Daily Devotions

During the Lenten season, members of Faith Lutheran Church have written our daily devotions. Today’s writer is Gina Castillo.

⁹In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. ¹⁰And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him.¹¹And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” ¹²And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. ¹³He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.

¹⁴Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, ¹⁵and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” Mark 1:9-15

When we join God’s family, we believe that we are safe. There is usually a celebration, with all the bells and whistles. God is pleased but Satan is not. He watches and waits in the darkness. We are sent out into the world and life goes on. We go to school, do our homework, follow the rules, come to church or put in a good day at the office. Life is good! And just when we think we have it all together, Satan peeks in. (He loves to crash a good party) The ‘wild animals’ appear and try to steer us in the wrong direction. “Go ahead”, you think to yourself. “Skip that class, you don’t need to study for that test”, or “Call in sick to work today, you need a day off!”

The balloons have popped and the bells aren’t ringing. Temptation is upon us and Satan is pleased. God watches from the light. Then the Holy Spirit whispers, in his still small voice, “It is your choice now.” What will you choose? Will God be pleased?

We are always safe when we keep our eyes on the prize, our Lord God. When we listen to that still quiet voice, the Holy Spirit, and when we walk hand and hand with our Savior Jesus! Believe the good news!

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, I often get tempted as I travel through life. I pray that when the Holy Spirit whispers to my soul that I listen and It guides me to make the right choices even when I am thrown into situations where I am unsure or afraid. Please remind me to remain strong in my faith and remember that I am safe, that He is always with me, that He loves me and I please Him. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

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