SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28
NEWS: We are thankful for Pastor Joel being with us and leading our Bible study and service yesterday, on Transfiguration Sunday. We had 49 in attendance! We are thankful that more people are worshipping with us too. We pray that our congregation can continue to grow and make a difference in our community and peoples lives. Thanks also to all the others who served us for our service yesterday.
We will now be entering the Lenten season and will commemorate with our Ash Wednesday service this week on Wednesday, March 2nd. Our service time is 7:00 PM and we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper and have the application of ashes for those who so choose. We will then have Lenten services each Wednesday evening through the season, with potluck meals before the services in our Fellowship Hall. NO MEAL for Ash Wednesday though.
Thursday evening the Board of Directors have their monthly meeting. This month we will meet in person in the Fellowship Hall at 7:00 PM.
Friday evening will be Wine on The Patio at the Kolkman’s house, from 6:30 to 8 PM. Bring some wine or other adult beverage to share, an all-ages drink, a snack or desert or healthy dish, all up to you. The main thing is to enjoy some fun and fellowship with others!
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Pam Gosdis.
READINGS: Psalm 66:8-12, 16-20; Psalm 119:169-176; Job 31:1-12, 33-40; John 9:24-41
DEVOTION:
“Closely Watched”
Psalm 91:11-12 – For He will command His angels concerning You to guard You in all Your ways. On their hands they will bear You up, lest You strike Your foot against a stone.
These are the verses misused by the devil in his efforts to lead Jesus into sin, although Satan left out the important phrase “in all your ways.” It appears that the ancient serpent knows something about Scripture, but is unable to use it honestly. Jesus, in response, rightly used the Word to defeat the evil foe, a lesson for us all.
Our psalm verses are not concerned with fallen angels but with the angels sent by God to guard His people. We do not know everything about our angelic guardians, but Scripture tells us some things. We know that angels are created beings, made by the Lord who created “the heaven of heavens, with all their host” (Nehemiah 9:6b). Angels do God’s will and offer ceaseless praise before His throne. Holy Scripture gives us the names of two angels, Michael and Gabriel.
Angels are “ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14b). These ministering spirits guard adult believers as well as the Good Shepherd’s littlest lambs. It appears that angels are talented at disguising themselves since some people “have entertained angels unawares” (Hebrews 13:2b). Although we may be fascinated by these mighty beings, we must never worship them. They are our fellow servants and they serve the same Master we do (see Revelation 19:10).
The writings of the prophets and the good news of our salvation are “things into which angels long to look” (1 Peter 1:12b). These curious, angelic warriors and messengers were deeply involved in the story of our salvation. An angel announced Jesus’ birth to shepherds in the fields and a multitude of the heavenly host filled the night sky with praise. On the night Jesus was betrayed, an angel appeared to strengthen Him. Angels proclaimed the glad news of Jesus’ resurrection: “He is not here, but has risen” (Luke 24:6a), and they will accompany the Lord when He returns on the Last Day.
There is much that we do not know about these unseen and unnamed servants of God, but we know that God commands His angels to guard us in all our ways. Earlier verses of this psalm state: “Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge—no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent” (Psalm 91:9-10). We may wonder about the command for the angels to bear us up. Sometimes we do strike a foot against a stone, but a stubbed toe or a trip over a stone does not mean the angels are not paying attention. God, who knows when a single sparrow falls to the earth, surely knows when and where we stumble or fall. The promise of this psalm assures us that we are closely watched and guarded, and even more closely loved.
THE PRAYER: Lord and Savior, I praise You for the watchful care of Your holy angels. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler.
Reflection Questions:
1. Angels are active in the Bible. What are some of the things they do?
2. What does the term “guardian angel” mean to you? Do you believe such an angel looks out for you?
3. Have you ever experienced any situation where you felt like an angel was involved in some way?
Today’s Bible Readings: Leviticus 11-12 Mark 7:1-13
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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:
www.facebook.com/shepherdofthevalleyoceanside
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.
