1st Sunday of Lent
March 9, 2014
This Sunday ’s Readings:
Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7
Psalm 51:3-6, 12-13, 17
Romans 5:12-19
Matthew 4:1-11
If you are the Son of God … (Matthew 4:3)
Claim me as your own.
Imagine if Jesus came up to you today, embraced you, and said, “You are my greatest treasure!” Wouldn’t you be shocked and speechless? Well, during this Lenten season, you will have numerous opportunities for this to happen. Day after day, in prayer and in the Scriptures, you will have the chance to let Jesus show you your true dignity and identity as his beloved brother or sister.
In today’s Gospel, we read how Satan tried to get Jesus to question his identity. He prefaced his temptations by saying, “If you are the Son of God …” He knew that if Jesus became unsure of his Father’s love and wisdom, it was much more likely that he would walk away from the plan God had laid out for him. But Satan’s plan didn’t work. Jesus knew who he was, and he clung to the word of God so that he could stay focused on his Father.
God wants you to stand firm on the truth just as Jesus did. He wants to convince you that you belong to him. He wants to make it clear that he is completely committed to you. It sounds easy, doesn’t it? But we all can point to ways that the devil tries to knock us off our foundation in Christ. There seems to be no end to his attempts to discourage us and trap us in our fears and weaknesses so that we won’t bother to pray.
When these temptations come, follow Jesus’ example, and hold on to Scripture. You are God’s child, born of the incorruptible seed of his own word (1 Peter 1:23). You are part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation (2:9). You have been made alive with Jesus (Ephesians 2:5) and set free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2). Your heavenly Father will supply all your needs out of the riches of his own glory (Philippians 4:19).
There are so many promises. Hold on to them! Believe them—and watch the devil flee!
I am Yours
By Mary Lorelei Vicedo Aquino
I am yours my King
I surrender my life, my will, my everything
I surrender my faith, my hope, my understanding
I surrender my pain, my sickness, and my bones
I am yours my Lord and my God
I empty myself on you, make me your
I pour out all that I have
I bring out all that I am
I am yours, my Savior
Be done upon me according to your will
Embrace me with your grace
Use me as you please for your plan
I am yours my Lord,
Anoint me as your servant
Make me as your instrument
Guide me as your disciple
I am yours my Lord
I take my sufferings as part of my cross
I accept my blessings as your gift
I acknowledge your miracles as your blessings
I am your miracle, I am yours
Lord Jesus, may your plan for me happens as you wish
Help me use all your gifts to complete my mission in life
May I see, hear and feel the Holy Spirit each minute of my day
May I be a true example of Christ all the days of my life
I am yours my Lord
I am yours my King
I am yours my God
I am yours my Father, keep me, protect me and bless me.
Lord God, help me realize your presence and to draw close to it
Fix my whole heart, mind and upon upon yourself
That I may show you my complete surrender and sincere love. Amen.
You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
John 12: 8
Prayer of the Soul
Lord Jesus, your word is life and joy for me. Fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may have the strength and courage to embrace your will in all things and to renounce whatever is contrary to it.Thank you, Lord, for claiming me as your own!”
Lead us all to the destiny you designed for us our God.
[…] Come Back to Me (prayersofmysoul.wordpress.com) Imagine if Jesus came up to you today, embraced you, and said, “You are my greatest treasure!” Wouldn’t you be shocked and speechless? Well, during this Lenten season, you will have numerous opportunities for this to happen. Day after day, in prayer and in the Scriptures, you will have the chance to let Jesus show you your true dignity and identity as his beloved brother or sister. + In today’s Gospel, we read how Satan tried to get Jesus to question his identity. He prefaced his temptations by saying, “If you are the Son of God …” He knew that if Jesus became unsure of his Father’s love and wisdom, it was much more likely that he would walk away from the plan God had laid out for him. But Satan’s plan didn’t work. Jesus knew who he was, and he clung to the word of God so that he could stay focused on his Father. […]
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