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Today's Lenten Devotion
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Lotteries of Lovingkindness
No temptation has seized you except what is common to everyone. And God is faithful; he will not let you to be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
-- 1 Corinthians 10:13
Oh boy! I have been tempted in my life. It is hard sometimes not to be envious of what others might have. I have even heard of people praying to God for things they desire. Or think they need. I have been tempted to do that also. But even without asking for God's Divine intervention, He still gives me what I need. It is not necessarily always what I think I need, but I get it nonetheless. I would like to win the lottery - wouldn’t we all - I didn’t, but I got a raise. I'm sure Kyle was disappointed that he didn't receive a new car on his 17th birthday, but his aunt was buying a new one and gave him the one she had. It gets him around and gives him his freedom. I have a beautiful house - it's small but it is enough for my family. It keeps us warm and safe. We have plenty of food and all the things we need. We are healthy and strong. We work hard and thank God that we can. My son does well in school and I actually like to be around him. We have what we need.
The material things aren't the gifts that we need from God anyway. The one true gift that we received before we were even born was forgiveness and salvation. And those are the things that are right and proper to pray for. God sent his son to light the way to the truth. Jesus himself was even tempted and prayed to God for his deliverance from his tormentors and the task that he was destined for. But in the end Jesus knew that God would deliver him and He would have eternal life.
Dear Lord, It is hard not to be tempted by the treasures of this world. Let us take this time of Lent to reflect on the True Treasure of your grace and mercy and the gift of the light, your son Jesus, to lead the way. May it be so.
Denise Clayton
jcdckc@bellatlantic.net
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