Lent Day 30, Thursday, March 31, 2022

“Encourage Someone Today!”

Aha!  Another simple Challenge!  Today in our Lenten Challenges, we are simply asked to encourage another individual.  Our individual of choice can be anyone, even if it’s a simple “Good Job” that we mention to someone at work, a kind “Hello” to a neighbor or stranger, or a compliment offered to our beloved.   Yes, today’s Challenge is one of the easiest Challenges of the entire season, because almost any kind of conversation with another person will qualify.

Since this is such an easy Challenge, why include it in our Lenten commitments?  The reason is simple:  We don’t pay enough attention to other people.  It is likely that we acknowledge only a small portion of the people we encounter each day, ignoring almost everyone else.

Today, let’s pay more attention.  The people around us deserve our attention.  Some folks we pass on the sidewalk are suffering from issues of self-worth.  Some of our neighbors might be struggling financially, work colleagues could be dealing with health issues, and some of our best friends might be having a tough day. The rain falls on everyone, just and unjust alike.

Today, let’s make a difference in someone else’s day.  Let’s encourage someone and make them feel loved, valued, and special!

“(The LORD) comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.”  (2 Corinthians 1:4, The Message)

 Lent Day 29, Wednesday, March 30, 2022

“Provide Food for Someone in Need”

According to the USDA’s most recent statistics, 38.3 million people in the United States are hungry.  Despite assistance from government entities, nonprofit organizations, and individual gifts, the number of hungry people in our country is growing.  However, increasing food demands are not limited to this country.  As we witness each day, hunger across the world is growing at an even faster pace.  We don’t need to turn on the television to know that food insecurity is gripping people who have never experienced it before.  When I look into my full pantry and choose my next snack, I often forget the people whose pantries are empty and the people who don’t have a pantry anymore.

Today, I can do something about it by providing for someone who struggles with hunger.  This can be accomplished in many ways.  I can take some canned goods or nonperishable foods to the Longboat Island Chapel (or any collection church or organization), which is always collecting for local food banks.  I can make a care package with nonperishable items and bottled water, and drive into town and find the person with the cardboard sign.  I can also make a donation to a foodbank, nonprofit, or another group that is involved in distributing food to hungry people.

Providing food for someone in need is simple.  But think about this:  The reason today’s challenge is so easy is that so many people are hungry. 

Find a way to succeed in this Challenge.  This doesn’t have to be about Faith or Church.  This is simply a way to be a responsible human being today by helping other people.  One doesn’t have to believe in God or attend a church to recognize this glaring need and then act upon it.

Provide Food for Someone in Need!

“And the king will answer them, ‘I tell you the truth, just as you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did it for me.’ “  (Matthew 25:40, NET)

Lent Day 28, Tuesday, March 29, 2022

“Read a Psalm and Pray for 5 Minutes”

Woo-hoo!  Today’s Challenge is super easy:  We only need to read a Psalm and pray for 5 minutes.  I can almost do this one at the stoplight!  For easy reference, Psalm 117 is the shortest Psalm in the Bible.  Or you might decide to choose a more familiar one, like Psalm 23.  Some other good ones are Psalms 119, 116, 100, and 105.

The purpose of today’s challenge is to become a little more familiar with the Book of Psalms in the Bible.  The book is filled with beautiful prayers, poems, and songs.  Sometimes, when I’m at a loss for words or action, I look into the Book of Psalms.  Many of them were written by King David, the guy that defeated Goliath with a slingshot and had an affair with Bathsheba.  Yes, it’s the same guy in both stories and he receives a lot of attention in the Bible (understandably so).

Why should we read a prayer or song of King David?  In my opinion, David knows exactly what it feels like to make bad decisions and then return to the LORD with a humble heart and mind.  Oh sure, he makes more good decisions than bad ones, but my point is that he understands the overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and doubt that develop because of our sin.  Yes, this is a person with whom I can relate. 

Today’s Challenge is to read a Psalm and Pray for 5 minutes.  Try it and see what you think!

“Praise the Lord, all you nations.  Praise him, all you people of the earth.  For his unfailing love for us is powerful; the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever.  Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 117, NLT)

 Lent Day 27, Monday, March 28, 2022

“Give money to someone in need”

Well, here it is: The day that we stop for the person holding the cardboard sign on the corner.  And yes, you’re right.  We don’t know how they’re going to spend the money we give them.  They could be lying about their financial need.  They might use the money for some ill purpose and thus we could be enabling bad habits.  

There are lots of reasons why we shouldn’t give money to people.  However, there’s at least one good reason to give a few dollars today:  God asks us to.

According to the Bible, we are supposed to help take care of all of those who are in need.  God doesn’t tell us to research the person’s past to determine if they are worthy to receive our funds.  Instead, The LORD directs us to give when we are asked.

Today’s Challenge is not intended to create a financial burden for anyone.  We can give a quarter, a dollar, or five dollars.  We might decide to give one dollar to five people, thus spreading it around a little more.  Are we somewhere that will not allow us this opportunity?  We can do it the next time we are out and about.  We won’t need to look far, but we will need to pay attention.

What will you do?  How much change can you spare?  Take a little portion of what God has provided you so that you can give it to the next person that asks!   

“Those who are gracious to the poor lend to the Lord, and the Lord will fully repay them.”  (Proverbs 19:17, CEB).

 Lent Day 26, Sunday, March 27, 2022

“Motivated by Love”

How big is Love?  Love is the source and center of so many wonderful things.  Love brings people together, keeps people together, and makes forgiveness possible.  Love generates mercy, gives birth to generosity, and commands respect for all creation.  Love is big!  Just imagine what it would be like if everyone viewed the world through the lens of Love, and then acted upon it!

Wow!  What a concept:  To always see the world through the same lens as God.  Whereas we look at the world and see much unpleasantness, God looks at the world and sees beauty, life, and hope.  Instead of God destroying the world because of our mistakes, God continues to give it life despite the destruction that we often cause.

Today’s challenge isn’t very difficult, but it may be unique for many of us.  Today’s Lenten Challenge is to view the world through the lens of Love.  With every person we encounter an
opportunity that presents itself, try to see them with the gift of Love that God provides.  If someone asks, respond in love.  If someone accuses, receive with love.  If someone smiles, show them some love in return.

It ain’t complicated and it ain’t difficult.  However, out of everything that we may do this entire Lenten Season, this might be the one that truly makes a difference in our world.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  (John 3:16, KJV)

 Lent Day 25, Saturday, March 26, 2022

“15 Minutes of Exercise Today!”

Today’s Challenge is both easy and healthy.  Just about everyone can engage in some form of exercise today.  We don’t need gyms and high-priced equipment, nor do we need weights and fancy running shoes.  The only thing we’re required to accomplish is to find a way to exercise for a little while.

For some of us, this will be simple.  Those of us in the tropics can take a nice stroll down the beach.  Those of us with puppies can take them on a walk, while those of us who are by a swimming pool can take a chilly swim.  But maybe you’re unable to get outside.  If that’s the case, do some arm and leg lifts or some good stretching of those tight muscles and joints.  Yes, anything will qualify and our bodies will thank us!

Let’s wake up tomorrow a little sore!  Let’s get some exercise today for at least 15 minutes toay!

“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering.”  (Romans 12:1, The Message)

Lent Day 24, Friday, March 25, 2022

“Drink Only Water Today (all food is okay)!”

Yikes!  Another difficult one like last Friday (no Caffeine), but this takes it one more step forward.  Before we begin, keep in mind that this fast challenge, like all of our Friday challenges, is a 24-hour challenge.  This author almost always begins on Thursday, following the evening meal.  As a result, I drank only water overnight (food is okay) and I’m continuing today.  My 24-hours will expire tonight at dinner time!  Woohoo!

The purpose of these dietary challenges is to mimic the ancient traditions of the Christian Church to practice fasting during Lent.  Many Christians will refrain from eating meat on Fridays, while some might eliminate other foods during this time of preparation for Easter.  Why does the Church practice fasting?  Because it’s an easy way to show God that we care.  If Jesus can go through the extreme trials that He experienced, surely we can do a little something to show God that we appreciate Jesus’ effort.

Yes, it’s that simple.  We know that we could never repay God for all that He has done for us.  However, we can do some small things that demonstrate our love and appreciation for all that the LORD provides.  The LORD has filled out pantries!  Let’s give Him a big, “Thank You!”

Today, get healthy!  Water only for 24 hours (but all food is okay)!

“Jesus said, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again and again. Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst—not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life.’ ” (John 4:13-14, The Message)

Lent Day 23, Thursday, March 24, 2022

“Reconcile with Someone”

In case you didn’t see this Challenge coming, I apologize for the sucker punch.  Every year, this one is included somewhere in Lenten Challenges.  It is also the one that makes more people unhappy than any other Challenge, or, at least, until the Challenge is completed.

Reconciling with those who have hurt us (and those we have hurt) is very difficult.  As adults, we teach our children to try and keep the peace and not burn bridges with others.  However, when we adults are hurt by another adult, we often turn our backs and pretend that person doesn’t exist.  We know this isn’t acceptable, yet, some of us still maintain wounds that are years and decades old. Some of us even have family members we haven't spoken with in many years.

Today’s Challenge, to reconcile with someone, is not intended to create a worse situation between us and those in whom we are conflicted.  Rather, today’s Challenge is intended to cause us to think (and even pray) about a struggle that is heavy on our hearts and minds, as well as the need to begin the repair process.

How will we do it?  Will we send a text, email, or handwritten letter?  Will we pick up the phone and call them?  We are not responsible for the responses we receive; if a door is slammed in our face, then it’s okay.  We tried our best.  Even a failed attempt can represent a small step forward, but not taking the step will prevent the opportunity to witness what God might accomplish.

Let’s jump to it!  Let’s Reconcile with Someone today!

“So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24, NRSV)

 Lent Day 22, Wednesday, March 23, 2022

“Read 15 Minutes from the Gospels”

Thus far during our Lenten Challenges, we’ve encountered prayer and Scripture several times.  In case anyone is wondering why these two topics have been recurring, I’ve elected to let you in on the secret:  It’s easy.

That’s right.  It’s easy to guilt people into reading Scriptures and prayer, primarily because all of us know that we need more of both.  Even non-church people would likely admit to it, though they are much less likely to fall prey to the “Guilt-Trip” that I’m laying down.

Now that we’ve got that question answered, let’s try another one:  Why do we need more Scripture and prayer?  Is it because we lack confidence, skill, or experience?  Is it because we lack education, encouragement, or healthy home life?  It might be a little of all of those things, plus a few more things that we don’t care to mention. 

The story doesn’t end at this point.  In fact, this is just the beginning.  A good reason to read from the Gospels today (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John – in the New Testament of the Bible) is that the Gospels contain valuable advice on nearly every problem area we can imagine.  We could call this, “What Would Jesus Do?”, but that would be cliché.   Instead, I’ll offer this:  “What Do the Gospels Say?”

Read from the Gospels for 15 minutes today and discover something valuable for yourself!

“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.”  (2 Timothy 16-17, NRSV)

Lent Day 21, Tuesday, March 22, 2022

“Pray for Someone New!”

Today, our Lenten Challenge is to pray for someone that has never been the subject of our prayers.  This might be a family member or a neighbor we’ve known for a while, or it could possibly be someone that we barely know at all.  It can be a friend or enemy, or anyone else that has never entered our prayers.

This can be a simple Challenge to complete if you choose.  There are lots of people you haven’t mentioned in prayer!  Take a few extra minutes to think about it and you’ll probably have a few names in mind.  If that’s the case, maybe add one or two of these to your list today.

However, for some of us, this could be a difficult Challenge to complete.  When you read the first sentence of this Challenge, did the specific name of an unwanted “special” person enter your mind?  Have you tried to rid yourself of the thought of that person, yet, they are still heavy on your mind (and now your heart)?  If so, that’s your person for today.

Today might be easy.  Today might be difficult.  Either way, get ‘er done!

“Pray for Someone New Today!”

“The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.”  (1 Timothy 2: 1-3, The Message).

 Lent Day 20, Monday, March 21, 2022

“Complete a Procrastinated Task”

Today’s Challenge might produce a few unhappy grumbles.  Procrastinators, who defer their decisions, conversations, and tasks until later, are certain to be irritated.  Mondays are bad enough and they don’t need help from delayed decisions to make things worse.  Again, it’s a Monday drag.

However, it’s a Monday problem that could turn a few things around.  If we are able to accomplish something we’ve been dreading for a while, then a few dark clouds might actually be replaced by a few rainbows.  Those tasks that hang over our heads cause more damage than we care to admit.  We’d like to think that they don’t hurt… But just between you and me, we both know they do.

Today might be a Monday but it doesn’t have to be all bad.  Today can be a great day by knocking out something that’s been stuck on the back of our brains for a while.  Let’s get rid of it so that we can think more coherently and daydream a little more!

Complete a Procrastinated Task today!

“No discipline is fun while it lasts, but it seems painful at the time. Later, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness for those who have been trained by it.”  (Hebrews 12:11, CEB).

Lent Day 19, Sunday, March 20, 2022

“Mercy for Everyone!”

Today’s challenge and the theme for this week is Mercy.  Mercy is something so common that we take it for granted.  What is it?  Dictionaries define it in several ways, but essentially, we will define mercy as “compassionate treatment of those in distress” or causing harm.  (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mercy)

We could come up with lots of reasons why we don’t need to express mercy.  For starters, mercy infers that we are involved in difficult situations and that we are the ones who are in a position to change the outcome.  We can have mercy for the man or woman standing on the corner with a cardboard sign.  We can express mercy for someone who has hurt our feelings.  We can show mercy to the driver who cuts us off or the loved one who has caused us great harm.

Why mercy?  Why should we embrace this choice?  Frankly, because we receive it ourselves.  Because of God’s Grace, we receive immeasurable goodness that we don’t always acknowledge and often overlook. Yet, during those times we are at fault, God takes it one more step forward.  Our bad choices, conscious wrong-doings, and outright sins deserve punishment, just like our child that hits their sister, steals the cookie, or tells a lie.  But God doesn’t punish us.  Instead, God offers Mercy!

So then…who deserves mercy?  No one.  But, who needs it?  Everyone!

Today we Choose Mercy because God was and is merciful to us! 

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”  (Matthew 5:7, ESV)

 Lent Day 18, Saturday, March 19, 2022

“Check in with an old friend or neighbor”

Today’s challenge probably needs some additional instructions.  For example, does the term “Old” refer to one’s age or their proximity to me?  In this case, we are challenged to check in with a friend or neighbor that we haven’t interacted with in a while.  Former neighbors and friends from long ago qualify, as we recognize the need to check on the welfare of people who helped shape us into the people we are today. 

I know… there’s a lot left for interpretation.   That's the point! There are people from our past who need a quick check-in, if for no other reason than to just let them know that we’re thinking and praying for them.

Today’s challenge doesn’t contain a hidden agenda.  It’s simple yet meaningful.  It’s easy but important.  God blessed us with some important people.  They may not think they’re important, but today is the perfect day to let them know that indeed, they are!

 “Check in with someone from the past!”

 “All the Law has been fulfilled in a single statement: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”  (Galatians 5:14, CEB)

 Lent Day 17, Friday, March 18, 2022

“No Caffeine Today (24 hours)!”

 

Argh!  No coffee or Mountain Dew today!  No caffeine!  What a bummer!  

Yes, some smarty-pants are already telling me that I can drink “decaffeinated” coffee and soft drinks.  But, that’s the same person who says they drink beer for the “taste” yet they turn their nose up when I offer them an Odoul’s.  Unleaded just ain’t the same, is it?

Though I’m complaining, I know this is a good challenge for a lot of us.  Some of us may need to take some Advil or Tylenol later in the day as a result of today’s challenge; there’s no denying our need to decrease caffeine consumption.  Fortunately, this challenge arrives on a Friday, which is the day of the week that I’m least likely to fall asleep at my desk.  Still, I like to start my favorite day with my favorite beverage.

 

I could make plenty of diet-related sacrifices that would improve my health today.  Given the food and water shortages around the world, a day without something like caffeine should not be a problem.  This ought to be an easy Challenge that will help train me up for some of the more difficult ones later. 

 

No Caffeine today?  No problem!

 

“A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.”  (Proverbs 25:28, NLT)

Lent Day 16, Thursday, March 17, 2022

“Be Extravagantly Green!”

 

Just in case you’ve forgotten, this is your official reminder to wear something green today!  It is St. Patrick’s Day, which, in part, means that shamrock derbies and long pours of green beer will be a’plenty across our country.

 

St. Patrick’s Day has deep spiritual and cultural significance, dating back to the ministry of St. Patrick in the fifth century.  Among other things, St. Patrick’s monasteries are credited with hand-copying the Bible, long before the printing press was invented.  Can you imagine sitting down and copying an entire Bible with pen and paper, word-for-word?  Never mind that they didn’t have Bic pens and good-quality recycled notebook paper.  It’s another matter entirely to write neatly enough to be legible by another person.  We owe a lot to these people who took Jesus’ command literally by taking the Gospel “Into the whole world.”

 

Green is the color of Spring.  Green is the color of life.  Most people who decide to wear green today are not likely thinking about the religious significance of St. Patrick’s Day.  It is doubtful that any of us are planning to hand-copy the Bible today.  However, all of us can wear green and serve as a source of hope and joy for those we meet.

 

If green is your favorite color, today is your day!  If not, learn to like it!  Be extravagantly green today!

 

“Jesus said to them, 'Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to every creature.' ”  (Mark 16:15, CEB)

Lent Day 15, Wednesday, March 16, 2022

“Pray for Five Minutes, 2x!”

Taking some time to pray should be easy.  Today we kick it up and pray not just once, but at least twice (and for five minutes)!  What should we pray for?  My goodness, take your pick.  The options are endless, but in case you’re struggling with what this means, here’s a little food for thought.

Prayer, most simply put, is communication with God.  Though prayer may seem like a one-way conversation, it’s not.  God is listening and God will respond, although it may not be with verbal responses as what we’d prefer.  Just like we have lots of ways to communicate (voice, body language, music, art, writing, etc.), God has even more ways to communicate. If we don’t receive a recognizable response to our prayers, we should keep asking, seeking, and knocking on God’s door.  God will respond.

Still not convinced that prayer makes a difference?  That’s okay.  If we don’t feel like we need God’s help, then it’s probable that God isn’t expecting to hear from us anytime soon.  However, it would be nice to drop God a line once in a while and open the door for communication to occur.  One never knows…God may just be waiting for an invitation to talk!  

“Pray for Five Minutes Today…2x!”

“The Lord is near all who cry out to him, all who cry out to him sincerely.”  (Psalm 145:18, NET)

Lent Day 14, Tuesday, March 15, 2022

“Write a Handwritten Letter…and Mail It!”

 

Today’s Challenge is one that will pay dividends for those who choose to complete it.  Handwritten letters are rare, indeed.  They have been replaced by texts, emails, and even social media.  It’s too bad, really.  There’s something special about receiving a snail-mail letter that someone wrote with their own hand.  It takes time, effort, and thought to send a handwritten letter…much more than a text that we can send at a moment’s notice.

The benefits of sending a letter like this are obvious but easily forgotten.  Take a moment to consider the mail that we receive today.  For many of us, our mailbox will contain bills, a variety of solicitations and advertisements, and maybe, if we’re lucky, our favorite publication.  Few (if any) of us are going to receive something hopeful, joyful, and unexpected.  How special would it be if we could change that for someone in a few days? 

 

Today, we have an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.  Texts, calls, and emails are just fine if that’s what you prefer, but a letter can really help someone feel special, valued, and loved.  Who will I choose to be the recipient of my letter?  Who will you choose and will you send more than one?  

Let’s get to it! 

Write a Handwritten letter and get it in the mail!

"So continue encouraging each other and building each other up, just like you are doing already.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:11, CEB).

 Lent Day 13, Monday, March 14, 2022

“Smile, No Matter What!”

 

These Monday devotions during Lent are becoming irritating.  Here’s another one that’s trying to guilt me into something: smiling. This is the day after Daylight Savings and the morning I overslept.  I can’t begin to smile unless I have at least one more cup of coffee (or in this author’s case, another Mountain Dew). 

 

The purpose of today’s challenge and devotion is not simply to create another Monday problem.  In fact, it’s just the opposite.

You might know someone who smiles all the time.  I know a few!  They smile so much that it can become irritating.  They aren’t perfect.  They encounter problems, challenges, and tragedies just like the rest of us, yet, still, they smile.  Why does it irritate me?  Because sometimes, I reserve the right to be Grumpy dwarf.  I’ve earned it. 

 Today is one of those days…I don’t want to smile.  However, I know there’s something very special about a smile.  For one thing, smiles are contagious.  It’s nearly impossible to not smile when someone else is smiling at me, and if their smile can actually bring me a tiny bit of Monday joy, why shouldn’t I try to do the same for another person?

Today, we will encounter lots of people who aren’t smiling.  Like us, they woke up, turned on the radio, television, or computer, and encountered the same bad news while they drank their coffee.  Yet today, maybe we can help turn a few of those frowns upside down.  Maybe our smile can make a difference in someone’s day, week, and life.

Alright. Now, I’m properly caffeinated and sugared-up. I can begin.  Let’s do this!  Let’s smile, no matter what!

“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.” (Proverbs 15:30, NLT)

Lent Day 12, Sunday, March 13, 2022

“When Opportunity Knocks!”

This Challenge could be the most difficult task we encounter during the entire Lenten Season.  Today, we are Challenged to approach the entire day through the eyes of God.  Wear our Faith on our sleeves.  Approach every encounter, call, text, or email as if we were God’s representative.  If this sounds easy, think again.  If this sounds silly, just pause for a few moments and read a little more.

None of us are perfect.  I’m guessing that everyone understands that.  However, I think that we sometimes use our “imperfect nature” as an excuse for certain thoughts and behavior.  If this doesn’t include you, I apologize.  Maybe I’m just writing to myself because I know that I do this, almost every day.

don’t mean to hurt someone’s feelings when I respond to a question.  I don’t intend to fire off a snappy text or email that causes pain. I don’t want to create conflict, ignore someone’s needs, or avoid contact because I’m too busy or tired.

Today is the day to fix that.  What would it be like if I could live every moment as someone after God’s own heart?  I have an example: Jesus. Rejected? Yes, He was, and He forgave. Aggravated by knuckleheads? Jesus encountered plenty of that. Jesus had patience.  Doubted by friends and family? Jesus was too.  Jesus still loved. 

Today, Opportunity is knocking. Today, I choose The LORD.

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”  (Ephesians 5:1-2, NRSV).