God of all journeys, as this dear reader begins his/her Lenten Journey, journey with them. In Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.
You and I belong to God. We find this in 2 Timothy 2:19; But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness." The second part of that is the command for those of us who belong to God to "turn away from wickedness."
As we start a Lenten Journey it helps to know where we're from and whose we are. I'll never forget one Saturday morning my best friend, who was not even a Scout, joined me in a five-mile hike for a merit badge. I asked my Mom, who seemed to be a driver's ed teacher for women her age, and our chauffeur, to plot out a good, safe five-mile route. She drove us towards Texas A&I, we turned north, headed almost right to Celanese Chemical plant and the road right beside it lead to highway 77. We turned south on 77 and back towards my home. I don't remember my age, but I knew my way. I had water, my best friend, my uniform; off we went. As we talked, laughed and joked, the journey did not seem at all long or difficult. I knew where I was from, and I knew that God was with me as was my friend. I also knew that if I didn't make it home in a set time my mother would come find me. I think most moms back there were braver and more trusting than today. If our children had wanted to take a five-mile hike for a merit badge, we'd hire a police escort AND we would follow behind.
Our 40 days into our Lenten Journey will be made easier with the realization that we belong to God. God will also help us as we fast and pray and seek to truly turn towards God and away from wickedness.
Journey well, dear friend. Journey with the Lord, for you and I are His!
Journey well, dear friend. Journey with the Lord, for you and I are His!
PRAYER: Lord, as we take these first steps of our Lenten Journey, we journey with You. Guide, bless, and protect us is our prayer. Keep Your hands on our shoulders and help us to know we can and will, turn away from wickedness. I pray this prayer in Jesus Christ's precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
