Greetings to you…in the beautiful, wonderful, and powerful name of Jesus Christ – THE Risen Savior! What a beautiful morning in the Kingdom…and to accept it as the day that God has made for us to enjoy, experience, and explore – so we will rejoice and be glad in it! I trust that you have had a good few days and are thanking God for all of His provision. No doubt you have been watching the news and praying for the situation in the Ukraine…perhaps you might have taken time to give God thanks for the freedom that you enjoy and even prayed God’s blessing on those who are in authority over us…even if you don’t always agree with the decisions they make on our behalf. Today I will be praying for you, asking Father to grant you health, strength, and a happy heart…may He bless your family and friends and those you know that need His touch.
Well, today the adventure of Lent 2022 begins with “Ash Wednesday” and reminding ourselves that as we begin the journey to Easter that we are needing to be aware of our humanity and limitations. The forty days of Lent parallels Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness that prepared him for public ministry. Lent is forty days of preparation for Easter weekend…it is a time for reflection and renewal and recommitment.
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and in many churches people gather for a simple worship service where the symbol of the cross is placed on the forehead with the words – “Remember that you are dust and to dust you will return” or “Repent and believe the gospel” spoken as a simple gesture of surrender. Although not a sacrament mandated by Scripture it serves as a powerful reminder of two truths that need to be embraced as we begin our journey to Easter. First, we need the knowledge of our sin that caused Jesus to be crucified. Second, we need the knowledge of a ready, willing, and capable Savior.
So, today we need to take a personal moment with God, consider the truth of Scripture passages like Romans 3:23 or Psalm 51 or Psalm 32 or Ephesians 2:1-10. Then with the understanding of your own personal sinfulness…simply pray – “Lord, have mercy upon me. Come Lord Jesus!” The bottom line – we need a Savior!
Something to ponder…be blessed