From 10 AM to Noon our monthly work party takes place. Anyone can come and pitch in for the whole time or for asm long as they can spare to help tidym up our church and property.
FUNERAL: Next Saturday, March 18, w will have the funeral for David Clem, our long time member who Passed away on February 15. Mark your calendar to attend.
SPRING AHEAD! Please set your clocks AHEAD one hour tonight before going to bed. It’s that time of year. \
We return to the Lord’s dwelling tomorrow for the Third Sunday of Lent. The day starts will our Sunday Bible study at 9 AM. Pastor Joel is leading the congregation in a study of Genesis. In our 10 AM worship, the title of Pastor Joel’s sermon is, “The Calling of The Outcast.” It’s based on our Gospel reading for the day, John 4:5-42 Our Old Testament lesson comes from Exodus 17:1-7 and our second reading is taken from Romans 5:1-8 After we have celebrated the Lord’s Supper and our service is complete, please join us for fellowship time with coffee and goodies. Then we’ll head over to Carl’s Jr. on Douglas Dr. to continue fellowship time. Please join your friends from Shepherd of The Valley!
Those who are serving our Lord and congregation tomorrow are:
Techies: Ian Andrews, OPEN
Reader: K Berni
Acolyte: Josephine Neemia
Greeter: Rick Adams
Ushers: Victor Dille, Bill Sperberg
Flowers: Debbie Kolkman
Fellowship: OPEN
PRAYERS: Today we pray for Bill and Pat Sperberg. We also pray for Margaret Paton who had a back procedure done yesterday.
READINGS: Micah 5:1-6; Psalm 65; Luke 3:1-14
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“LOSS AND GAIN”
Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to Him with her sons, and kneeling before Him she asked Him for something. And He said to her, “What do you want?” She said to Him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at Your right hand and one at Your left, in Your kingdom.” Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to Him, “We are able.” He said to them, “You will drink My cup, but to sit at My right hand and at My left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.” (Matthew 20:20-23)
I really wonder if James and John were embarrassed by their mother’s request. She wants them to be in the most powerful seats in Jesus’ kingdom—His right- and left-hand men.
She doesn’t know what she’s asking for. Jesus’ throne will be a cross; and at His right and left hand will be two dying thieves. No wonder He asks if they are able to drink the cup that He will drink from!
But even though they won’t be crucified, they will indeed suffer. Suffering is a normal part of every Christian’s life. As Jesus warned us, “A servant is not greater than his master” (John 15:20b). To follow Jesus is to put yourself at odds with the way the fallen world works—to risk embarrassment, scorn, lost opportunities, and actual harm for His sake. And what do we gain?
We gain Jesus. We have the joy of being with Him, next to Him, in the presence of the One who gave Himself for us. What could be better?
WE PRAY: Lord, set my heart on You. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Name something small you have lost or suffered for Jesus.
* Was it worth it?
* Why do you think so?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Numbers 3-4 Mark 12:28-44
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/
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
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
