Hard to believe, but the season of Lent is already upon us. It begins on Ash Wednesday, and carries through the 40 days until Easter morning. The time when we will run to the tomb ... or the church ... and hear the proclamation, "HE IS RISEN!"
But this season of Lent comes first. Many ask, "Why is it called Lent?" Lent's name comes from a Latin term which means "the forty days." These forty days, or Lent, are a time of self denial and reflection. A time to give up what stands between us and Jesus Christ, and reflect on the sacrifice He made on our behalf.
I know many who give up sweets, salt, soda or maybe even a meal a day. But this year, allow me to challenge you to give up something much more personal and sacrificial; our attitudes and thoughts. They typically are the biggest barrier to a growing relationship with Christ.
Here's a few ideas WHAT TO GIVE UP...
Give up complaining........focus on gratitude.
Give up pessimism...........become an optimist.
Give up harsh judgments...think kindly thoughts.
Give up worry................trust Divine Providence.
Give up discouragement...be full of hope.
Give up bitterness...........turn to forgiveness.
Give up hatred...............return good for evil.
Give up negativism..........be positive.
Give up anger................be more patient.
Give up pettiness............be more mature.
Give up gloom................enjoy the beauty that is all around you.
Give up jealousy.............pray for trust.
Give up gossiping............control your tongue.
Give up sin....................turn to virtue.
Give up giving up............hang in there!
It won't be any easy road. Thank God we're all in this together and can lean on each other when the going gets tough. You see, God doesn't want our chocolate - he wants us. Let's remove all that stands between us and our Lord, deny ourselves, and follow Him.
God's strength to you this Lenten Season ~ Pastor Todd
