Finding clarity in the wilderness
In Luke 4:1-13 we are told about Jesus' temptations in the wilderness. Jesus used scripture to refute the wrong use of scripture by Satan. Just as Jesus was strengthened in the wilderness, we need to be strengthened: through Weekly worship, Reading the Word, Knowing the Word, Embracing the journey, and Avoiding shortcuts. Daily Devotionals help us to achieve these.
Last Sunday’s theme was “Finding Clarity in the wilderness”, based on the account of Jesus’ temptations in Luke 4:1-13. In my Word of Hope I had five points:
1. Lent is a journey.
2. God is with us on the journey.
3. The terrain changes. (There are different grounds on the journey).
4. We will be tempted on the journey.
5. We will be strengthened on the journey.
I named five things that will give us strength on the journey:
1. Weekly Worship – whether in person or online.
2. Reading the Word. Using daily devotionals.
3. Knowing the Word. Memorizing scripture.
4. Embracing the journey. Don’t be too eager to get to the destination.
5. Avoid shortcuts. In order to experience the joy of the resurrection, Jesus had to endure the pain of the crucifixion. So do we!
As our Lenten journey continues, I want to pick up point 2 above: Daily Devotionals. This list is a drop in the bucket, but even a sip of water is better than none! Why not consider:
Lectio 365. This is an App on your smartphone. Devotions 3 times a day.
Our Daily Bread. This is an App, or you can receive it daily by email or as a booklet in the post.
The Word for Today. This is in the Vision Media App. You can also receive this by email or by post.
With Love to the World. This is a lectionary-based devotional from the Uniting Church.
The Passion Translation. This is a new translation. Receive a devotional twice a week.
Bible Gateway. You can receive a “Verse of the Day” every day. This website (and App) has lots of Bible reading plans. This is the Bible I “carry” instead of carrying a paper one!
Faith Gateway. I can highly recommend their Devotionals Daily. I quoted from 2 different devotionals last Sunday. These are excerpts from hundreds of Christian books. They have even led me to purchase a book or two!
For those who want to delve deeper, why not try Study Gateway. This has a wealth of video devotionals. Watch the devotionals instead of reading them!
May we be strengthened on our Lenten journey.
With hope and joy,
Rev. Frank (Van Der Korput), Supply Minister