A Lenten Reflection

This week will see a flurry of retail activity to try to make Valentine’s Day a memorable one for those we love.  To really be unforgettable to our loved ones is to be in the spirit of a generous heart all year long.  Having a generous heart means walking in love.  “Love…bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never fails.”  (1 Corinthians 13:7-8a)   Read that a few times.  Notice the word all.  This means despite the words spoken or the circumstances that do not go exactly as we would script them.  It means all.  Love does not judge which actions or words are acceptable.  Love covers and lets God be God in every relationship for His love never fails.  I am not talking about abusive relationships here.  If you are in one get help and get away.  That is not God’s best for you.

He Knocks, Will You Open the Door?

Although human relationships do have their human frailties a relationship with Jesus Christ means you are always safe and secure in all ways.  As you enter the Lenten season there lies before you a magnificent opportunity to commit forty days to the Lord.  Do you have a plan for Lent?  Establish one this week and see what the Lord will do in and through you.  I guarantee you that you will emerge in forty days much different than you are today.

 Ideas for an Empowering Lent

Many give up something for Lent.  Removing a favorite food, limiting or not watching TV are examples of the direction some take.  Depriving oneself of something enjoyable provides a form of fasting for some.  I suggest that rather than stopping something you start something for Lent.  We serve a living God Who is always moving forward.  He does not park in yesterday and neither should you.  Put action to your faith and do a new thing these forty days.  Commit to read more of the Word and Christian literature.  Give more to those in need whether it be monetary or of your time.  Deepen your relationship with the Lord by practicing prayer without ceasing.  As you step out watch the new thing He will do in your heart!

Give It Your All!

Make these forty days a sacred time with the Lord.  Talk to Him.  Listen for His still small voice to guide you.  Consecrate each day to Jesus Christ from your heart (for it is always a heart issue).  For these forty days give all your concerns to Him one day at a time.  Write down your worries and put them in drawer knowing that God has it all under control.  Do not revisit them.  He has you covered under the shadow of His wings.  Rest there and let Him touch you and heal you this Lent.  “But seek first the kingdom of God and all His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.”  (Matthew 6:33)  What is your Lenten Plan?

A Prayer Request

Thank you for your continued faithfulness to pray.  Please keep all who serve our country, our servicemen and women and their families in prayer for salvation and safety.  They are our frontline on the battlefield, let us be their frontline in the spirit.  Also, let us cover all who have come home wounded that they and their families will receive the kindness, help and support they need to go forward in their lives.  God bless all our diplomatic and military personnel and their families.  Please pray for all in authority over us, for the full truth to come forth concerning Benghazi, for all affected by recent devastating weather conditions and for safety in Israel.  Pray that God will have His hand on all Cabinet appointments.  May God richly bless the United States of America and keep her safe.  May we may arise united in this auspicious season in our country’s history.

My Prayer for You

Father I thank You that You have Your hand on my friend as they begin this forty day journey with You.  Speak to them, lead them and guide them in the way You would have them go in this season.  Let them clearly hear Your voice and not look left or right but keep their eyes and heart fixed on You and Your Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.  I thank You that You encourage and touch every broken place and regenerate every broken heart.  I thank You that as You knit their heart to Yours they will emerge a new creation to serve You in the fullness of the destiny You have prepared just for them.  I thank You for all this and more in the precious name of Jesus Christ.  Amen and amen.