BETTER THAN WE DESERVE
Our afternoons are getting brighter and more sun these days. It may be too soon to say there may be a hint of Spring in the air. Spiritually, Spring’s arrival means Lent is soon to begin. Fat Tuesday is a day of feasting, lots of fun, and a final fling. As we ”eat, drink and be merry” today, keep in mind that there is more to life. At the stroke of Midnight on Ash Wednesday is the sober arrival of the long season of Lent.
Lent is a quiet time, a time to recognize the stillness. ”Be Still and Know I am God” (Psalm 46:10) We need times of quiet and peace, time to grow and become strong. We need time to learn wisdom, confess our sins and grow close to God. Many Christians practice fasting and give up their bad habits during Lent. That tradition of self-sacrifice relates to Jesus who gave up everything for us.
The Lenten season begins in the Winter, Ash Wednesday Feb. 22,2023. Lent continues into Spring to Maundy Thursday, April 6,2023, the start of the Easter Sunday weekend. During the 40 days of Lent, God’s baptized people cleanse their hearts through repentance and prayer. It is an opportunity to reflect on our own baptism and what it means to be ”Children of God.” The Church assumes a prayer filled character. The altar color of the Church is purple, a color associated with penitence.
If your struggling, not feeling good enough, holy enough or righteous enough; you should know God is with you and cares for you. He invites all of us; the good, the bad and the ugly. Find that quiet space and open your Bible to hear His words. Listen and reflect on God’s profound love. Mediate on. His truths. Despite our fears, our doubts, our desperations and our angers, He will not give up on us.
He gives us strength to calm our selfish nature and open our hands to live a giving life. Ask God how you can serve Him. Lent is the time we pray for the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying power to fill our homes and hearts with the fullness of grace and peace that belongs to children of God.
God is calling you to be a part of the Lutheran Hour Ministries. See how the Lord will work through us. L.H.M. will move forward with your help. Your gifts and donations make a very real impact on this ministry every day. Lutheran Hour Ministries offers programs and resources to help people share the joy of Christ, ”Men’s Network, Project Connect, God Connects, Mission U, THRED and Seasonal .Devotions. As Christians, you are part of what God is doing through the Lutheran Hour Ministries..