Lent Day 15, Wednesday, February 28, 2024

“Read the Bible for 15 Minutes”

This should be one of the simplest Challenges of the entire Season:  to Read the Bible for a little while.  This should be easy for two reasons:  First, all one needs to do to complete the Challenge is open the Bible and read it for fifteen minutes, uninterrupted.  If you are interrupted, start over.  After a few tries, most people should get it.  Easy, right?

The Second reason this is easy is that if you attend either of the Chapel’s Bible Studies today (Wednesday), online or in person, it’s gonna qualify.  Bible Study is about an hour long and all you are required to do is read along with me and listen to me fill in some spaces between the lines.  Since this week includes the story of David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel, Chapters 8 – 12, see below for the link), it’s guaranteed to be somewhat interesting. 

Wait a minute. Who am I kidding?  This won’t be easy for lots of people.  Reading the Bible can be difficult, primarily because we are so removed from the time, culture, and context of the stories contained within it.  Some of the more modern Bible translations can help with the language part of it, but I still can’t promise that it will be easy. However, it’s only hard until it’s not!  We may be surprised that it isn’t as hard as we thought. And, it will never get easier if we don’t try! 

Reading the Bible is a good habit to begin.  Today’s Challenge will be over soon enough, but this is another Challenge that could become something very valuable if we only give it a chance.

This should be easy, but it won’t be!  Read the Bible for fifteen minutes today, uninterrupted!

“Every word you give me is a miracle word—how could I help but obey?  Break open your words, let the light shine out, let ordinary people see the meaning.” (Psalm 119:129-130, The Message)

Pastor Brock’s Bible Study Zoom Link:  Wednesdays, 530 pm (EST).  Catch-up begins at 500 pm (EST).  Join in anytime!  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82208678640

 Lent Day 14, Tuesday, February 27, 2024

“Write a Letter to Myself”

Have you ever thought about writing a letter to you?  If so, what would you say?  Would you talk about your day and about the fabulous meal you are preparing for this evening?  Would you remind yourself of a special memory from the past or would you encourage yourself for a bright future?

Writing a letter to oneself is probably not a regular activity for most people.  As a result, lots of folks might shy away from this Lenten Challenge, assuming that the Challenge must require deep emotional thought.  But It doesn’t!  Instead, this letter can be as short and sweet as you want.  The letter is not about fixing problems as much as it is an opportunity to actually speak to ourselves (as if we don’t do enough of that already).

What advice would we give ourselves if we had the chance?  What warning would we issue?  Sure, our letter might be us telling ourselves that it’s time to get over a difficult situation or relationship, but the letter might also be encouraging us to stay the course in good habits or remove bad habits that are creating problems.

For this Challenge, your letter to yourself doesn’t have to include anything you don’t want it to.  This is from yourself, not from someone else who is looking over your shoulder.  This is private.  This is yours.  However, there is a catch:  you must also mail the letter and read it when you finally receive it again.

In a few days when we receive our letters, what will we discover about ourselves?  What happened during those last few days to change things?  What emotions will stir when we receive our letter?  Happy?  Sad?  Joyful?  Frustrated?  Challenged? 

Today’s Lenten Challenge is to write a letter to ourselves, mail it, and read it when we receive the letter in a few days.  Again, this doesn’t have to be difficult, unless we think we need the Challenge.

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”  (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)

Lent Day 13, Monday, February 26, 2024

“Read or Listen to a Fairy Tale”

Let’s tackle Lucky Day 13 of Lent by having some fun and Reading or Listening to a Fairy Tale.  What is a Fairy Tale?  We could likely define it in lots of ways, but simply put, a Fairy Tale is a short story usually directed towards children that includes magical creatures and distant, imaginary places and situations. 

The Brothers Grimm made Fairy Tales famous when they published their first collected volume of stories in 1812.  They intended to collect folklore stories and myths so that the tales would not be forgotten over time.  They published multiple editions, finally completing their final work in 1857 which included 200 tales and 10 legends.

We know some of the stories told by the Brothers Grimm.  They include tales such as Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, Cinderella, Tom Thumb, and many more recognizable stories.  Since the Brothers Grimm completed their final edition, many stories were collected and published individually, plenty of which have been made into films and cartoons.  However, upon reviewing their title list, I discovered that most of the titles in Brothers Grimm were unrecognizable, which is kind of exciting!  

Fairy Tales can include something familiar, vaguely remembered, or newly discovered.  What sounds best to you?  Whichever you decide to choose for today’s Lenten Challenge, consider taking some time to Read or Listen to a Fairy Tale.   If you’d prefer to watch a Disney film to satisfy your Challenge, that will be just fine.  However, I think reading or listening to a tale might be more enjoyable, allowing us to use our imaginations and consider days long past.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J-1pMESTI0

Using our imaginations is a Godly thing!  God gave us that gift so why not use it?  Read or Listen to a Fairy Tale today!

“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 12, Sunday, February 25, 2024

“Forgive Yourself Today!”

Typically, I reserve the Sundays during our Lenten Challenges for topics that are contemplative.  Today’s Challenge will make us think, but it ain’t easy.  Today, we are challenged to forgive ourselves for a wrong we committed.

I’m hoping that readers only have one or two from which to choose, but I’m guessing that most of us have far more than just a couple of instances that need to be forgiven.  Some of these issues may be brand new, while a few of them have haunted us for much longer.  At times, these issues stay with us for a lifetime, controlling thoughts, actions, and even dreams.

Today’s Challenge for Lent is to forgive ourselves of one of those wrongs.  Don’t try to tackle all of them…one is more than enough.  This is difficult because it’s causing us to think about things that are painful for us.  These wrongs may have negatively impacted people we dearly love, causing hardships and lasting, painful memories for them.

If we’ve already sought God’s forgiveness, we can be assured that God has forgiven us.  Forgiving ourselves, however, seems to be an entirely different matter.  We randomly encounter reminders which takes us right back to the moments that a poor decision was made.

The time for the painful reminders has passed.  It’s time we let it go, not because it doesn’t still matter, but because God has forgiven us and wants us to be whole.  Carrying the guilt around our shoulders denies God the opportunity to heal us, almost as if we don’t want to be healed.  That’s not what God wants.  That’s not what we need.

Today, let’s forgive ourselves.  Let’s seek our forgiveness in prayer and allow God access to both our hearts and minds so that we may encounter the peace and assurance that God wants for us.

It won’t be easy, but if we accomplish anything this Lenten Season, this might be the one that pays the most dividends.

“God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.”  (John 3:17, NLT)

 Lent Day 11, Saturday, February 24, 2024

“Say a Prayer of Thanksgiving”

What will your prayer include today?  In Today’s Lenten Challenge, we are asked to say a Prayer of Thanksgiving.  This Challenge should be super easy, but before you close this window, take a few moments to read below.

Why should I give Thanks?  Those of us who participated in yesterday’s Challenge, to give up caffeine for 24 hours, are probably thankful that it’s not Friday.  Some of us might be thankful for the arrival of weekend sleep while others of us might be thankful for our morning cup of coffee.

Sometimes, the difficulty with a Prayer of Thanksgiving is that we have so many things to choose from that we just toss a prayer into the air, expecting the wind to carry it to God.  That might be true, but it would be more beneficial to be intentional with our prayer.  For instance, take a few moments to consider the most important thing in our life right now - whatever or whomever that is - and offer God a sincere prayer for providing you with that blessing.

Today is Saturday.  Some of us are thankful that we don’t have work today.  Give thanks for our job.  Some of us can go to the beach today.  Give thanks to God for making that happen.  Some of us will speak to a close friend or family member.   Give thanks for that person.

This is an easy one, but let’s not blow it off!  Be intentional and Give Thanks to God! 

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  (Colossians 3:17, NET)

 Lent Day 10, Friday, February 23, 2024

“No Caffeine 24 Hours”

This one will hurt.  Those of us who awaken every day expecting a jolt of energy to begin the day are about to be unhappy.

If you’ve followed these Lenten Devotions for the last several years, you might be ahead of the game.  If you knew the rules of our “Friday Fasts”, that the fasts can begin any time of any day, you probably began this devotion last night with your last caffeine intake.  If you haven’t consumed any caffeine since yesterday, then you only need to make it a few more hours before you can go back to it.  If, however, you didn’t know these challenges could have begun the day before, then you may just be starting your fast now.  In that case, you can’t have caffeine until this same time tomorrow.

Bummer.  Yeah, I know.  I’ll receive plenty of unhappy feedback on this one.  But before you hit the “send” button on the unhappy email or text you are about to send me, take a moment to consider why this Lenten Challenge is important.  It is unlikely that we need caffeine to live, though we might feel like it sometimes.  Refraining from caffeine for just 24 hours shows us that we can be successful at almost anything, but more importantly, it shows us that we can do something in honor of God’s gift of love for us.

God created caffeine and God put caffeine into certain plants and food.  If God didn’t think that we needed a little caffeine from time to time, then God could have made all coffee beans decaffeinated, right?  God put caffeine in those beans and plants for some reason…possibly because God knows that I’m unbearable without my morning stimuli.

Today’s Lenten Challenge is to refrain from caffeine for 24 hours.  If you haven’t had any caffeine yet today, begin counting from your last intake of caffeine yesterday.  After 24 hours, you’re done.  If you require caffeine for medical and health reasons, by all means, do whatever the doctor has ordered.  Instead of taking the Caffeine Challenge, consider praying five times today to complete your Challenge.  (A bit extreme, huh?  So is giving up caffeine for a day!)

We can do this.  It might hurt a little, but we’ll be okay.  God has provided everything we need and giving the LORD a big decaffeinated “Thank You” could be a nice way to show our appreciation for…everything.

“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 6:6-8, The Message)

Lent Day 9, Thursday, February 22, 2024

“Complete a Procrastinated Task”

Today’s Lenten Challenge is to Complete a Procrastinated Task, which should help everyone in some manner.  Of course, I’m making the assumption that everyone has a task that they’re ignored, intentionally avoided, or accidentally forgotten.  Did you fix the leak in the toilet?  Did you remember to mail that letter or make that phone call?  Have you fixed the squeaking door or finished (begun) your 2023 tax return?

For some of us, our list of procrastinated items is much too large to contemplate.  Even those who are super organized have put something off to a rainy day.  Today might not be rainy, but it’s the day to get something done.

Why does this Lenten Challenge continue to make the Calendar each year?  It’s not just because the author (me) is a procrastinator on some items.  It’s also a reminder that responsibility requires a response.  If I believe the LORD has blessed me, I should take some time to reflect on what the LORD has provided and make sure I’m fulfilling my responsibilities with the gift.

God doesn’t provide without intention or by accident.  God wants us to be people of Faith and help others to do the same, using whatever gifts God has provided.  If I’m procrastinating with any of it, I’m putting a limit on what I can do for God.  God isn’t limiting me.  Instead, I’m limiting myself.

Today’s Challenge is not intended to frustrate anyone,  Instead, I’m hoping to call our attention to what we’ve done (and not done) to fulfill our responsibilities as God’s people.  None of us are perfect, but we can definitely inch a little closer by completing a procrastinated task.

“Don’t procrastinate—there’s no time to lose.  Run like a deer from the hunter, fly like a bird from the trapper!”  (Proverbs 6:5, The Message)

 Lent Day 8, Wednesday, February 21, 2024

“Meet Someone New”

I must apologize to all the introverts of the world.  Today’s Lenten Devotion might as well require us to jump the Grand Canyon on a bicycle.  Meeting new people is one of our greatest anxieties and today will be extremely challenging, to say the least.

Since I’m talking to those of us who are introverts, the extroverts reading this will need to be a little patient.  Ya’ll who are extroverts can make a new friend in a cardboard box.  You have no problem meeting new people. 

The rest of us struggle with even the simplest opportunity to meet someone.  When someone we don’t know starts talking to us, we start looking for the exit sign.  We’re not trying to be rude.  Instead, it’s a self-protection reflex seeking a safer place.  We seem shy.  At times, we appear to be rude.  We’re not either of those.  Instead, we’re just introverts looking for a place to hide.

If you’re an introvert, today is not your day!  However, after meeting someone new, you might discover that today is your day after all!  God intends for us to be social beings, sharing in life’s joys and celebrations with one another.  Though some of us might prefer to keep to ourselves and others never want to be alone, God has blessing and purpose for us all.

Who will you meet today?  You never know, you might meet a new best friend!

“For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”  (Matthew 18:20, NLT)

 Lent Day 7, Tuesday, February 20, 2024

“Handwrite and Mail a Letter”

Today’s Lenten Challenge will bring a smile to someone’s face!  How often do we receive a handwritten letter or card from another person? 

For most of us, the only mail we receive is a bill, credit card solicitation, or retail store advertisement.  An actual hand-written note is rare, indeed.  Oh sure, many of us might receive something on our birthday or during the Holidays, but how often do we receive a random, handwritten note from a friend or family member?

A handwritten note means so much to the recipient.  Among other things, it indicates that we are valued as human beings.  This is no small thing, especially in a world that is becoming more electronic, digital, and automated.  It shows that someone thinks enough of us to spend some time and effort to let us know it.  The importance of self-worth for all people cannot be emphasized enough and a note from us could be a big difference-maker for someone.

Who will be your recipient?  As you consider someone to receive your greetings of love, friendship, and appreciation, also include a time and date on your note.  This will allow your recipient to reflect upon the events that were occurring in their own life while you wrote your note.  That could be an additional boost to their self-confidence, and give evidence of God’s work at a time when they may have needed it most.

Today’s Challenge will be awesome!  Handwrite a letter or note to someone, include a time and date within your letter, and mail it to your person.  Someone will be smiling in a few days!

“I thank my God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.”  (Philippians 1:2-4, NIV)

 Lent Day 6, Monday, February 19, 2024

“Make Today a Good Day!”

On the first Monday of the Lenten Season, let’s tackle something a bit strange and potentially difficult.  Let’s make today a good day, no matter what happens.

This Challenge is one that I’ve included in previous year’s Challenges.  I’ve discovered that putting it on a Monday is especially difficult because Monday is usually the least favorite of the week.  Even before Susanna Hoffs and the Bangles taught us to sing “Manic Monday” back in 1985, we had already developed a bad taste for the arrival of a new week. 

As I write those last few words, I realize how wrong I’ve been all these years.  Monday isn’t a day to resent; Monday brings the beginning of a new week.  Simply translated, Monday brings us the opportunity to start over and potentially experience a week filled with hope and joy.  All this time, I’ve been upset with Monday because it means it’s time to get back to work or school, neither of which are anyone’s favorites.

However, if I begin to approach Monday from the opposite perspective, I might discover something new and exciting.  What would happen if I committed myself to make this a good day?  Can my outlook truly change the things that occur today?  Can a smile on my heart and face really turn a bad day into a good day, or a bad week into a good week?

Sure, I understand that I can’t change everything that occurs around me.  I can’t change the fact that I just spilled coffee on my pants, and neither can I change the fact that I’ve just received a couple of challenging texts and emails that are going to require immediate attention and resounding patience.  But what would happen if I just made a quick run back home to change my pants to resolve the problem?  What happens if I receive those texts or emails with a blessing instead of a curse?

I’ll never know the answers to those questions unless I give it a try.  Today is Monday and lots of people won’t be smiling.  I ain’t gonna be one of them.  Today is going to be a good day, not because I make it so, but because God made it so that I can have a new week to serve, play, and enjoy!

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”  (Psalm 118:24, ESV)

 Lent Day 5: Sunday, February 18, 2024

“Receive the LORD”

Do you want to Receive the LORD?  That’s a loaded question, huh?  If I were to ask that question from the pulpit on a Sunday morning, I’d probably get a few head nods.  I’d also see a few heads drop, but most people are probably just going to sit there, anxiously but curiously waiting for an explanation.

I think most people do want to receive the LORD.   I also think most of us probably have a few conditions and fine print that need to be added before we sign that contract.  Receiving the LORD might be something simple like receiving an answered prayer, but it could also mean that the LORD is urging us to complete a difficult task.   I’m not referring to either of those things!  Instead, today I’m asking myself, “Do I want to Receive the LORD” because I know that my faith will not get stronger unless I expect to receive God.

Receiving the LORD is very simple.  I only need to be ready and willing to allow God the opportunity to work in our lives, uninhibited and without resistance or complaint.  That sure sounds easy.  In fact, it is easy.  However, I make it extremely difficult because I don’t like too much change if I can avoid it, especially supernatural change.  It’s my imperfect nature to dig in my heels, leaning in the opposite direction of where the LORD is pulling me.

It sort of reminds me of my dog, Pippa.  When we go for a walk, she’ll sometimes disagree with my urging and respond by leaning in another direction.  Even though I know what’s better for her, she still thinks she’s in charge.

I’m not sure if that’s a good metaphor, but my intent is this:  God knows better than me and sometimes that means God is trying to help.  If I’m willing to receive the LORD, I’m more able to sense the help or change, prepare for it, and joyfully engage in whatever the LORD has in store.

For today’s Lenten Challenge, pray to Receive the LORD.  Make sure you’re ready to relinquish some control and be willing to follow.   This is easy, but if you’re doing it right it’s probably going to put your heart and mind in an uneasy place.  That’s okay.  The uneasy feelings arise because Receiving the LORD will almost guarantee that something in our lives needs to change.

That’s what Lent is about… Making a positive change in honor of the LORD.  Are you ready?  Are you willing?  Buckle up and we’ll do it together.  Life is about to be different!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NLT)

 Lent Day 4, Saturday, February 17, 2024

“Do Something Nice For Someone!”

Today’s Challenge for Lent is something that could be lots of fun.  How does it feel to make someone smile?  What is it like to give joy to a friend, neighbor, or colleague?  What occurs within our hearts when we do something nice for a stranger?

Today is National Random Acts of Kindness Day.  It’s not that we need a “National Day” to encourage us to do something nice for someone; we already recognize that taking care of other people should be a goal each day.  However, because we’re extremely busy, very unaware, and often forgetful, we don’t always think about doing things for other people. 

I’m stopping short of calling myself “selfish”.  I don’t think that really applies here and I’ve already used that term once this week in our Lenten Devotions (see, “Be Marked For Greatness - Get Ashed!”, Wednesday, February 14, 2024).  Today is Saturday and I want this to be a fun day instead of a day that I sit around and think about all my faults and problems. 

Completing a random act of kindness for someone else is the perfect cure to get out of a funk.  It’s the perfect solution to lots of our own personal problems and it’s a great way to begin the Lenten Season.  Kindness is already plentiful in the world, but I’m sure anyone and everyone would really appreciate a nice shot in the arm of undiluted kindness.

Lent, the time of preparation for Easter, is intended to help us grow closer to the LORD by making some good choices.  We shouldn’t need any additional reasons to do something nice for someone, but occasionally it helps to remember that taking care of others is one of the primary reasons God created us.   Whether we recognize it or not, we are living examples of God’s love for this world and everyone in it.

Begin Lent with a smile on the face of a friend, family member, or complete stranger.  Do something nice for someone today!

“So then, let’s work for the good of all whenever we have an opportunity, and especially for those in the household of faith.”  (Galatians 6:10, CEB)

 Lent Day 3, Friday, February 16, 2024

“No Meat 24 hours!”

It’s the first Friday in Lent, which to most of the Christian world may be translated as “Fish Friday”.  Red meats, poultry, and pork will be removed from the diets of millions of people in this country and hundreds of millions across the world.

So yes, if you’ve ever wondered why fish is a big deal on Fridays, this is the reason.  Long ago in the Church, it was determined that refraining from certain foods and drinks was a good way to show God that we care.  Fasting has been a part of worldwide religions and cultures since the beginning of recorded history.  Most of the world still holds close to fasting a source of strength, humility, contemplation, and repentance.

Do you remember “Fish Fridays?”  Growing up, I remember Friday always included fish or cheese pizza.  Of course, I’m not sure a big plate of fried catfish is a healthy substitute (in the South, Friday is catfish day) for my extra pepperoni, but at least my school cafeteria was making an effort.

In our Challenges for Lent 2024, Fridays will always include some form of fasting.  Sometimes, the fasts include adding healthy food or drink to our diets.  Other times, the fasts will include the removal of food or drink that isn’t exactly healthy.  Today’s item, the removal of meat, was chosen because culture already expects it.  This is one of those things that won’t shock your friends or family if you choose to avoid the burger and choose a salad or fish sandwich instead.

Of course, lots of folks can’t fast due to health concerns and doctor’s orders.  Fasting should never interfere with our medical needs.   Instead, we can do other things that show the LORD that we care.  For example, if today requires you to consume some form of meat, poultry, or pork, then read the Bible for fifteen minutes instead.  Challenge completed.

Today’s Lenten Challenge is to remove meat from our diets for 24 hours.  Since you’re asleep for a portion of them, it shouldn’t be too difficult!  If you have specific medical needs that require you to have some meat today, read the Bible today.  Our purpose is not to appease someone else.  Our purpose is to accomplish a little something that shows God we care.

No meat today!

“And when you fast…anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”  (Matthew 6:16-18, ESV)

 Lent Day 2, Thursday, February 15, 2024

“Get Smarter:  Pray At Least Three Times Today!”

Well, here we are!  The first full day of Lent begins with prayers.  I mean, really, why not?  If there’s anything we need to be doing more of, this is surely it.

What qualifies as a prayer?  Anything that you share with the LORD, verbally or silently, is considered a prayer.  Simply put, “Prayer” is communication with God.  Some people like to journal prayers.  Others like to say them silently to themselves, while others will shout at the top of their lungs for God!

Whatever your choice, all Prayers qualify for this Lenten Challenge.  You just need to do it three times today.  Don’t forget this one.  

Forgetting is the number one reason why people don’t pray (that’s not scientific, but that’s what happens to me.)  If you don’t think prayers help any, try it today.  If you’re not sure who God is or why God would listen to you, you’re in good company.  Go ahead and try it anyway.  It sure can’t hurt.

If you don’t believe in God or if you don’t like God, this might be a good time to tell God why you don’t believe or why you don’t like the LORD.  Yes, we should probably be respectful, but God doesn’t mind if we don’t have the best manners.  Sometimes, we’re just not very smart and we can’t help it.  But God knows, that, too.  

Today is a great day to try something different.  Today is a great day to get smarter by trying something very different.  Pray at least three times today!

“The Lord is close to everyone who calls out to him, to all who call out to him sincerely.”  (Psalm 145:18, CEB)

2024 Lenten Devotions and Challenges

 

 Lent Day 1, Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2024

“Marked for Greatness!  Get Ashed!”

Woohoo!  It’s that much anticipated, incredibly exciting, and overwhelmingly beautiful season of Lent!

I know.  I’m so excited I can barely stand it.  For the next 46 days, I’m gonna be reminded that God is always doing big things for me and I’m excessively selfish with what I give back. 

Beginning today with Ash Wednesday, churches will be offering to mark our foreheads or hands with ashes as evidence of our humility before God.  Ashes have been used for thousands of years to remind us that all of us were created from the dust of the Earth, and that, eventually, all of us will return to the Earth’s ground. 

Humility is one of the dominant themes of Lent, especially on Ash Wednesday.  But today, I’m considering something a little different.  I recognize that many of us are feeling bad about giving stuff up during Lent, but let’s take a few moments to consider just the opposite. 

Instead of feeling bad about our mistakes, I would like us to consider feeling good about ourselves and the potential God has for all of us.  Sure, on Ash Wednesday, we should remember how small we are.  However, as we receive Ashes, we can also receive them as the greatness God hopes for all of us.

God wants us to succeed.  God wants us to win.  God doesn’t push us into holes, nor does God push us off the cliff.  Instead, God is pulling us towards something bigger, better, and greater. 

Today, get Ashed somewhere.  If you can’t make it to a church or chapel, use an ink pen or some dirt from the garden and make a mark on your hand or forehead.  The mark we make is evidence that sometimes we’re messy and dirty.  However, the mark is also a sign that greater things are ahead for those who seek the LORD. 

When these 46 days are completed, we won’t be perfect!  When Easter arrives, some of us are still going to be messy and dirty.  But guess what?  If we are even one step closer to the LORD, we will experience things that we could never have witnessed without making the effort. 

Be Marked for Greatness.  Get Ashed.  Practice Lent.

“...God will bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair...” (Isaiah 61:3, NIV)