Notes from my Lenten readings today......
Lenten Devotions for Everyone by NT Wright (on my bible app)
Jesus being tempted. "His temptations in this famous story are not just an example, showing us how to resist, though of course they are that too. (Notice how his mind, well stocked with scripture, comes back again and again with the right response.) They are part of the larger story of how 'heaven's rule' came to earth.
The present power was to be defeated by Jesus. The three temptations here are good things that are being distorted. Part of the discipline of Lent is about learning to recognize the little voices for what they are and to have the scripture filled courage to resist.
Matthew 4
Psalm 32 ----
A "sigh of relief" psalm. It's a great celebration -- I've confessed it all -- it's gone!
First lines of this psalm list 4 types of problems (that need confession) --
1.'offence' or 'transgression' -- breaking of a known command
2. 'sin' - missing the mark of genuine humanness
3. 'guilt' or 'iniquity' - the murky stuff inside me where there should be clarity and openness
4. "deceit' - the vain attempt to pretend all is well
40 Days of Decrease by Alicia Britt Chole (Day 4)
At the end of John's ministry, he beings to decrease in confidence -- harder than decreasing in attention.
He refuses to compete with Jesus.
Jesus wasn't exactly being who John thought he was going to be so he sent his disciples to ask Jesus if he was the Messiah. Jesus said "Blessed is he who does not stumble because of me.".
We have to be honest about our uncertainties.
John 12:29-36
Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow
1 Timothy 6:15 ......He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of [k]kings and Lord of [l]lords,
Sovereign --- He is the supreme power, Royal power, supreme authority.
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