Greetings to you in the name of the One who changed everything…and still does, Jesus Christ – THE Risen Saviour! Happy March 2017! What a delightful morning – a little cooler but sunny! I trust that you were able to put February with all of its ‘stuff’ so that you can concentrate on the adventure of a new month. Today I will be praying for you, asking Father to bring you health and strength and hope and a fresh encounter with is grace.
Yesterday being Ash Wednesday was a turning point in the church calendar. We left hinder the celebration of Epiphany and began the journey of Lent. Lent is the 40 day trek to Easter – Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday. These 40 days are traditionally an opportunity for self-examination and self-denial and personal prayer and meditation on the Bible. As such, these 40 days can be adventuresome and awkward and illuminating – we can find out more about ourselves than we want to. They are, of course, important days to our spiritual growth and well-being. In essence, Lent is a time to slow down and draw near to God, claiming the promise that He will draw near to us as we draw near to him..
Last night was our Ash Wednesday gathering and the first time I have ever done so by candle-light…for about ten unplanned minutes. We sang a new song or two, made a simple commitment to the Lenten journey, initiated a ‘prayer wall’ and a ‘family prayer tree’, and left – I hope – with our own thoughts. Although Lent is an intensely personal time it is a ‘shared journey’ where, I think, the power of the words: …let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together…but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25 NIV …take on a new meaning.
So, I am wondering this morning…where will my Lenten journey take me and what will I learn about myself and what might God want to teach me about who He is-wants to be – in my life? I can hear the words of Sam to Mr Frodo…”what kind of tale have we fallen into?”. I am so glad that there is always more to discover as our discipleship unfolds.
Have a great day – be blessed!