Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit to a desert. There he was tempted by the devil. Jesus went without food for forty days and forty nights. ~Matthew 4:12
Tomorrow, we begin the holy journey of Lent as we travel the contemplative road to Easter. This church season is known as a time for penitence, prayer and reflection. A time to pause and take honest stock of where we are on our spiritual walk with the Lord.
Many Christians choose to abstain from a favorite food or pastime during Lent. Others may adopt a new discipline or practice. But whatever route you decide to take, it should be one that brings you alongside Jesus in a more meaningful and intimate way.
For this Lenten season, I am once again employing a marvelous book by friend and fellow blogger, Jean Wise, entitled 40 Voices - A Lenten Devotional. Here is a perfect description of this book found at Amazon:
If you knew you were dying soon, would you see the people around you differently? Jesus knew in his last week before the resurrection that the end of his human life neared. He knew exactly how events would unfold. He knew what the voices of the people and places around him would say. 40 Voices - A Lenten Devotional captures the words and settings surrounding Jesus that final week, so we hear them with new insights. Their stories and experiences hold wisdom for us today, and show us the transformational power of the cross. Jesus' presence in their story predicts his proximity within our story. Lent offers us a time to deepen our relationship with Jesus and to hear God in new ways . . . Listen to the voices on the way to Calvary and draw closer to Christ.
If you have yet to decide upon a discipline for this Lenten season, I highly recommend Jean' book as your illuminating guide. I guarantee here thoughts and prayers will enhance and enrich your journey.
Amen!
About the author:
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Until a few years ago I never really knew what Lent was (except people gave up stuff), but then I did a deeper dive into it and realized if done for the right reason, it can focus a person on the cross. I decided to try it. I benefited from it but the past few years, while aware of it, I never really set my sights in the right place. Your post prompted me to dig out a book by Paul David Tripp called "Journey to the Cross" which I have done several times before, but it has been since 2023. I think I will do it this year. Thanks for the reminder of the sacredness of what is coming.
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome, Bill! Maybe next year, I'll order that Paul David Tripp book to add to my repertoire for Lent. I loved his devotional book which I used last year and passed on to my daughter when they were visiting with us. Yes, Lent is such a unique time in the church year for deeper reflection and awareness of Jesus' sacrifice for all of us.
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Thank you for this post, Martha. Lent should be a period of reflection on what Christ did for us; and also a period of reflection about our "riches" compared to that of others less well-off than us ... and to do something about it.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
You're so welcome, Victor! Yes, we are rich beyond measure when Jesus is our Lord and Savior. May this Lent be a meaningful season for you.
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Those 40 days - 40 days of lent, 40 days in the ark, 40 days in the wilderness being tempted.
ReplyDeleteForty is a number that's repeated in the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments, Anon. May this season of Lent be a holy time for you.
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Lovely
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Thanks so much, Christine.
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ReplyDelete“ If you knew you were dying soon, would you see the people around you differently?” A great question to ponder.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that a great question, Diana? I'm glad you picked up on that.
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Oh, this definitely gives us some thoughts to ponder. Thank you for the reminder to begin Lent tomorrow. This week has been kinds of crazy for us already and in the back of my mind I knew tomorrow was Ash Wednesday, but I just couldn't go there yet. This has helped me to refocus and think about these things, especially about seeing people differently...very good thought to ponder. Thank you for sharing this. The books sounds really good.
ReplyDeleteLent crept up on me this year, too, Pamela, as it came so early this time around. I'm just thankful I was reminded by our church bulletin - LOL! Had I thought of it beforehand, I would have probably scheduled this post for the week prior so people would have several days to order Jean's book should they be interested. Still, it's okay to start a bit late if necessary. What matters is that we focus on the Lord.
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The perfect book for Lent!!
ReplyDeleteIt truly is, Ginny. I hope you'll order Jean's book, you won't be disappointed!
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Ditto what Ginny just wrote. Thank you for this recommendation, Martha!
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome, Myra!
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Thanks for the reminder about this season, Martha, and for sharing the devotional. My church background has not included much emphasis on Lent, but I think any motivation to focus on keeping Jesus the primary emphasis on our lives is a good thing. Unfortunately, this fallen nature our species was cursed with doesn't cease to exist when Jesus transforms our life and our future. Following Him is a glorious privilege, but it's also an endless battle against proclivities, distractions, programmed responses, and random temptations we don't see coming. Setting aside a block of time to adjust our focus, maybe rearrange our routines, and engage in some self-denial can lead to fresh insights, reinvigorated commitments, and a deeper and richer relationship with Him and others. So, once again, thank you for another prod in a good direction, and may the One who denied Himself in ways we can't imagine bless every effort we make to clear out the clutter that might have accumulated between us and Him.
ReplyDeleteLent is definitely supposed to be a season of penitence, self-examination, and reflection upon the meaning of Jesus' life, death and resurrection, all aimed at preparing us for the glories of Easter morning, Ron. Since I was raised in the Episcopal tradition and then switched to the Methodist when I married Danny, Lent has always been recognized as an important season in the church. Honestly, chalk it up to nativity, but I thought all denominations recognized Lent before I began posting my blog. Just goes to show we can learn something new every day! I agree that anything and everything that leads us into a deeper relationship with Jesus is worth our time and energy.
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A very thoughtfilled devotional, Martha. Thanks for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad this post touched you, Terri, and I'm happy to have the honor of sharing it with all y'all!
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I have my copy ready to go! It's already heavily highlighted from previous years, but know it will minister to my spirit all over again.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Anon! I'm gratified to know that you've already traveled this beautiful spiritual journey with Jean and like me, you want to revel in that journey once again. I wonder what you might highlight this time around?
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A beautiful devotional, dear Martha. Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Linda! Jean is such a devoted servant to the Lord and one of the two blogging friends I've had the privilege to meet in person. Her book is the perfect spring board to launch us all meaningfully into the Lenten season.
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I'm happy to see you using Jean's book for the Lenten season. She is a wise woman and I'm sure will have wonderful insights in her book.
ReplyDeleteI'm so blessed to have actually met Jean in person when she and her husband traveled through Georgia on their way to Florida one year. She is as delightful in person as she is in her writing. If it hasn't already, Nancy, I hope you will add this devotional to your Lenten practice.
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Sounds like a wonderful Lenten devotional book. I will check it out, Martha - thank you for sharing this with us. I am partial to "Jean" as it was my mother's name.
ReplyDeleteHow nice to know that "Jean" was your mom's name, Carrie! I do know that if you order this book, you won't be disappointed. It's a great way to guide us through the Lenten season.
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I have heard of lent but know nothing about it, that said this was a good post
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jo-Anne! Yes, I realize that many Christian denominations do not acknowledge Lent in their worship tradition, but I've always found this to be a season to spend time in reflection and spiritual growth.
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Martha, it does sound like a good book. Right now, I have six on my desk and I am trying to read some each day and my bible study. But I did save it on my book list.
ReplyDeleteI am giving up something for Lent.
I think if we knew our time limit - we would change our attitudes and words for sure.
It is such a worthwhile book, Sandie. I'm glad you saved it on your book list. Sounds like you have plenty to read during the Lenten season, my friend!
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Thanks for sharing this book, Martha. It will make a good companion to have for Lent.
ReplyDeleteIt is well worth it, Bill. It's been several years since I did use this during Lent, and I'm enjoying it all over again.
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If I knew I was to die soon, I would contact some people who prefer to not hear from me with the hope they would be more welcoming with the knowledge that my voice would soon be silenced for good.
ReplyDeleteThat's raw honesty, but absolutely true. In the meantime, I have learned to respect the boundaries they have erected.
That is the very definition of raw honesty, Barbara. When people set up boundaries in order to exclude someone from their lives, it seems a sad retreat from the reality of living fully. Thanks so much for your candid comment here.
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Books on spiritual devotion are my favorite reading material. Having a broad range of subjects and outlooks enriches the knowledge of the world around us. It also helps clarify what the spirit within is saying to my heart and soul. Good post and I will consider the book for reading.
ReplyDeleteHugs and Blessings
I'm so glad you'll be considering this book to add to your library, Jim. Beginning my reread of it this morning felt that I was sitting with a dear, long-lost friend. Maybe, you could list your favorite devotional books in your next blog?
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Martha, I always enjoy your writings on Lent, so inspirational. This devotional by Jean looks amazing. Thanks for sharing, God bless!
ReplyDeleteYou would love this book, Karen. What I loved today was finally watching Friday's Forever and hearing about the journey that Mike and you have been on since his heart attack in November. Miracles upon miracles upon miracles! I'd say that God has much more planned for Mike and you as these days of healing unfold. Keeping you in prayer!
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thank you Martha for sharing this book review with us. I am ordering it today!! Excited to read this one. I am finding that my season of stillness is allowing me to do more reading and the inspirational books are my books of choice right now. Enjoy the rest of this lovely week...we are reaching a temp of near 80 degrees today...hugs
ReplyDeleteI'm so thrilled that Jean's book appealed to you in your season of stillness, Shug! You will definitely enjoy these 40 days of devotional reads that are so thoughtfully crafted. We are going to be seeing unusually high temperatures here, too. Looks like winter, at least in the South, has given up the ghost.
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Jean's book sounds insightful, Martha. Love and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteIt is most insightful, Trudy, as are the other books penned by Jean that I mentioned here. I do hope you will look into them!
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wow Martha you brought tears to my heart. Thank you for such kind words and encouragement! It was wonderful meeting you in person -what a joy! May your Lenten season bring you closer to God in new and surprising ways!!
ReplyDeleteOh, Jean, how warm and wonderful that opportunity was to meet as you all were traveling through Georgia to Florida, a time I'll always gratefully remember. I'm enjoying reading 40 Voices just as much, if not more, than I did the first time around. As to the Lenten season, I hope and pray it brings the same for you!
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I've never observed Lent before. I need to think about this. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you!
Laura
My hope is that now that you are aware of Lent, Laura, that this season will become an integral part of your life in the Lord.
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Thank you, wishing you a beautiful day my friend.
ReplyDeleteWishing you the same, Linda.
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Bom dia, Martha
ReplyDeleteÓtima postagem, parece ser um livro muito edificante. Que o Senhor te abençoe sempre, bjs querida.
Thanks so much, Lucinalva. May your Lenten season be special time for you.
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Thank you Martha for this.lovely book recommendation. I've never observed Lent. I do however devote the Lenten season to prayer. I especially need to do this with how messed up our nation is!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed this book recommendation, Regina. Praying during Lent is an excellent way to grow closer to the Lord in this season of repentance. Hope you get to feeling better!
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Your post really sets a meaningful tone for Lent.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what I hoped it would, Melody. I'm so enjoying my journey through Lent with Jean again this season.
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Lent always feels like an invitation to slow down and walk more closely with Jesus.
ReplyDeleteThank you for pointing us toward Jean’s devotional--it sounds like a wonderful companion for the season.
Blessings, Martha!
Jean's book has been absolutely that companion for me in this Lenten season, Veronica. I find myself slowing down and savoring every moment the Lord grants me to walk closely with Him.
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Amen 🙏🏽 thank You
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cloudia.
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The book sounds good. Those quiet times with the Lord are needed and refreshing. Even in retirement the days go fast and can be so full. I love this time of the year as winter is fading away (though its still cold here!) and new life beins to emerge. We do have some daffidils starting to emerge so there's signs.
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful book to read during Lent, Cheryl. I, too, love this time of the year when winter begins to give way to spring. Our daffodils are already in bloom and I do hope they will survive this sudden cold snap we're enduring here.
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Martha, hi! I love seeing Jean's work featured here. I've always considered her as a spiritual mentor to all of us who read her wise words.
ReplyDeleteI hope you guys are well and staying warm and cozy. It's a long winter, isn't it ...
I do love Jean's books, too, Linda. She is a spiritual mentor to us all. Hope you're surviving the blizzard and maintaining your power. I think I may have mentioned that I have cousins living near/on the Cape, and I've been praying for all of you to stay warm and safe.
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Thank you for this book suggestion! I wasn't raised to know about Lent, but it has become important to me. Not just during the Lent season, either. The principles are how I endeavor to live my everyday life all through the year. God bless you today, Martha!
ReplyDeleteYour endeavor is noble, indeed, Cheryl. We should all strive to live every day in a way that honors Jesus and His sacrifice for us.
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