Sunday March 5, 2006

Text for the Day -- Mark 1:9-15
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In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by
John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he
saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on
him. And a voice came from heaven, 'You are my Son, the Beloved; with
you I am well pleased.'

And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was
in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with
the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the
good news of God, and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom
of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.'

Devotional
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After his baptism by John, Jesus is driven into the wilderness by the
Holy Spirit. There he was tempted by Satan. God had spoken to Jesus
in his baptism saying, "you are my beloved son." That identity was
attacked by Satan. Each of the temptations was designed to change the
path of Jesus' ministry to a self seeking and self satisfying life.
That would be a far cry from what God intended for Jesus. Jesus
overcomes the temptations and stands firm in his vocation. God has
laid claim to you. Satan is interested in separating you from God.
Stand firm in your vocation as a child of God.

Prayer
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Strengthen me by your Holy Spirit, Lord. Amen