Lent Day 43, Wednesday, Mar 31, 2021

“Help a Friend or Neighbor”

If you’ve been following these Devotions and Challenges this Lenten Season, you probably noticed that this week has included a few things that we’ve seen before.  This is not an accident, but, instead, an intentional focus on the things that need our attention.  Today’s Challenge is similar, focusing on some important people in our lives:  Our Friends and Neighbors.

Why are our Friends and Neighbors included in today’s Challenge?  Because we are supposed to love them as much as we love ourselves.  Sure, we may be having a bad hair day and therefore not loving ourselves very much today, but that doesn’t excuse us from helping someone.  Even if today has been extremely difficult for us, today is still the perfect day to love a Friend or Neighbor.  In fact, every day should be a good day to help someone (just like every day should include Prayer and Scriptures).  However, unless we take action, the opportunity to love someone may pass under the bridge, lonely and unnoticed.

Easter is almost here and let’s get a head start by showing someone some love!  Calls, texts, and/or emails, are all okay today.  Check around and see if someone needs your help or create a need by feeding them or something similar!  Who knows?  Maybe God is doing something special for both of you!

“Help a Friend or Neighbor today!”

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”  Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”  (Matthew 22:36-40, NIV)

 Lent Day 42, Tuesday, Mar 30, 2021

“Read the Bible for 15 Minutes”

Do you have questions? I do, and lots of them. What I fail to remember is that most of the answers to my questions are contained in the Holy Scriptures. The answers I don’t find in Scriptures I usually find later on through my prayers. This seems like a simple enough equation, even for those who are math-deficient: Prayer plus Bible equals a well-equipped person.

As much as I hate to admit it, I sometimes forget it. Oh, I mean, sure, I read the Bible plenty. After all, I’m a pastor. However, how often do I read it for myself and not for the people/church/families that I’m serving? Not often enough. In fact, sometimes I complete an entire day without having sought Scripture even one time for myself. Yes, for someone who should know better, it’s shameful.

But as much as I love displaying my own weaknesses to the world, today’s Challenge isn’t only about me. This Challenge is also about you. When was the last time you read the Bible? If your response includes answers such as, “I don’t understand the Bible” or “The Bible isn’t relevant to me”, then it means you haven’t tried to read a Bible translated in this century. Try a more recent version. If your answer includes something like, “The Bible is boring”, then you obviously didn’t read Genesis, 1st & 2nd Samuel, or one of the Gospels. Try reading a different book.

Yes! The Bible is good stuff and this is Holy Week, the last week of the 2021 Lenten Season. When we put one and one together, the answer is that the two of us aren’t reading nearly enough Scripture.

Let’s get to it today! Read the Bible for 15 minutes!

“The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11, the New Living Translation)

 Lent Day 41, Monday, Mar 29, 2021

“Spend 15 Minutes in Prayer”

Today’s Challenge is chosen for one purpose:  to urge us to intentionally seek time with God.  Although we should consider prayer as an every-day discipline, it is fitting to begin this Holy Week by talking with God.

Fifteen minutes in prayer today is not a tall task.  Not having enough discretionary time won’t work as an excuse.  Nor will a lack of knowledge, experience, or understanding.  Prayer is probably the simplest task we can accomplish on any day. 

Praying to the LORD does not mean that we’ve given up on a situation or admitted defeat in something.  Pray does not infer that we are weak or unqualified to assist in a situation.  Instead, prayer is one more tool at our disposal.  Once we learn how to use it, prayer quickly becomes the most powerful helper that we can access.

There’s no wrong way to pray, except, of course, unless we don’t pray at all!  Give 15 minutes in prayer to the LORD and consider making it a regular part of each day!

“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”  (Ephesians 6:18, NLT)

 Lent Day 40, Sunday, Mar 28, 2021

“I’m Not Addicted; I Just Choose Not To Quit”

Are our bad habits actually addictions?  I know, most Devotion followers probably just closed-out this post.  That's okay.  This is the beginning of Holy Week, 2021, and one year into COVID and we’re adapting to the changing world as best we can.

Today’s Devotion is not intended to turn our stomachs.  Rather, today’s intention is to help us focus on Holy Week, the final week of this Lenten season leading to Easter.  In just a few days, we will have completed nearly seven weeks of Lenten Challenges.  Some of us may have completed our journey without a single hiccup, but most of us have likely tripped-up a few times.

Since this is our final week of being guilted into these Devotions and Challenges, this is the perfect time for all of us to get on track together by addressing the issue that we’ve been avoiding this whole season.  Has something been tugging at you?  Is there something that is so important to you that you need to give it to God?  This is the chance to make a very difficult, six-day commitment by tackling the “habit” that would likely be classified as addiction among health professionals.

During Holy Week, the Christian Church reflects on the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ.  It only seems fitting that we choose to complete something that God has been urging us towards.   What is it for you?  What is it for me?  Whatever it is, let’s give it to God!

Take some time today to consider making a big choice for God!  We’re not addicted and we’re about to prove it!

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14, NIV).

 Lent Day 39, Saturday, Mar 27, 2021

“Spend One Hour Outside!”

Our Saturday Challenge is always a welcome relief!  Today’s Challenge is to spend one hour outside!

Spring has finally arrived and not a moment too soon.  Even if the weather isn’t perfect today, it’s probably much better than it was a month or two ago.  We need to be outside.  We need to experience the beautiful world God has created.

One of the reasons winter is so difficult is because we are limited in our outside activities.  Spending time outside can lift our spirits and help us to experience something new, original, and exciting.  Each day is different from the one before.  Every bud on the tree will yield something unique and amazing.  Even if we’re not yet COVID-vaccinated, spending time outside is going to be the best way to spend our free time today.

This is an easy one!  Spend an hour walking the dog or sitting on the beach.  Talk to some neighbors in the driveway.  Go to the park and people-watch.  Spend one hour outside and give God a big “Thank You” for bringing life into the world!

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you; the birds of the air, and they will tell you; ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you.  Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?  In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of every human being.”  (Job 12:7-10, NRSV)

 Lent Day 38, Friday, Mar 26, 2021

“Food Fast for 24-hours”

Hooray!  It’s the Challenge that everyone has been eagerly anticipating!  Today begins a 24-hour fast from food.  

Every Friday during Lent this year, we’ve encountered a diet-related Challenge.  We call this practice “Fasting”, which is simply defined as the removal of certain foods and beverages from our diets for a specified amount of time to honor God.  Fasting, as a religious practice, has been around for thousands of years.  Two thousand years ago, Jesus fasted in the desert for forty days.  One thousand years before Jesus arrived, King David and most of the prophets entered into fasting as a sign of love, remorse, devotion, and sacrifice.

Fasting is still practiced throughout the world as many physicians recommend fasting to help in overall and specific health and wellness.  Fasting is like anything else:  with practice, it becomes easier because the body adjusts to it.  These last few weeks during Lent, we have engaged in various fasts to prepare for today.

Now for the rules:  All drinks are okay today.  Basically, it’s a liquid diet for 24 hours.  If you haven’t eaten today, you’re almost half-way through the Challenge.  Count backward to your food consumption last night, and begin counting from that point.  (Folks with medical conditions that require food consumption are exempt from this Challenge.  Do something else for God today!) 

If you’re new to this, and especially if today is already busted for the Challenge, take my advice when you’re ready to try it:  Eat an early dinner.  When you wake up the next morning, you will already have a big start on the Challenge.  Then, you’ll just need to make it until the next dinnertime, which will come early the next day.

Plenty of us have done something like this before as we prepared for medical procedures, so this isn’t nearly as difficult as we might think.  However, rather than completing this to fulfill the doctor’s orders, this becomes an exercise in self-discipline to demonstrate to God that we are thankful for the food blessings that God provides on all the other days of our week.

We can do this!  Food Fast for 24-hours!  Begin as soon as you can!  

“When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don’t make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won’t make you a saint. If you ‘go into training’ inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn’t require attention-getting devices. He won’t overlook what you are doing; he’ll reward you well.”  (Matthew 6:16-18, The Message).

 Lent Day 37, Thursday, Mar 25, 2021

“No Television or Streaming Video”

Today’s Lenten Challenge will create problems for those of us who wish to put our feet up in front of the TV following a long, tiring day.  Some of our younger readers will think they are not impacted by a lack of television, so let’s also include the removal of streaming video today.  Why are we choosing to eliminate television and streaming video?  The answer is simple:  We need to discover alternate manners of communication, entertainment, and relaxation.

Over the years, most of us have incorporated television as a daily, regular habit.  That’s not necessarily a bad thing; but, when the television and video replace everything else, problems will occur.  In the last few months, I’ve spoken with several people who stated that they can’t turn on the television anymore because of biased network agendas.  My answer to them is simple, “Turn it off.”  It’s easy for me to say because I don’t rely on television as my primary means of communication, but lots of people do.

Some of us also rely upon television as a primary means of entertainment.  With thousands of programming options available with a touch of our fingers, it’s amazing that the statement, “There’s nothing on TV tonight” still exists.

Others of us use television as our primary means of relaxation.  Some of us have developed our sleep patterns based upon TV and video programming.  What if we decided to use that time, once per week, to read the Bible or pray?  Or, what if we used that time to spend time with our friends and loved ones (in person or on the phone)?

What will we discover today?  Take the Challenge!  Remove Television and Streaming Video for the entire day, and let God show us something special!

“Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8, NRSV)

 Lent Day 36, Wednesday, Mar 24, 2021

“Spend No Money Today (24-hours)”

Ha Ha!  Think you can do it?  Can you make it an entire day without spending any money?  Can you make it today with no trips to the ATM, no auto drafts, no debit or credit cards, no checks, no “signatures” on the club charge account, or any other means of spending currency?  This will be much more difficult than we might expect.  (Other rules:  Giving money to someone in need is always acceptable.  Your child or grandchild does not qualify as someone “in need”, although they might disagree.  If you have auto-drafts and auto-pays disbursing today, begin immediately after the disbursement and continue for 24-hours.)

If we stopped to think about it, we would probably be appalled at the amount of money we spend in frivolous places.  And yet, when it comes to a legitimate need, such as a homeless person, the Church, or our local food pantry, we tighten our purse strings as if we’re suddenly poor.

This week, our intent is to focus on the blessings that God has provided.  As we journey through our day, take some time to think about the financial resources God has provided.  Consider the money we would be spending if it weren’t for this silly Lenten Challenge.  The local drug store is important, but how many times do we enter the store intending to purchase just our medicine, and we walk out with two sacks full of “non-essentials”?

Take the Challenge:  Spend no money or currency today, or for the 24-hours immediately following today’s auto payment.   Then, express thankfulness to God for providing the resources that never cause us to wonder if we’ll be able to afford our next meal.

 “Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.”  (1 Timothy 6:17-19, NLT)

 Lent Day 35, Tuesday, Mar 23, 2021

“Read for One Hour”

Did you READ that? A few seconds are out of the way! I guess we are always reading something, but why do read? Are we reading for content or understanding? Do we read for pleasure, allowing ourselves to be mentally stimulated, distracted from worry, and inspired for something more?

We know that reading is crucial in child development. The more a child reads the more fluent they become. But what about teenagers or adults? Medical science has shown that our brain needs mental stimulation to help foster emotional, physical, and of course, mental wellness.

There’s more, too! In addition to increasing knowledge, daily reading expands our vocabulary and improves our memory. Trouble focusing? Try reading! It helps build the capacity to concentrate and reduce stress! Not only that, reading is inexpensive (and often free)!

Yes, we probably read social media and websites daily, but scrolling isn’t quite the same for improving our minds (except for daily devotions like this)! What benefit is most appealing to you? What book is sitting on the shelf that you never began? Today is the day to make time for ourselves and nurture our body’s control center.

Schedule an hour to read a book today. We can do this!

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 2:12, NRSV).

 Lent Day 34, Monday, Mar 22, 2021

“No Internet or Social Media for 24-hours!”

Okay, you’ve got a point.  It’s difficult to read the devotions without accessing the internet or social media.  So, this Challenge makes an exception for our devotions and all email is okay.  Now that the rules are out of the way, why this Challenge?

This week we are focusing on the blessings that God has provided to us.  Without question, technological advances, including web access, all forms of communication, and even social media can be used for the glory of God.

However, today’s Challenge will help us to spend some time reflecting upon how much time we spend seeking entertainment and self-satisfaction on some things that didn’t exist twenty-five years ago.  We’ve already raised an entire generation of people who don’t know what it means to not have instant access and communication with others.  We “Old-Timers” might frown at this, but we can take heart that our younger generations have discovered effective ways to spread the Good News that we couldn’t have ever imagined.

Yes, the technology is good!  But today, consider life without it and spend some of that time in prayer and Scripture!

No internet or Social Media for 24-hours!

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.”  (1 Corinthians 10:23, NIV).

 

Lent Day 33, Sunday, Mar 21, 2021

“I’m Hungry But I Can’t Find Anything To Eat!”

How much time do we spend thinking, wishing, or hoping for things that we don’t have?  A better house, tastier food, better NCAA Basketball Bracket, or better grades…we spend more time focused on what we “Don’t Have” than we do on the things we “Do Have”.

It’s not that we’re selfish, at least, not most of the time.  Rather, we’re human and that means we’re imperfect.  It’s difficult to see the beauty outside when our lens is cloudy.  We easily forget that every once in a while, we should consider cleaning our lens.

A better car, more attention, and greater authority also consume our time.  For the most part, we recognize that we are extremely blessed, but that doesn’t stop our minds from traveling down that path of want and desire. 

Today’s Challenge is simple, but it will be difficult for many of us.  Today, our Lenten Challenge is to focus only on the blessings that we already have.  We’re not going to think about our wishes, wants, or desires.  This should be easy, but it’s likely that few of us will successfully complete it today.

Take the Challenge:  Spend the entire day NOT thinking about what we don’t have.  Only think about the blessings we already have.  It’ll pay off much more than our already-busted NCAA Basketball Brackets.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!  His faithful love endures forever.” (1 Chronicles 16:34, NLT).

 Lent Day 32, Saturday, Mar 20, 2021

“Give a Gift”

Today is the day to make someone feel special.  Who will it be?

This past week, we’ve been focusing on different forms of Generosity.  God has already provided to us in so many ways, it seems only appropriate to provide some of those blessings to others.  Today, we’re going to share the joy with another person by giving them a gift.  The gift can be small or large, homemade or purchased, as long as it is something you are doing for someone else.

You might consider baking some cookies for a friend or giving a greeting card to a neighbor.  Or, if you prefer, you might consider being kind to someone who needs a friend today.  You can choose anything you wish in today’s Challenge, as long as you give it to someone else.

Generosity takes many forms!  With a little effort, we can bring true joy to someone.  Who will be the recipient of your Generosity today?  Will someone be Generous to you?  Forward this Challenge and maybe they’ll return something to you!

“Generous persons will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”  (Proverbs 11:25, CEB).

 Lent Day 31, Friday, Mar 19, 2021

“Drink Only Water Today!”

This is an easy challenge for the health-conscious folks and a good reminder for the rest of us. Our body needs water and few of us drink enough.

Although I can’t be certain, I’m guessing that water is the most prescribed remedy for illness, injury, and any adverse medical condition that may arise. Water cleanses, heals, nourishes strengthens, and conditions. It is our most basic need and because most of us have access to excellent public water systems, we likely take it for granted.

Medical opinions differ a little, but for the most part, it is suggested that we drink a minimum of eight cups of water per day (half a gallon). Yet, it is estimated that only half of American adults fulfill this need. Those of us who are frowning at this challenge are probably among the ones who don’t get it done.

We might also think about it this way: Why is 71% of the Earth covered in water? Because we need that much to serve as the primary source of nourishment for all creation. But even then, the Earth has plenty of places where water is scarce. As we can imagine, it’s in those places where people and living beings struggle for survival.

We shouldn’t really need to explain anything else about the need for today’s Challenge! Let’s buckle down and do it!

Drink only water for 24-hours (food is okay)!

“But whoever drinks some of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again, but the water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up to eternal life.” (John 4:14, NET)

 Lent Day 30, Thursday, Mar 18, 2021

“Give to a Charitable Organization or a Person in Need”

Who needs something? Everybody is raising their hands this year. The pandemic has been very unkind to everyone so the list of needs is heavy and long. But where can I make a difference? Where can I help to fill the needs of God’s people?

As we explore Generosity this week, we must include the needs of others. In some cases, we only need to drive by a street corner to see someone in need holding a sign. In other cases, we might need to head deeper into town. Today, be prepared to give them something. Remember, the goal is to be Generous.

We should also consider the needs of churches and organizations that help provide for folks in need. Often, they are the ones with direct contact to people who are in the most need. Sometimes groups and organizations also have access to reduced-price goods and services, allowing our financial contributions to stretch a little further. Remember, the goal is to be Generous.

Why should we be Generous and give today? Because God has given to us. Sure, God provided for our benefit and for the benefit of our loved ones. However, God also provided us with plenty so that we may be distributors to others. Let’s not wait until tomorrow to complete this challenge. Someone is hungry today and we shouldn’t ask them to wait any longer to eat.

Give to a Charitable Organization or Person in Need today!

“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’ And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8, NLT)

 Lent Day 29, Wednesday, Mar 17, 2021

“Wear Extravagantly Green”

On this St. Patrick’s Day, for those of us who enjoy all things dress-up, such as Halloween, New Year’s Eve, casino nights and dress-up parties, today is our day. The Challenge is to wear extravagantly green clothing. It’ll be fun to participate and even better to explain when we’re able: we’re accomplishing a Lenten goal by making a sacrifice!

What sacrifice do we make today when we wear green? We want to stand out. We want the attention. We want people to be curious enough to make a comment, thereby allowing us the opportunity to respond and give them a smile as well. We don’t need to be professional scholars to be Generous and share the joy of God. We only need to have a desire to love God by Generously loving other people with the color green, the color of new life in the Church.

St. Patrick’s Day was founded upon the good faith and works of the original St. Patrick, the Apostle of Ireland. Several hundred years ago, the traditions honoring St. Patrick crossed the oceans and landed in Boston. Since then, we’ve added shamrocks, leprechauns, green beverages, and green clothing to help bring some fun in the middle of the Lenten Season.

Lots of folks will be dressing in green today. Those of us who are not dress-up people don’t understand why the rest of ya’ll want to make a spectacle of yourselves. We would rather stay quiet, in the background, unembarrassed and tending to our own business. However, those of you who can stand the attention will Generously share joy and life with others today. You have an excuse to wear something outlandish, while in the process, teach the rest of us how to share the joy of God by helping other people enjoy their day.

Today is the day! Share the joy of God and Wear Extravagantly Green!

“I walk before the Lord in the land of the living.” (Psalm 116:9)

Lent Day 28, Tuesday, Mar 16, 2021
“Forgive Yourself!”

When was the last time we forgave ourselves for a wrong we committed? Have we ever done it? If so, how long has it been since we forgave ourselves for a mistake?

Whether we committed these by accident or on purpose, we are controlled by our unforgiven mistakes, wrongs, accidents, and sins (or whatever you wish to call them). We may not think that they control us, but that’s only because we’re living in denial. We need to forgive ourselves.

Everyone makes poor choices and mistakes. Sometimes, those mistakes are made public and the consequences are significant. Other times, our bad choices are never discovered by anyone, allowing us to bury them deep, down inside.

God offers forgiveness to all people. The offer of forgiveness is not granted so that we can continue to make those same mistakes or so that we can escape the consequences of our mistakes. Rather, forgiveness is offered so that we can start again and grow into the person that God needs us to be. This process begins with forgiving ourselves. When we continue to deny ourselves of our own forgiveness, we remain chained to a past that we wish we never had.

It’s not easy to forgive oneself. It can generate bad memories and compel us to confront some monsters that we've tried to forget. But if we haven’t already forgiven ourselves for a specific issue, we need to do it. This week, we are talking about being Generous. Let’s begin by being Generous to ourselves.

Today, let's Forgive ourselves for a mess we made!

“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18, NLT).

 Lent Day 27, Monday, Mar 15, 2021

“Be Generous to a Neighbor.”

One of the lessons we learned from the COVID pandemic is that “Being Neighborly” is more important than it has been in a long time.

When the pandemic surfaced, we learned that living isolated from our neighbors wouldn’t work anymore. Production of some goods and services stopped and we discovered that we needed things that weren’t readily accessible. Sharing resources with neighbors became commonplace as we tried to satisfy some of our most basic needs.

Did we experience any joy as we shared with others? Did we feel as though we helped to make a difference? Did our neighbors experience similar thoughts and feelings as they helped provide for us?

Now that we are beginning to see some light at the end of the Covid-tunnel, it’s important to call attention to some of the valuable lessons we learned. Sharing with neighbors is one of the most important, in part, because they represent our closest human contact. We share common geography that each other understands, and at some point down the road, we might find that the common ground we share is more fertile with God’s blessings than we thought.

Today’s Challenge is to be Generous with a neighbor. How do we define “Generous” in today’s Challenge?” That’s up to you!

“Now if there are some poor persons among you, say one of your fellow Israelites in one of your cities in the land that the Lord your God is giving you, don’t be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward your poor fellow Israelites. To the contrary! Open your hand wide to them. You must generously lend them whatever they need.” (Deuteronomy 15:7-8, CEB).

 

Lent Day 26, Sunday, Mar 14, 2021

“I’m Generous…To a Point”

Most of us are financially Generous.  Taking the time to read these devotions is an indication that we both understand and practice Generosity in some form or fashion.  We can be Generous to family and friends, charitable organizations, churches, social causes, and people holding signs on the street corner.  But where does our generosity stop?  What is our limit?  Aren’t we all Generous…to a point?

Since all of us are already somewhat Generous, today’s focus is not a request to write another check to the Church.  Rather, today’s challenge is to prayerfully consider two questions:

First, why do we give?  Do we give for notoriety or because we want something in return?  Do we give to seize or maintain control of an individual or organization?  Or, do we give simply because we recognize a need and feel blessed to help?

Second, why (not where) do we draw the line in our generosity?  Do we stop giving because we don’t see results from our efforts?  Does someone else (like a spouse, family member, accountant, or other professional) instruct us to stop giving?  Or, do we stop giving because we don’t agree with the ways that the person, church, or organization might use the money?

Rest easy and take a breath.  Today’s Challenge is not to feel guilty.  Rather, today’s Challenge is to spend some time thinking about our Generosity.  Why do we give and why do we stop giving?  There’s no wrong answer… that is, unless we know that God is urging us to do more and we’re still saying, “No.”.

“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! “  (Malachi 3:10, NLT).

 Lent Day 25, Saturday, Mar 13, 2021

“Be at Peace!”

Is it possible to Be at Peace for an entire day? Are we able to control our reactions to conflict, problems, and disagreements? It may sound simplistic, but beginning the day by making a commitment to Peace can really make a difference.

When the home is peaceful, everyone in the family benefits from it. When the workplace is peaceful, staff and customers reap the rewards of a positive experience. When the Church is peaceful, God is glorified and people are inspired.

Our reactions to conflict play an enormous part in the well-being of our loved ones. Do we want our children to have a good day? Don’t scream at them when they make a mistake. Do we want our spouse or special loved one to enjoy their day? Be nice to them, all day. Do we want our own day to be filled with hope and joy? Don’t let the spilled coffee ruin our life.

Oftentimes, our poor reactions to surprise conflict arise from a fear of consequences that may result from the problems. By making a commitment to Be at Peace, we are making a commitment to not be controlled by fear of the unknown. In order to be successful for an entire day, it’s going to take focus and attention. Pray about it today. It’s the best way to keep our eye on the ball.

We can do this! No conflict or temper today. Be at Peace!

“As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see…” (Luke 24:36-39a, ESV).

 Lent Day 24, Friday, Mar 12, 2021

“No Alcohol or Soda for 24 hours!”

The Friday Challenges during Lent are really becoming annoying. Every Friday, we are guilted into a different Challenge related to food and drink. In other words, for one day each week, we are faced with another type of “Fast”.

For the Teetotalers and minors in our group, this Challenge will be a snap, unless, of course, they are addicted to diet coke. As for the rest of us, we are faced with the difficult decision of when to start our 24-hour clock. As I (the author) have suggested on previous Fridays during Lent, perhaps you began the clock last night after you went to bed. By the time you arose this morning, a portion of your day is already completed and you’ve only got a little while longer to grin and bear it.

These fasting Challenges are important. Fasting has been part of the Church since the earliest of days. The purpose of fasting is to demonstrate our reliance upon God rather than food and drinks. Those with compromised health are almost always exempt from any fasting rules.

However, today’s Challenge won’t let the health-restricted off the hook. The author has yet to hear of an illness or condition that requires the consumption of alcohol or soda pop every day. These two items aren’t easily classified as “needs”, so stop surfing your browser for an excuse. Rather, sit back, relax in your chair, and enjoy your coffee or lemonade. This little sacrifice will blow by quicker than you think and your body will almost definitely thank you for it.

No Booze or Soft Drinks today! You can do it! So can I (I think)!

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31, NRSV).

 Lent Day 23, Thursday, Mar 11, 2021

“Share the Love!”

The phrase, “I love you”, might be the most powerful statement that we can make to an individual. In any language, “I love you” communicates personal worthiness, self-confidence, and emotional security. The statement isn’t delivered without positive intent and significant thought. When heard for the first time, one’s heart is lifted. When we realize that we’ve heard it for the last time, our hearts sink. Why is it such a big deal to verbally express our love to one another?

What better gift could God give to the world? Considering that the two greatest Commandments both include “Love” as their central theme, we may not be able to find another word that means so much in so many different contexts. We can share it with family, a special loved one, friends, coworkers, and neighbors. In most cases, we could be assured of a returned expression.

However, we can also share love with those who may not return it. Strangers and enemies can also receive love, even though they might not always return it. When folks can’t love us back, it makes our gift of love even stronger, because we have approached them without expectation of anything in return.

Yes, the expression of love can demonstrate gratitude, thankfulness, hope, and desire. It communicates utmost honor and respect to other people, providing validation of one’s self-worth. Yes, love is a big deal in every culture and language. It spans time and never expires because love is the reason God made this day.

Who do you love? Who loves you? Today’s Challenge is to tell someone you love them…Who will it be? Give God all the praise and glory by sharing love with someone else!

“Jesus answered, “The most important one says: ‘People of Israel, you have only one Lord and God. You must love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.’ The second most important commandment says: ‘Love others as much as you love yourself.’ No other commandment is more important than these.” (Mark 12:29-31, CEV).