Midweek Encouragement - "What to Do for Lent”

"Could Quitting the Internet Transform Your Mental Health?”

        ^{I know today is Heart Day but today is also Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent in the church year. The 40 days of Lent is supposed to remind us of the great sacrifice of Jesus when He gave up His life so those who believe in Him as Savior can have forever life. As a Christian, hopefully you remember God's grace and mercy on a daily basis but, if perhaps you've strayed and allowed life's distractions and busyness to take the place of your time with God, then Lent is a beautiful opportunity to re-orient and re-align your mind and heart. During Lent we should pray more, fast more and give more.}

         ^{I’m sure you’ve heard people ask, “So, what are you giving up for Lent?” Some people will abstain from or fast from something for forty days. Fasting in Lent directly correlates to Jesus' time of fasting in the desert for 40 days before He started His public ministry. When we traditionally think of fasting, we lean towards going without food or drink for some time. Many believers, on this Ash Wednesday, will fast for the day and remember that the Lord is the provider of our spiritual and physical needs. When it comes to fasting for Lent, the options are limitless. The first thing you should do is pray and ask the Lord to lay something on your heart that perhaps you’ve allowed to become an idol, a distraction, or a roadblock to your faith.} 

         ^{If you tend to overindulge in sweets regularly, to the point where you almost make yourself sick, maybe you should fast from candy for forty days. If your coffee habit has turned into more of an addiction, and the employees at Starbucks know you by name because your purchases have been paying their salaries, maybe you could make coffee at home for the Lent season. If every morning you wake up exhausted, but can't stop binging on streaming services late into the night, you could leave your television off for the next 40 days. (It does have an off button, you know). Those are just examples. The principle behind fasting is that we give up something that might be taking the place of God in our lives so we can focus more on Him.}

         ^{Lent is based on three pillars: fasting, prayer, and giving to others. If you don't feel a personal conviction to give something up for Lent, maybe you could consider starting something new over the next forty days. Have you been slacking in your prayer life recently? Before you start your day, set a five-minute timer and talk to God. Have you tried to get involved in a local charity but can't find the time? Make it a priority to contact the coordinator and sign up to serve. How’s your Bible reading and study time going? Use the Lenten season to read a few extra chapters each day, journal what the Lord is saying in His Word to you, and take some time to meditate on the timeless truths of Scripture. Your choice to add something during this season should be bathed in prayer and careful consideration.}

^

         ^{Whatever you choose to do to observe or not observe these days leading up to Easter, I’m sure that meditating on this good news will bring you a new appreciation for Jesus’ love for you . . . especially on this Heart Day: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)}

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.