Paul has gone down in history as Christianity’s greatest hype-man. There is no denying his ability to rouse even the saddest of spirits. With just a few words, he will have you believing that you can do all things through Christ. And there is no person who needs that message...

Powerful God, I am indebted to you for the ways you continue to cover my heart and my mind. Thank you for being generous when I call. As I journey closer with you this Lenten season, I ask that you offer beautiful reminders that my past is just the past and that I walk anew in you. Amen.


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Lectionary Week
March 3–9, 2025
Scripture Overview

As we begin the Lenten season, the practice of fasting and denying ourselves for forty days can seem harrowing. All the texts for this week remind us that we do not embark on this journey alone. God goes with us. We start the week with the texts for Ash Wednesday, with Isaiah admonishing us to ensure that we are on this journey for the sole reason of drawing closer to God. As we step deeper into Lent, the remaining passages emphasize the humanity that we bring to this season of fasting. Luke reminds us that we are not walking a new path. Jesus has already gone before us.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read Psalm 51:1-7. How do you work to free yourself of any guilt you may have from past mistakes? How do you help to foster that same feeling in others?
• Read 2 Corinthians 5:20b–6:10. What kinds of problems have you endured because of your faith? How have those struggles influenced your understanding of what salvation is and how it is received?
• Read Luke 4:1-13. Are you aware of times when distractions derailed previous fasts? What did you learn from those experiences? How can those lessons help you on this fast and in the future?
• Read Deuteronomy 26:1-11. Remember a time when God answered a prayer and a deep longing of your heart. How did it make you feel? How did you mark the experience?

Respond by posting a prayer.