Category Archives: Lent

Lent, pt. 5

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If the speed limit is 65, then people should drive 65. Why is it then, people slow down only when they see a police car?

Maybe one should drive the speed limit because it is the right thing to do.

65 mph

For Lent, the same principle applies. I call it the 40/325 principle.

People go about their business month and after month. Then, almost suddenly, they give up something or do other holy activities for Lent. After Easter, they go back to their regular way of life.

They live regular for 325 days of the year but for 40 days, things change.

Like driving the speed limit, doing the right thing is good simply because it is right.

As a follower of Jesus, why is living in obedience or righteous living only being done part of the time? Shouldn’t I be living for God every day of the year?

Please understand that I realize there are certain times for prayer, fasting, etc.

I am all for making changes in one’s schedule to make time for God. That is what I am trying to do during this Lent season.

People should live right out of love, fear, and respect for God, not because they could get in trouble.

What are my motives during this 40 days?

And that is what I think I need to say:

What is your motive for giving up something during Lent?

You be the judge of your own heart.

And if it means slowing down a bit, I applaud you.

Good night and God bless.

Lent, pt. 4

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Today I helped my neighbor remove an old vanity from their bathroom. Then, with the help of a different neighbor, we hauled in the new vanity.

I am not a plumber so I didn’t do anything further with the remodel project.

vanity removal

It was really enjoyable to help someone in need. I had the expertise (I use that term loosely), and they asked for my help.

It was a great day.

And then I realized that Lent could be the same way.

Maybe you are struggling. Perhaps the goals you set are out of reach. I feel the same way. In fact, I may have set pretty high expectations for myself. Will I obtain them? Not sure…

Anyway…people helping people is a fantastic thing.

If you are able to help someone during this season, go for it. Helping can be so many things, not just bathroom remodeling.

Helping or being helped? Does not matter because God’s grace and mercy can shine through in both situations.

God bless.

Lent, pt. 3

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Lent is a journey.

Today, I have waded through many different emotions when thinking about Lent.

I was excited because there are new opportunities for growth.

There was some fear because of being in new territory.

Guilt snuck in the back door when I didn’t meet my goals for today.

Anger showed up because I was feeling guilty.

mixed emotions

But then one word came to mind.

Perseverance.

Because I am on this journey, I need to persevere.

The Word says that “My grace is sufficient for you.”

That sounds good when the journey seems not-so-good.

Good night.

 

Lent, pt. 2

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1. Lent is a choice.

No one can make me more holy.

No organization can make me a better person.

No ritual or habit will improve my standing with God.

2. It was my choice to observe Lent this year.

I thought that I might feel differently than I did before Lent.

Sure, it is only day 2 but there is no difference in today or any other Thursday.

Feelings. Can’t really trust them. I feel the same.

Choices and emotions. 

They do go together but in a certain order.

It seems to me that living for God and following Jesus involves both; choice and emotion.

I think that I need to choose the right thing and then I will feel the right thing.

Restated, choosing right brings right feelings.

I made some choices based on feelings today.

I think that tomorrow will bring more opportunities to make choices.

And I am going to make them based on truth and faith, not feelings.

Or at least I am going to try.

Chin up friend, seek God first (choice) and all these things (emotion) will be added to you.

Good night and God bless!

 

My Thoughts on Lent, pt. 1

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Day 1 is coming to a close. How did it go for you?

Did you make it to a service today? Was there an ash cross on your forehead?

ash-wednesday-st-pats

This post was difficult for me. I have so many ideas, questions, and ramblings about Lent that I am not sure where to start.

So I figured that would be the best place to start.

Sometimes, the most difficult step is the first one.

I did not expect the heavens to split and an angelic choir to start bellowing out sweet harmonies just because I started something new.

All I did was to take the first step.

Most of my conversations about Lent involve this question:

“What are you giving up for Lent?”

Well, I must be backwards because I am adding something, not giving up anything. I am taking the first step towards a deeper walk with God.

Sure, it can be scary because the future is never certain. Just ask the Israelites! 

For you, today might have been the first day to give up something. Perhaps you went to church today. Or maybe, just maybe, you prayed for the first time in a long time.

Good for you because you took a step.

For me, Lent is not about a religious activity or ritualistic action.

It is about a relationship adjustment.

I want Lent to be life-changing. And that meant taking the first step.

So when the alarm goes off at 5:00 AM tomorrow, I plan on taking step two.

5 am

God bless and good night!