20/02/2026
Friday, 20 February 2026
Reading Matthew 4: 1 – 11
Singing Hymn 192 Xhosa, stanza 4:
Ma ungandilahli mina
Noko ndenje njalo kuwe
Ndothini na, ndoyaphi na
Xa ndilahliweyo nguwe?
Translation: Please, don’t abandon me Lord, even though I have sinned. What could I possibly do, where could I possibly go, if abandoned by you?
🌿In Matthew 4:1–11, Jesus faces temptations that appeal to his real human needs - hunger, power, and identity. Satan offers what looks “good,” yet each offer hides destruction. Jesus responds with wisdom rooted in God’s Word, showing us that anything which satisfies the flesh for a moment but endangers the soul is not worth pursuing. As we pray joyfully, let us remember that those seeking to deepen their spirituality must choose what they ‘eat’ – what they consume, what they let into God’s Holy Temple, our bodies. Don’t give the devil a ride! Or else, he will end up driving your car. Commit yourself to the Lord. Lent invites us to pause, weigh our desires, and choose the path that leads to life rather than harm.
*Prayer*:
🙇🏽Lord, give us wisdom to recognize false invitations, strength to resist fleeting cravings, and hearts anchored in your Word. Lift us up Lord. We ask that you particularly uplift the students at the Seth Mokitimi Methodist Seminary. We ask that as they are trained for the Methodist Ministry, they may be freed from the deadly sins of ministry – s*x, money and power.✝️✝️
Lord, in your Mercy, Hear our Prayer, Amen.