Loving God bless this person reading this in the most wonderful way s/he needs today. In Christ's Name, amen.
As we make our 40-day Lenten Journey we should be aware of temptation and how it can keep us from completing the journey faithfully; so we turn to a portion of James' letter, chapter 1, verses 14 and 15: "Temptation comes from the lure of our own evil desires. 15 These evil desires lead to evil actions, and evil actions lead to death." That was from the NLT. I've always loved the way the NRSV describes it: But one is tempted by one's own desire, being lured and enticed by it; 15 then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death.
Not all of our desires are evil, but some are. And it's up to us to be honest with ourselves about those which are, and our needing to pray for God's help in helping avoid them. James knew the process; you get tempted by the evil desire, you then think about the actions that will help you obtain or complete that which you desire, and that evil action may lead you to death if you don't repent and turn away once and for all from that which took you there in the first place. The NRSV process makes it more of a birth process, but a birth of death. There's no getting around the fact that our giving in to sin cannot produce positive results.
The purpose of Lent is to journey with the Lord in preparation for Easter. Our sermon series started yesterday is called "Come to the Cross." Yesterday we covered the Lectionary passages that deal with water and the power of water. The Genesis passage was on how God used water to destroy the earth and through Noah start again with a covenant between God and Noah. The Mark passage was on Jesus' baptism and how God used the water through John to wash away the sins of all people and Jesus' willingness to identify with us by undergoing baptism even when He did not need it. Jesus took it all the way in taking our place at the Cross. Lent is about surrendering to God, trusting that God will see us through it all.
PRAYER: God of all seasons, during this season of Lent journey with me like never before. Let me recognize the need in me that needs to die, and let me trust You to bring me life as I surrender completely to You. I pray this prayer of faith in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Study Guide: James 1:14-15 speaks of temptation and its birthplace and consequence. Please read these two verses and see what it says about our weaknesses and willingness to stray.
