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observing Lent


Yesterday was the beginning of Lent.  Religious traditions use Lent as remembrance using the 40 days before Easter.  Kind of strange this year that Lent begins on Valentines Day and Easter is actually on April Fool’s Day, April 1st.

Nevertheless, the media hyped and earth-bound holidays of romantic love and foolish pranks have nothing to do with the glories and the purpose of Christ.  That is why for a few minutes today I ask that we think about the humanity or mortality of life.  Life is precious, and life is short.  Life is meant to be lived with purpose, passion and is best when linked to the one who actually gave us life and who gives us purpose.  That is God.

Lent is often the religious of observance that points to the reasons for Jesus’ death as well as the truth of the resurrection.  This first day of Lent is called “ash Wednesday” when people use ash to make the sign of the cross on their forehead.  Lent is literally the preparation for Easter.  Through prayer, Bible reading, repentance, self-denial and focusing on God all for the outcome of heightening the celebration and meaning of Easter.

Easter, like most holidays, has been deluded with all kinds of traditions, and I believe that Christians have bought in to many of these in great ways.  That is one reason that I encourage you and position myself to focus more this year on Jesus.

Choose a Bible reading plan that goes along with Lent and Easter.  That is a good way to start.  Many people will give up something or choose some sort of fasting through this season.  Do something that point your mind, your heart and your life in the direction of the reason of Easter and purpose for life.

Zephaniah 3:17  NLT
For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.

John 10:10  NLT
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

John 16:33  NLT
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

May our Lent observation lead us to love, serve and pursue of Savior with deep affection and perseverance.  God is good!
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