Lent Begins
Today is the beginning of Lent, Ash Wednesday. Lent is marked by approximately 40 days before Easter (excluding Sundays). It is meant to be symbolic of the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness before His public ministry began.
Today you may see people who have the sign of The Cross in ashes on their forehead (or you may do this personally). The symbolism of the ashes is the idea of death and repentance. Remember, repentance is much more a matter of walking in the fullness of Kingdom love than it is simply “not sinning”. Sure, it includes walking away from sin, but we do this in order to participate in the abundance of God.
With this in mind, I would like to make a suggestion this Lent. It is two-fold:
First, what is one thing you can participate in over the next 40 days that gives you life?
Second, what is one thing you can abstain from?
It is this dual fold reality that can help us to mark this season in a significant way. Whatever you choose to participate in and also abstain from does not need to be huge (or it can be). The point is not to prove anything, but to use this time to become more aware. Aware of the nearness of God. Aware that you are surrounded by His provision. Aware that He sustains.
If you are looking for a couple of suggestions as far as a guided time in The Scripture, here are a few:
Try reading Is. 58 every day and write down one aspect that stands out.
Read one Proverb a day that corresponds with the day of the month.
Read through the Psalms. Start today with Ps. 17, read every 30th Psalm (today would be 17, 47, 77, 107, 137). Continue with this according to each corresponding day of the month.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions at vernon@hisvoiceglobal.com.
Dr. Vernon Burger
CEO and Co-Founder