First Day of Lent
Matthew 4: Into the Wilderness
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Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested by the devil.
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Lent is a journey from the wilderness to the resurrection.
Jesus set out to change the world, and he started by going to the wilderness. He went to fast, and pray, and listen. Native Americans call that Vision Quest.
Every human being is God-gifted with unique strengths. Every strength has its own weakness, a shadow side. Knowing your own strengths means facing your own weakness--even if you're the Messiah.
It takes time and effort to claim our gifts and face our weakness. It takes fasting and prayer. It takes time in the wilderness of the soul.
It's a good thing we've got 40 days to work on this. Let's get started on this journey together.
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O Master, let me walk with Thee
In lowly paths of service free
Tell me Thy secret, help me hear
The strain of toil, the fret of care