There are a lot of people who do not really understand what the church season of "Lent" really is. Basically it is a period of 40 days beginning on Ash Wednesday (February 22nd) and lasting until Holy Saturday ( April 7th) and does not include Sundays. Lent comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "lencten" which means "spring". Lent began as a a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by early converts and then became a time of penance which is seeking forgiveness and restoration.
In modern times many people practice the gift of self denial in giving something they cherish up for lent. Some examples are like chocolate, pop, and other loves. some people practice the gift of doing something more for Christ during this time...including increased study, random acts of kindness, and other noble acts. I tried giving up brussell sprouts but you cant give up anything you don't like already. HAHA.
I love this time of year because it challenges me to pause and reflect on the past year, my faults, my victories, my dreams and my desires and much more. I use this time as a time of self reflection. Spending more time in prayer and asking Christ what more does he desire from me? How can I serve Him better? and what do I need to rid myself of that keeps me from a closer relationship with Him. I have learned a lot over the years and I pray that this Lent he will give me more direction as far as my future is concerned. I know though the more time I spend reflecting back and looking forward I, along with Christ, can do amazing things when I set my heart on it.
Lent for me culminates with Holy Thursday, Good Friday (which is spent asking for a lot of forgiveness for putting Christ on the cross, and then the time of rejoicing when Christ defeats death and the stone is rolled away and he is no longer in the tomb but instead resurrected so that I may live which of course is Easter. Christ has blessed me with a life worth living. I have had my moments when I felt like life wasn't worth it but when I look at that empty tomb and a risen Savior I thank him for letting me live.
Many of you who are reading this might not be religious or have a personal relationship with Christ but I am here to testify without Christ in my life, I would not be the man I am today.
I would ask anyone who has taken the time to read this posting to stop and ask for Christ to come into your heart and begin the life he seeks from you. Ask for the Holy Spirit to come and enlighten you as to the gift of salvation from Christ.
I add if you ever need anybody to talk to about this ask a spiritual friend, pastor or contact me. Your life is priceless to Christ!!!!
Pastor Steve
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