Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
March 6, 2024
Matthew 4:1-11
1 Then the Spirit led Jesus up into the wilderness so that the devil might tempt him. 2 After Jesus had fasted for forty days and forty nights, he was starving. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “Since you are God’s Son, command these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus replied, “It’s written, People won’t live only by bread, but by every word spoken by God.” 5 After that the devil brought him into the holy city and stood him at the highest point of the temple. He said to him, 6 “Since you are God’s Son, throw yourself down; for it is written, I will command my angels concerning you, and they will take you up in their hands so that you won’t hit your foot on a stone.” 7 Jesus replied, “Again it’s written, Don’t test the Lord your God.” 8 Then the devil brought him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 He said, “I’ll give you all these if you bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus responded, “Go away, Satan, because it’s written, You will worship the Lord your God and serve only him.” 11 The devil left him, and angels came and took care of him.
Good Morning! Thy word is a lamp unto my feet!
As we journey through Lent, God provides us with many opportunities to tune into life. We are invited to grow closer by spending time in a relationship with God. Jesus was sent into the wilderness for forty days. During this time, Satan tempted Him. When He was hungry, he tempted Him to turn the stones into bread. When He was weary and beginning to doubt God, Satan told Jesus to test the power of God. When He was at His breaking point, Satan offered Him the world.
Jesus endured the earthly woes of man (hunger, power, authority) so that we too can believe that we are called to a greater purpose. When we feel as if we can’t take another step or breathe another breath, God is with us. All we must do is fall on our knees and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
I offered this prayer on Ash Wednesday. Please consider this as we continue our journey to the cross and the empty tomb.
Loving God, Let us fast from hurting words and say kind words. Let us fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude. Fast from anger and be filled with patience. As we fast from pessimism, may we be filled with hope. Help us fast from worries, and have trust in God. Let us fast from bitterness and fill our hearts with joy. May we fast from selfishness, and be compassionate to others. O Lord, grant us your grace so that we may fast from words and be silent so you can listen.
Gracious God, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. When our doubts begin to overwhelm us, ignite the Holy Spirit within us to feel the glow of your love. We thank you! In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Practice the disciplines of Lent every day.
Love God! Serve God! Pastor Liz
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