Meditations for the Lenten Journey

During Lent, members of FPC-A Congregation have the opportunity to write devotions

sharing important moments from their faith formation. If you wish to opt

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Every Lenten season, 365 days of living has happened since the last one. In the last several years of living, I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. It was quite a shock and has taken awhile to get used to new routines and new ways of living. Life always brings changes as the only constant in life is change. It is why the gospel is always applicable no matter where our life journey takes us.

 

 I recently took a personal retreat as I try to do every year, to examine my life to get ready for the next year of living. A retreat by myself always feels like Jesus' time in the wilderness (without 40 days of fasting of course!). For a reminder of the story go to Matthew 4.

 

My personal retreat time is always a time to face self and listen for God's words to me, where my life is in the journey of loving God, neighbors, and self. I always come away strengthened from this time. I can't say it is fun but it is always fruitful. I return feeling ready for challenges.

 

 Our Lord Jesus came out of the wilderness after being driven there by the Spirit. And Satan was waiting with three "if you are the Son of God" statements. But Jesus, strengthened from his time alone with God, was able to know that he already is... he has nothing to prove.

 

May God strengthen us all during this season of Lent. That when challenges and temptations arise to throw us off course and prove our worth, we can feel and hear God's Spirit reminding us that we already are children of God. Our worth has already been spoken for. It is our work of gratitude and faithfulness that lies ahead. Blessings on your individual journey ahead and our collective journey towards Easter! 








David Bradley