The spiritual disciplines of Lent help strengthen us to resist the temptation to yield to the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. Thankfully, God is faithful; "he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." 1 Corinthians, 10:13).
The Greek word for tempt and test (peirazó) are the same. Our Good Shepherd allows us to be tempted/tested so that our spiritual lives can be strengthened. He provides us with "a way out" to endure temptation through the hearing, memorization, and study of God's Word, by receiving the spiritual graces available to us through the sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and Confession, by offering praise according to the Psalms which surround us with songs of deliverance, through fasting, prayer, and other life-transfiguring Lenten disciplines.
This coming Lord's Day, we will "Journey into the Wilderness" with our Lord Jesus Christ to see how he overcame the temptations (testings) of Satan. Come ready to worship our great God and be equipped for y(our) Lenten Journey to Easter!
Your servant in Christ,
The Rev. Dean F. Schultz, Christ the Redeemer Church in Springfield, VA
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