02/18/2024
This devotion is from "Lenten Devotions: Lifted Up in LOVE, Inspiration from Henri J. M. Nouwen."
"First Sunday of Lent
GOD is Love.
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty day he was tested by the devil. Luke 4:1-2
Your heart is broken, the heart that did not know hatred, revenge, resentment, jealousy or envy but only love, love so deep and so wide that it embraces your Father in heaven as well as all humanity in time and space. (Henri J. M. Nouwen, Heart Speaks to Heart, 36)
Our Lenten time is an intentional time in the wilderness. We invite the Spirit's company and direction It is a time of introspection. We examine and confess the truth of our sinfulness. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the light of the Scripture illuminates the darker places deep within. It is with the Scriptures that Jesus rebutted the devil.
The Holy Spirit leads us in our wilderness time, as the Spirit did with Jesus. In the Prophets, the Lord GOD remembers Israel's wilderness with affection, even longing. We may be tempted to think the Lord engages in a bit of revisionist history. Not so. The Lord remembers us with love. GOD is Love, and his love in the person and work of Jesus displays the open heart of that love.
In the open heart of GOD in Christ, GOD cannot help himself. He loves us. Are you experiencing the wildness today? The Spirit sings on the dry wind, seeking to fill you with the reminder of GOD'S heart of Love. For you.
Thank you for not being heartless toward me, O Lord. As you love me, so teach me to love in Christ. Amen."
Praying for all of my facebook friends, May GOD continue to bless you, your family, your friends, and your ministry this Lenten Season. In Jesus' Name. Amen.