Ash Wednesday

I read this article this morning that "stirred" something in my heart. You can read that article here: www.transformingcenter.org/2014/03/crossing-the-threshold-into-lent-3/

2 Corinthians 7: 1 Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates the body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

Ash Wednesday defined is the day that begins the season of Lent. In this season, roughly six weeks or 40 days before Easter, Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation, and spiritual discipline. Unfortunately, the Lenten season gets reduced to the question, "What are you giving up for Lent?" (as Ruth puts it in her article) This question becomes something of a fad, a temporary manner of conduct, instead of the real question that we must ask ourselves not only during this season but all year long: "How will I repent and return to God with all my heart?" Which begins the process of deeper questions to ask ourselves.

I love the rich history that this season is about. Even though the Bible doesn't mention Ash Wednesday or the custom of Lent, however, the custom of mourning and repentance in ash are mentioned in  2 Samuel 13:19; Esther 4:1; Job 2:8; Job 42; Daniel 9:3; Matthew 11:21. Throughout biblical history, one way that God's people cried out to Him in repentance was through this practice with ash. We can use this practice to remind us again of what is important, and remember His mercy and Grace.

There is no wrong time to turn to God for repentance, if it is during the Lent season or any other day of the year, God's grace is full and just. Performing the disciplines that they talk about in church history reminds me of Jesus' 40 day fast and temptation in the desert. There is no way I can do anything and be any more "godlier" or do as He did in the desert.  But God deserves all of us and by our coming to Him, denying our flesh we are able to know Him better and know His forgiveness. We all sin. We all need more of God in our lives.

My prayer for you is that everyday of the year be a Lent season. Everyday giving up what we want to embrace what He has for us. We definitely will be better off with what He has for us because His will is perfect and His love is unending for you and me. Psalm 136:1 Give thanks to Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.

Take some time to study 2 Corinthians 7 on what godly sorrow and repentance brings. Especially v 10.