SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS
SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2023
You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. Psalm 77:14
NEWS: The Lenten season seems to be flying by and we’ll be back in the Lord’s house tomorrow for the fifth Sunday in Lent. Bible study begins at 9 AM as Pastor Joel continues to teach us about the book of Genesis. Our worship service starts at 10 and the title of Pastor Joel’s sermon is, “Outcasts of the Grave.” It’s drawn from our Gospel reading for the day, John 11:1-45 Our Old Testament lesson is Ezekiel 37:1-14 and our second reading comes from Romans 8:1-11 The Eucharist will be celebrated and once our service closes, please stay with us for fellowship time. We serve coffee and other goodies there. Then we’ll head over to In N Out burgers on Mission to continue the fellowship. Also serving us tomorrow are:
Greeter: Margaret Paton
Technicians: Ian Andrews and Bruce Woodward
Altar Care: Margaret Paton
Flowers: The Neemia family
Lector: Margaret Paton
Ushers: Vico0r Dille and Terry Reilly
Acolyte: Josephine Neemia
Fellowship: Daria Roth
Communion Assistant: Allen Latall
PRAYERS: Today we pray for Diane Finley, who gives thanks for good health and that her car is running again, thanks to her grandson.
READINGS: 2 Chronicles 8; Psalm 78:36-72; Luke 7:18-35
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“HALFWAY”
Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you mean.” … He began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know the Man.” And immediately the rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. (Matthew 26:69-70, 74-75)
Peter was trying to do the right thing. Well, kind of. I mean, he did come back after he ran away in the garden, leaving Jesus alone. He and John both came back, and now Peter’s actually in the courtyard of the high priest’s house. So I guess that’s something.
But it’s not enough. Peter is not with Jesus. Instead, he’s standing with Jesus’ enemies around the fire (see John 18:18). And because he’s in the wrong place with the wrong people, he panics. He denies Jesus. He ends up broken-hearted, crying in the street.
This is what happens to us, too, when we try to follow God halfway. Our hearts are divided. And when the test comes, we break.
Thank God for Jesus, who went all the way for our sakes! There are no half measures with Him. When He came to be a human being, He did it with all His heart. When He saved us, He sacrificed everything—even His own life. Why? Because He loves us completely and forever. And He forgives us and welcomes us home with the same complete joy.
WE PRAY: Lord Jesus, thank You for going all the way for us. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Name an activity where you really have to commit yourself or you’ll fail.
* When did fear lead you into trouble?
* How has Jesus helped you when your heart was breaking?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Deuteronomy 3-4 Luke 2:25-52
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
