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Lent 2024

Daily Devotion

for 40 Days

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Day 32

Cross Keys United Methodist Church

www.crosskeyschurch.org

Scripture:

Matthew 5:13 (NIV)

Hand Drawn Flying Dove

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

Reflection:

In v.13, if the salt has lost its savor - Greek meaning - to become foolish or dull or become insipid - a sweet fragrance or smell (New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance). The old stoneware container which held a large quantity of salt sat on a pantry shelf. No one noticed the lid had been knocked a jar and slid off.

Soon, dust of off-colon jokes, fibs and white lies sifted in. Moisture of worldly attitudes and acceptances along with “keeping up with the Jones” seeped long and deep in the container. Is that a little cockroach or some other insect of idle service or complacency adding flavor to the salt? Lastly, a mouse of wrong choices, lax character and an unrepentant heart left evidence of what had passed through. It was time to restock the salt shakers; the lidless salt container was brought into the light.

The salt lost its savor and good for nothing but to be thrown out.

Reflection Written by Mary Ann Cooper

Prayer:


Lord, help us to remain watchful in preserving our saltiness, guarding against the infiltration of worldly attitudes and complacency. Grant us the wisdom to recognize when we have lost our savor and the courage to seek restoration through your grace. May we always be salt and light in the world, glorifying your name.

In Jesus's name, we pray, Amen.

Please take a moment to consider what God is speaking to you through the scripture passage and the devotional reflection.


Then, take some time for prayer—pray for your own soul, and lift up

our public school system including teachers, staff and students.

You can also listen to the music provided below as a backdrop

for your time of prayer.

Man Praying Illustration

Salt of the Earth by Michael Mahendere

Check our previous devotion!