Devotion topic – Mark 1: 4-13 Temptation and Lent – most years I have given up something for Lent and have read devotions more thoroughly during Lent. Follow through, manipulation, and discipline are three of my biggest faults –3 of my “deserts of temptation” – I may see some growth, but my prayer is always to “to do better.” May I use this time to evaluate my relationship with the Lord, my relationship with those I care for deeply, and to look at my own temptation to take short cuts. Where are my deserts and who can help me through them? First I need to look at the Lord, prayer, the Bible for answers and look at myself and my habits that need to change.
Devotion topic – Psalm 146 – the writer talks of the handsome prince and knights in shining armour. How we want to rely on mere mortals and upon ourselves. It is true that the prince in shining armour is sometimes easier to understand than our God. At least that is what we would like to think, but other fallible humans are not the place to seek deeper meaning in life. Humans will always disappoint in some way at some time. If we place our faith or trust in any mortal- including ourselves- we will be disappointed, betrayed and unfulfilled.
Devotion, Genesis 37: 26-28, 31-36 Whew – today’s thoughts are about lying. We lie to look “better”, to impress, to protect someone else or to protect ourselves. The text tells of Joseph’s brothers lying to their father, Jacob, about Joseph’s supposed death. When do I tell lies to others or to myself? Way more often that I want to admit. Confronting my own lies is a step in my spiritual growth and in my peace in the Lord. I need to look to the Lord, to think on God's thoughts, to accept His love and forgiveness and to seek that forgiveness. God knows what I think and what I have done, He sees me as His loving creation - it is up to me to accept that love on a daily basis - sometimes on a minute by minute basis and feel His loving arms around me.
May I be slow to judge others' lies, but quick to recognize my own lies to myself and others and to ask forgiveness from God and from those that I hurt.
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