WHY LENT?
"Time Out's" are not very popular with children, but for adults the are very helpful before beginning a new project. Spending time in thought and reflection taps into new ideas and solutions when trying to solve a problem. Doing a "dress review" of teaching a lesson or making a presentation can identify areas that need to be refined. There are many ways that time out's can be refreshing times and help us to perform a task better than just rushing into it.
Before I learned the blessing of stepping back to gather my thoughts before taking action, I would trudge forth into oblivion, usually awkwardly tripping over my feet, falling flat on my face or putting my foot into my mouth and gagging on my thoughts. Prophets, disciples and even Jesus also learned the importance of withdrawing to gain the necessary perspective on what needed to take place next. Some also discovered that if they didn't do this on their own, then perhaps the Lord did it for them to insure they were listening to his commands.
"Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands." Deuteronomy 8:2
Lent provides 40 days in which we can work on our humility and obedience to better know and keep God's commands. He has called us to ministry and service. What is it? We humble ourselves when we come before the lord. We humble ourselves when we are waiting for his answer. What have you decided to give up to give you more opportunity and time to focus on the Lord's desires for your time?
Sacrificing a candy bar, taking one day out of the week to fast, or saving all your change each day to donate are not much of a sacrifice in view of the Lord's sacrifice of our Savior's life for our sins. Taking time to reflect on the meaning to you of Christ and his life is as important time as that TV show you are missing or watching a DVD. Rehearsing for a class you will teach during Lent is time well spent when you want to get your point across as succinctly and positively as you can. And just being quiet so you can feel his breath and hear his whisper as the Lord helps you to understand what he wants from you.
This is "Why Lent". So you can deepen your relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. So you can gather information and strength for your next step in your Christian life and faith. So you can better meet Jesus at the Cross. So you can celebrate renewal and new life at the Resurrection. Appreciate all the opportunity afforded you in your Lenten Time Out. Praise be to God!
"Time Out's" are not very popular with children, but for adults the are very helpful before beginning a new project. Spending time in thought and reflection taps into new ideas and solutions when trying to solve a problem. Doing a "dress review" of teaching a lesson or making a presentation can identify areas that need to be refined. There are many ways that time out's can be refreshing times and help us to perform a task better than just rushing into it.
Before I learned the blessing of stepping back to gather my thoughts before taking action, I would trudge forth into oblivion, usually awkwardly tripping over my feet, falling flat on my face or putting my foot into my mouth and gagging on my thoughts. Prophets, disciples and even Jesus also learned the importance of withdrawing to gain the necessary perspective on what needed to take place next. Some also discovered that if they didn't do this on their own, then perhaps the Lord did it for them to insure they were listening to his commands.
"Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands." Deuteronomy 8:2
Lent provides 40 days in which we can work on our humility and obedience to better know and keep God's commands. He has called us to ministry and service. What is it? We humble ourselves when we come before the lord. We humble ourselves when we are waiting for his answer. What have you decided to give up to give you more opportunity and time to focus on the Lord's desires for your time?
Sacrificing a candy bar, taking one day out of the week to fast, or saving all your change each day to donate are not much of a sacrifice in view of the Lord's sacrifice of our Savior's life for our sins. Taking time to reflect on the meaning to you of Christ and his life is as important time as that TV show you are missing or watching a DVD. Rehearsing for a class you will teach during Lent is time well spent when you want to get your point across as succinctly and positively as you can. And just being quiet so you can feel his breath and hear his whisper as the Lord helps you to understand what he wants from you.
This is "Why Lent". So you can deepen your relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. So you can gather information and strength for your next step in your Christian life and faith. So you can better meet Jesus at the Cross. So you can celebrate renewal and new life at the Resurrection. Appreciate all the opportunity afforded you in your Lenten Time Out. Praise be to God!
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