Today is Day Nine of my Spiritual Journey through Lent.
(via Flickr)
A couple of months ago I talked to a friend of mine, Laurie, about Lent.
(via Flickr)
,A couple of months ago I talked to a friend of mine, Laurie, about Lent.
It was not a long conversation, but enough to peak my interest in observing it this year.
My upbringing was Baptist, and as an adult I have attended more Charismatic fellowships, neither of which holds an observance of Lent.
My intention was to subject my whole being to "sacrifice" and "prayer", including praying intently for something very specific; however, in this process I have learned there is more....so much more.
The Holy Spirit has caused my heart to reflect much deeper on just "who" is this God that I call Heavenly Father; and "who" is this man named Jesus whom I say is my "friend".
(via Flickr)
My chosen "sacrifice" for Lent has been sugar, as in the form of "dessert"....God knows how much I love my sweets!
(via Flickr)
As my lust for "sugar" rears its head, rather than groan and moan about being "deprived", I have found myself remembering the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus went through, and mine pales in comparison.
I mean, really, Jesus was spit on, whipped and beaten until there was no more flesh, a crown of thorns was shoved on his head, and he was forced to carry the very cross on which later he would hang.
Later, on top of a hill called Golgatha, he was laid on that cross, with arms outstretched nails (which were more like spikes) were driven into the palm of his hands, and the top of his feet. If all that wasn't enough, that cross was raised up and dropped into the ground to stand, with Jesus hanging there. After several hours with barely a breath left in him "Jesus called out with a loud voice, 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit'[e] When he had said this, he breathed his last." (Luke 23:46 New International Version)
To believe what I have written in this last paragraph, you must believe that the bible is true. I do, with all of my heart.
I am looking forward to these next several weeks leading up to Easter and this spiritual journey called Lent.
As I do, I will write to you, my friends, and share what good things the Lord has done.
Blessings to you.
My intention was to subject my whole being to "sacrifice" and "prayer", including praying intently for something very specific; however, in this process I have learned there is more....so much more.
The Holy Spirit has caused my heart to reflect much deeper on just "who" is this God that I call Heavenly Father; and "who" is this man named Jesus whom I say is my "friend".
My chosen "sacrifice" for Lent has been sugar, as in the form of "dessert"....God knows how much I love my sweets!
As my lust for "sugar" rears its head, rather than groan and moan about being "deprived", I have found myself remembering the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus went through, and mine pales in comparison.
I mean, really, Jesus was spit on, whipped and beaten until there was no more flesh, a crown of thorns was shoved on his head, and he was forced to carry the very cross on which later he would hang.
Later, on top of a hill called Golgatha, he was laid on that cross, with arms outstretched nails (which were more like spikes) were driven into the palm of his hands, and the top of his feet. If all that wasn't enough, that cross was raised up and dropped into the ground to stand, with Jesus hanging there. After several hours with barely a breath left in him "Jesus called out with a loud voice, 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit'[e] When he had said this, he breathed his last." (Luke 23:46 New International Version)
To believe what I have written in this last paragraph, you must believe that the bible is true. I do, with all of my heart.
I am looking forward to these next several weeks leading up to Easter and this spiritual journey called Lent.
As I do, I will write to you, my friends, and share what good things the Lord has done.
Blessings to you.
Hey Linda,
ReplyDeleteYour motivations are pure, and God will honor what you have chosen to sacrifice in his way.
Blessings,
Sherri
A most excellent journey you are on, Linda. While not a Lenten regular myself, I also have explored it in depth this year.
ReplyDeleteBlessings as you seek to "boast only that you know the Lord"
~Sue