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Dear Friends,

The season of Lent is here. We will gather in word, in worship, and by the power of the Holy Spirit beneath the tree of life. The tree of life is an image of healing and hope. It is an image of strength and nourishment. Take this vision of the New Jerusalem for instance:

Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations. Revelation 22:1-2 (nlt)

I get lost in this vision that gives us hope and not despair when we are faced with the reality of life across our nation and world today.

This devotional is about digging through God's word to uncover that kind of hope, the hope that comes through the tree of life. I pray that this resource will guide you in your personal study this Lenten season with inspiring ideas, and heartfelt prayers. It brings joy to me to know that as we gather around the same texts, questions, and prayers-these words become more than words-they become a source of life and an offering of grace. 
Now, we are ready. Come and gather beneath the tree of life!

May you be blessed as you give attention to the reading and the living of God's word.

Pastor Sara Spohr