Read Matthew 4:1-11. The devil came to Jesus at a moment of great weakness (humanly speaking). He had been fasting for forty days and was hungry. The devil waits for those moments in all of our lives. When we are at our lowest and neediest, the devil attacks. It is important that we be on guard. For me, those weak moments are when I am tired. I have discovered that I simply cannot “burn the candle at both ends.”

Read James 1:2-15. One of the greatest challenges I face is seeing the trials that I face as assets. It is through those trials – difficult and distressing as they may be – that my faith becomes stronger. In them I learn to trust in God’s providence and His promises. So today, instead of grumbling or bemoaning, I want to ask:   “God, what can I learn today? How can I grow?”

Read Romans 5:12-19. What reigns in me? Verse 17 in this reading makes it clear that either righteousness does or death does. I am so thankful today for the gift of Jesus that takes care of the death problem for those who believe in Him. Thanks be to God!

Today's reading: Genesis 3:17-19.   "For dust you are and to dust you will return." Those are haunting words for me. We all like to think we will leave something meaningful behind, but these words speak truth, don’t they? A key part of our Lenten journey is the realization that we are not all that we think we are. Only then can I understand why I need a Savior.