Matthew 6:16-18
When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
The season of Lent has arrived once again. Many of us will be attending Ash Wednesday services tomorrow as we prepare for the forty days of reflection and renewal in the Lord, as we journey, in fresh and expectant hope, toward the glorious celebration that is Easter.
As I've posted in prior years, Lent, for me, is not so much about giving something up as it is taking something on - something viable that will transform my spirit and draw me closer to Jesus.
And isn't that a 'something' all of us desire? After all, what could be better than that?
In my book? Nothing!
My devotional readings for the season, in addition to my daily Bible verses, will come from the book, Shalom in Psalms - A Devotional from the Jewish Heart of the Christian Faith. I order it several months back in anticipation of an in depth study. As there is a total of 150 Psalms in the Bible, I will be tackling at least three Psalms and the accompanying commentary each day. Will I keep a journal along with this? You bet! I also plan to resurrect my gratitude attitude journal, writing down seven things per day for which I am thankful.
So if that's what I'm taking on, what am I giving up? Last year, I choose to ditch a favorite talk radio show. This year, instead of tossing it altogether, I plan to cut the time I listen in half. Yes, I'm that much of a news junkie - lol!
As I walk down the Lenten road, I'm sure other opportunities to grow closer to God will manifest themselves, but for now, I'm content to start with what I've chosen.
What about you? Do you observe Lent each year? What do you take up/give up for the season? I'd love to hear about it in the comments!
And remember, although Lent is a heightened time of penitence, confession and prayer, it is not a time for long faces and sober expressions. Let's, instead, rejoice in and embrace this intentional experience as we lean into the Lord!
Amen!
Oh dear ... what a wonderful yet difficult, for me, post this is.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right to take something on during Lent, (reading the Psalms and counting your blessings), and to cut down on radio listening. This year, I will try to read more ... the Bible, or other devotional books to help me on my Lent journey.
Usually, I try to give up something for Lent, and give the money saved do charity. But then, half way through Lent I forget all about it and give some money to charity to make up for it. My mind might be in it, but not my heart it seems. If I were God I would give up on someone like me.
Thanx for your post, Martha. This year I shall try more seriously to do something positive for Lent.
God bless you for showing me the way.
And I thank God that He never gives up on you, on me, on anyone who loves Him! Alms is something I don't readily think about at Lent, but it is one of the practices we are asked to do, too. Maybe I'll simply spend less for these 40 days on what I think I need, then at the end, write a check to a favorite ministry.
DeleteLet me know, Victor, what positive activity you do decide to take up for Lent. That would be great to know!
Love and blessings!
I was raised in a tradition where Lent was not observed. In fact, I never really knew what it was until a few years ago. Several years ago I gave up caffeine pop (Diet Dr. pepper) but since I have not had a diet pop in months that would not be fair to do again. I can't give up news because I don't watch it, especially the talking heads. I'll have to think about this some more if I decide to "give up" anything.
ReplyDeleteI do recall this about your growing up, Bill, that Lent was not observed. And hey, that's okay! And the whole point of giving up anything is to spend more time with God - seems to me you already do that quite well. :)
DeleteLove and blessings!
To be completely honest, I have not given it any thought until I read your post. I am probably in a similar vein to Bill when it comes to not being a tradition that was ever observed through my childhood or my adult life. However, I can definitely see the value in it provided my heart is in the right place for it. This year I think it might be. I have a day to think about it, so I think I will give it serious consideration today. Perhaps I'll report back tomorrow and let you know what I have decided.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the challenge.
I hear you, Ryan. And yes, you're so correct in saying our hearts must be in the right place to live out Lent to the fullest. It is a choice to observe it, and not at all mandatory. I actually didn't take the season seriously until way up in my adult life, even though the church I attended did make a big deal about Lent. Let me know what you decide!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Thank you for this timely reminder to be mentally and spiritually aware and prepared for this season of Lent as we approach the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord...our whole reason for our participation in and belonging to the Church! Without Christ's sacrifice for our sins and the gift of eternal life, there would be no reason for our joining together in the Body of Christ...we wouldn't even know such hope and joy. Thank you for sharing these good thoughts with us today. I need to be mindful of how Christ would want me to spend these 40 days...to honor and glorify Him in whatever way He leads. I need to be praying about this.
ReplyDeleteExactly, Pam! If there never was a crucifixion and resurrection, we would never know the boundless hope and joy we have in Jesus. Lent is the perfect time to delve deeper into our walk with the Lord, and to discern His will for our lives, both during Lent and beyond.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Thanks, Martha, for these blessed words. Thanks, too, for the reminder of Shalom in Psalms, which I also have on my bookshelves but will now change its locale to my favorite reading chair. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, Mary, what a great recommendation coming from you! I'm so glad I chose this book to be the center focus along my Lenten journey this year. I have a feeling it will become one of my favorites, too.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Great minds write/work together, right? This year I am going to spend 15-20 minutes in contemplative prayer each of the 40 days and fast from social media/emails/and games on my phone from 8 pm to 8 am. Yes I am known to check my phone in the middle of the night - so distracting and takes me away from praying in the middle of the night. So am trying to do something positive that brings me closer to God and to fast from something that takes me from God.
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great Post and your friendship
Thanks, Jean, for sharing here what you plan to take on/give up for Lent. Staying off that phone is a great idea. Two years ago, I fasted from Facebook; the result still today is that I spend minimum time on it. And I love the idea of contemplative prayer - may have to add that to my list of activities this season.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Yes, we celebrate Ash Wednesday and Lent. I agree with your post and all the comments following!
ReplyDeleteAmen, Terri, and may your Lenten season draw you even closer to God.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I appreciate your heart and commitment to your faith. It's easy to go through the motions, which is much like that of the Pharisees. It's a different deal when it comes from the heart. Thanks for the reminder, sister.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your kind and thoughtful words here, Floyd! Going through the motions is just a long road to nowhere. May we always worship God with our whole hearts.
DeleteLove and blessings!
What a splendid exercise! I've not observed Lent for many years, but intend to do so this season, albeit silently. As ever, thank you for this inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad this inspired you to observe Lent this year, Mevely. Amazing changes can take place in our hearts and minds when we set aside extra time to spend with God, and do so with all our hearts.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I truly need to pray and meditate more on what I want to give up/take on for lent. I am looking for something more meaningful this year. I just love reading your blog post they inspire and encourage me. Thank you, Martha.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Nells, for your kind words here! Yes, whatever you choose to do during the season of Lent should be meaningful to you in a personal way as you travel the road to Easter. I'm sure God will provide that inspiration.
DeleteLove and blessings!
HMMM-not usually one to observe Lent this way, but you have given me inspiration to discuss this with Small Group tonight.
ReplyDeleteThank You!
Blessings!
Oh, Loralu, I'd love to know how your discussion with your Small Group goes! Maybe some will have some fabulous ideas about how to spend these 40 days in order to grow closer to the Lord.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Hmm...Martha, once again you've penned a thoughtful post. Like Bill, the church I grew up in didn't emphasize Lent. In the 90s I did hear a bit about Lent (before I started attending a UMC church), however, since I've been in the UMC I hear about it yearly. While it has been a number of years since I've been to an Ash Wednesday service, I remember the sober reflection the service triggers.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I haven't given Lent much thought this year. Perhaps, I just need to stay the course I'm walking on, being faithful to what I know I'm to do? My commitment to being all that I can be for God is a great place to focus. It's humbly (and discouraging) to admit that I really need to work on my integrity--being true to my word, my goals (the daily "to do" list)--even if it's only being true to my word to the Lord (or to myself).
I like your plans for this season, Martha!
Love and blessings!
Kim, you engage so faithfully in a daily communion with God, I don't know that you need to add anything more at this time. Your plate is beautifully filled already, and committing to be all you can be for God each and every day should be the ultimate goal for all of us. Honestly, I need a "wake up" regimen to make sure I'm seeking Him with all my heart.
DeleteI will be going to our Ash Wednesday service tomorrow at noon. It is solemn and sober, but it also convicts us to be humble before the Lord, our God.
Glad you approved of my plans, my friend!
Love and blessings!
Hi Martha. The first time I heard of Lent was after I started blogging. I like the idea of days of deeper reflection and renewal. Of opening our hearts to a closer relationship with Jesus and intentionally focusing on what He has done for us. I do need this every day! Love and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteTrudy, you're so right, that we do need this intentional time with God every day of the year. Lent serves to remind us that we can go even deeper, challenges us to, as Joel put it, "rend our hearts, not our garments." It's a unique season as we make preparation in our heart for Easter Day.
DeleteLove and blessings!
this is a very thoughtful post. Knowing that Lent is not just for giving up something but taking something in, from our Lord.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Susan! Yes, Lent is an amazing opportunity for self-examination and for God-exploration. Hoping that many Christians are using this season to do just that.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I have done the 40 days of Lent. None of the churches we have attended talk about it much. I like the idea, think I will study for a few days and understanding it more will cause my heart to want to try it. Thanks for the challenge.
ReplyDeleteI do hope you will give Lent a try this year, Betty. Truly, taking on a practice that moves us closer to God's heart is so rewarding. Let me know what you decide to do, my friend.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Love this thought, Martha. "Lent is not so much about giving something up as it is taking something on - something viable that will transform my spirit and draw me closer to Jesus." I like that you still sometimes give something up (or half of something), but you also take something on...add in. Thank you for this fresh insight!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that thought spoke to you, Karen. It seems that I get much more out of the season when I take up a new way to connect with God than simply giving something up for the 40 days. I want to grow in Him!
DeleteLove and blessings!
YES, that is surely the desire of my heart! To draw ever closer to Jesus and experience more of His presence in my life. Thank you for this sweet reminder, Martha. God bless you, my friend!
ReplyDeleteAnd may our loving God bless you, too, Cheryl! Lent can be such a sweet opportunity to sow seeds in the Lord. May you treasure this season in your life.
DeleteLove and blessings!