My Thoughts on Lent.....

The Lenten season is not observed by many Protestant congregations, probably due to its origin in the Catholic faith centuries ago as a process by which a person found forgiveness of  sin. We know that no tradition, ritual, or observation of a special day or season is necessary for the forgiveness of sin and the attainment of salvation. However, it can be a good thing to take time out of our busy lives and schedules to focus on the spiritual aspects of life. To me, that is what Lent provides. These forty some-odd days before Easter represent the forty days and nights that Jesus spent in the Garden before He began His public ministry (Matthew 4:1-11). During those days, He fasted and prayed - He was totally focused on God and God's plan for Him on this earth. He was also tempted three times by Satan himself to take matters into His own hands and use His power to rule the earth. Remember  that at this time, He was a human being. He was hungry and tired when Satan hit Him up. But because Jesus was focused on the Father, He was able to speak the Word to the devil, which allowed Him to repel those attacks. Those forty days of being alone with God and the many subsequent times He spent in quiet time with the Father empowered Him to be obedient to His calling, which was fulfilled when He rose from the dead on that first Easter morning. On that morning, Satan and all of his evil was defeated for eternity and salvation for each human being was made possible.

This is why I am giving Lent my attention this year. Not because it is necessary, but because it will be helpful to me as I refocus my attention on Jesus, the sacrifice He made for me, and the gift of  forgiveness and salvation that He has given me. It will prepare me to sing Hallelujah on Easter morning.

I am following a devotion series during this time from the website She Reads Truth. I encourage you to check it out. You can subscribe to it and get their devotions every morning. Read about the authors and the other devotion series they offer. It is a site recommended by many Protestant organizations. http://shereadstruth.com/category/plans/near-the-cross/

Whether you choose to observe Lent or not, challenge yourself to prepare for Easter in a meaningful way this year. In my way of thinking, it is by far the most important celebration of the Christian church. Without His death and resurrection, there would have been no reason for Him to be born in human flesh. Without Easter, Satan and all of the evil in this world would know no end. Without Easter, abundant life for the believer while still in this world would not be available. Without Easter, man's way to eternity with Jesus Christ would not be made possible.

Do not let this season of reflection pass without taking a long look at Who, what, why, and how God the Father sacrificed for mankind - and that sacrifice is offered to every living person. Believe me, it can be a life-changing reflection.