SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 2023
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen! Psalm 72:19-20
NEWS: Thank you to everyone for their prayers on my eye surgery There is some slight blurring of my vision and my eyes are getting tired more easily but I’m otherwise good. I’m scheduled to get stitches out on Monday but will still need to curtail activity for a couple more weeks.
Tomorrow is the Fourth Sunday of Lent as we return to ther Lord’s house. Bible study begins at 9 AM as Pastor Joel leads us in a study of Genesis. At 10 AM Pastor Joel conducts our worship service and the title of his sermoln is, “Cultural Outcast.” It’s based on our Gospel reading for the day, John 9:1-41 The Old Testament lesson is Isaiah 42:14-21 and our second reading is taken from Ephesians 5:18-14 When our celebration of the Lord’s Supper is finished and our service closes,m, please join us for fellowship time, with coffee and goodies. Then, fellowship continues at The Pit Stop Diner, oln Mission Ave. and El Camino Real. Enter off of Mission Ave.
PRAYERS: Today we pray for Kathy Andrews, Ian Andrews and Rick and Gail Adams, along with Noah Adams. Kathy requests prayers for her sister Tammy, who has just been diagnosed in the early stages of breast cancer. We also pray for Ian’s cousin, diagnosed with cancer in the lymph nodes. We include Ian, who is under the weather now.
READINGS: 2 Chronicles 4:1-5:1; Psalm 72; Luke 5:12-26
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“VOLUNTEERING”
When it was evening, He reclined at table with the twelve. And as they were eating, He said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” And they were very sorrowful and began to say to Him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” He answered, … “The Son of Man goes as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” Judas, who would betray Him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.” (Matthew 26:20-23a, 24-25)
Someone was going to betray Jesus. That was obvious even without a prophecy. Nobody could make the enemies Jesus made without getting killed in the end. And those enemies were willing to pay to get access to Jesus. Sooner or later, one of His followers would take the money.
But what if Judas had said no? Then it might’ve been Peter, or Andrew, or one of Jesus’ brothers. Judas’ name was not on the Old Testament prophecies. He volunteered for the job.
And what about those who say, “But Judas’ action resulted in good”? Is that a good excuse? No. There are plenty of people in the world who will gladly do whatever evil is tempting us. Volunteering to do evil is wrong—and just plain stupid.
Thank God, Jesus volunteered to do the opposite. He knew exactly what He was doing when He allowed Himself to be betrayed, tortured, and put to death. He chose this, knowing that it would save the people He loves—you and me.
WE PRAY: Keep my heart with You, Lord Jesus! Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* What excuses have you heard for evil actions?
* Are any of these excuses valid?
* Was Jesus a volunteer or was He drafted? Why do you think so?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Numbers 20-22 Mark 15:26-47
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 Saturday and weekend to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
