SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
DEVOTION, READINGS AND PRAYERS
SUINDAY, MARCH 5, 2023
I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord! Psalm 122:1
NEWS: It’s the Second Sunday of Lent and we’ll begin the day in the Lord’s house with Bible study at 9 AM. Pastor Joel is leading us in studying the book of Genesis. At 10 AM our worship service takes place, The title of Pastor Joel’s sermon will be, “Born Again.” It’s based on our Gospel reading for the day, John 3:1-17 Our Old Testament lesson comes from Genesis 12:1-9 Our second reading is taken from Romans 4:1-8, 13-17 We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper as we do each week, After our service closes, please join us form fellowship time with coffee and goodies. After we’ve eatn up the good treats, fellowship continues at Jersey Mikes on North River Rd., by Starbucks and Dollar Tree.
We pray all can join us for part of their Sunday but for those unable to worship in person, we stream our service live. The link is here: www.facebook.com/shepherdofthevalleyoceanside Click on that, then click on the More dropdown arrow, then click Live. If you have a moment, please “Like” us and leave a brief comment about your online worship experience. Thank you! Also serving the Lord and our congregation today are:
Techies: Ian Andrews, Bruce Woodward
Reader: Kathy Andrews
Acolyte: Josephine Neemia
Greeter: Open
Ushers: Rick Adams, Victor Dille
Flowers: The Neemia family
Fellowship: The Neemia famiy
PRAYERS: Today we pray for Brandon Reilly. Brandon asks the Lord for continued good health.
COLLECT OF THE DAY: O God, You see that of ourselves we have no strength. By your mighty power defend us from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and harm the soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
READINGS: Micah 2:1-5; Psalm 59; Luke 1:26-38
If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“GRAB FOR HIM!”
Coming to His hometown He [Jesus] taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And are not His brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all His sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” And He did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief. (Matthew 13:54-58)
I married into a Vietnamese family 30 years ago, and I expected them to keep me at a distance—to treat me as an outsider. That would be human, right? But no. Instead, they said, “Whoopee! Someone with perfect English and valuable skills to help the family!” and put me to work right away. I was overjoyed.
It’s a pity the people of Jesus’ hometown didn’t take this sensible attitude. They had a miracle-working rabbi, and what did they do with Him? They tried to cut Him down to size. Jesus could do very little for them. They refused to trust Him.
God has offered us a wonderful treasure for free—forgiveness. Mercy. Guidance in our lives. Everlasting life. And best of all, His own dear Son Jesus to be our Savior and closest friend. And what does it cost us? Nothing. Jesus has paid the price at the cross.
Let’s not be idiots. Grab for Him! Who cares if we don’t deserve Him? He’s offering Himself for free.
WE PRAY: Dear Lord, I want You. Let me have You forever! Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Do you agree or disagree with the idea “there’s no such thing as a free lunch”?
* When did you get something good you felt you didn’t deserve?
* Why does Jesus offer Himself to us for free?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Leviticus 19-20 Mark 9:30-50
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 you 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.”
Now you can 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 Lutheran Hour Ministries: https://www.lhm.org/
Here is the website for Lutherans for Life: https://lutheransforlife.org/
A very blessed Lord’s Day and Sunday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us.
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
