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February 25, 2020

The Turning

Wendy M. Wright   |   Read Psalm 32:1-11

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Lectionary Week
February 24—March 1, 2020
Scripture Overview

In this first week of Lent, we prepare our hearts for a period of reflection. We think about areas of our lives in which we might be falling short of God’s desires. The problem of sin enters the human story at the very beginning, for Adam and Eve choose to follow their own wisdom rather than guidance from God. The psalmist highlights the importance of recognizing our sin and asking for forgiveness, which God is quick to give. In Romans, Paul argues that we all partake in the broken human condition because we all have sinned as Adam did. The story of Jesus in the desert admonishes us to be on guard against the deception of our fleshly desires and our pride.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7. How might this story help you turn from superbia to humilitas throughout your Lenten journey?
Read Psalm 32. What seeming dichotomies comprise the full picture of your life of faith?
Read Romans 5:12-19. How do you sense the differences Paul draws between Adam and Christ prompting you to turn toward God?
Read Matthew 4:1-11. What are your own temptations? How does Jesus’ response to his temptations guide you in responding to yours?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 32:1-11

1 The one whose wrongdoing is forgiven, whose sin is covered over, is truly happy! 2 The one the LORD doesn’t consider guilty in whose spirit there is no dishonesty that one is truly happy! 3 When I kept quiet, my bones wore out; I was groaning all day long every day, every night! 4 because your hand was heavy upon me. My energy was sapped as if in a summer drought. Selah 5 So I admitted my sin to you; I didn’t conceal my guilt. “I’ll confess my sins to the LORD,” is what I said. Then you removed the guilt of my sin. Selah 6 That’s why all the faithful should pray to you during troubled times, so that a great flood of water won’t reach them. 7 You are my secret hideout! You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of rescue! Selah 8 I will instruct you and teach you about the direction you should go. I’ll advise you and keep my eye on you. 9 Don’t be like some senseless horse or mule, whose movement must be controlled with a bit and a bridle. Don’t be anything like that! 10 The pain of the wicked is severe, but faithful love surrounds the one who trusts the LORD. 11 You who are righteous, rejoice in the LORD and be glad! All you whose hearts are right, sing out in joy!

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

Our grandchildren frequently request to hear stories about when their grandfather was young, which they call “Little Grandpa stories.” A favorite is the story of the printer’s ink.

Decades ago, the tale begins, one Christmas when Grandpa was about your age, his parents gave him a longed-for gift: a printer’s...

Reflect on these words and let them speak to you of how God thinks of you: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness” (Jer. 31:3, niv).


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