SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2023
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
NEWS: This evening our last midweek Lenten service and Potluck meal take place. The church doors open at 5:30 PM for prayer time, followed by the Potluck at 6 in our Community Building. At 7 o’clock our church service begins and Pastor Joel will preach the last of his sermon series on the book of Jonah.
PRAYERS: Today we pray for Linda Johnson. Linda requests prayers for her brother, whose wife passed away last week. Also for his wife’s family. Linda gives thanks to the Lord that her healing and therapy continue to go well after surgery on her left elbow..
READINGS: 2 Chronicles 11; Psalm 82; Luke 8:19-25
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“WATER AND BLOOD”
So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this Man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered Him to be crucified. (Matthew 27:24-26)
It gives me shivers to think about Jesus standing there, watching Pilate as he washed his hands in front of the crowd. And then the crowd roaring their response: “His blood be on us and on our children!” After this day, what they said would come true—Jesus’ blood would be on us and on our children—not for a curse, but for a blessing. Jesus’ blood shed on the cross would rescue and redeem all of us, every one of us who trusts in Him. We meant it for a curse, but God transformed it into a blessing.
The same with the water. Pilate washed his hands of Jesus to get rid of Him and his own guilt in the situation. But Jesus took that water and transformed it. Now water doesn’t separate us from Jesus—it joins us to Him forever in Baptism. When we wash, we receive Jesus forever—and with Him, love, forgiveness, welcome, and everlasting life.
How wonderful it is that God can take a curse and turn it into a blessing!
WE PRAY: Lord, You amaze me. Thank You for Your goodness to me. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* When you think of blood, is it usually in a positive way or a negative one? Why?
* When you think of water, is it usually positive or negative? Why?
* When have you seen God take a curse in your own life and transform it into a blessing?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Deuteronomy 14-16 Luke 5:1-16\
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 Wednesday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
