Today marks the beginning of the Lenten season. If you've grown up Baptist, like me, you've had no clue what Lent is. As I've gotten older, I've become curious about it and its significance. I've questioned whether to observe it or not. Perhaps you, too, have some questions about it. But this year, I read another article that truly interested me and made me wonder whether to give up something for Lent...or take on something.
Noel Piper tells us about Lent in her book Treasuring God in Our Traditions. You can download the book for free here, but in the meantime, here are a few excerpts:
"Over the course of the Lenten and Easter season, we are remembering the lowest points of sin and the highest peaks of what God has done for us through Jesus...
Noel Piper tells us about Lent in her book Treasuring God in Our Traditions. You can download the book for free here, but in the meantime, here are a few excerpts:
"Over the course of the Lenten and Easter season, we are remembering the lowest points of sin and the highest peaks of what God has done for us through Jesus...
Traditionally Lent is a season of sober, realistic reflection on our own lives and our need for a Savior. It is a time for turning away from anything that has kept us from God and for turning or returning to him. It is a time to pray that God will renew our love for him and our dependence on him...
In some churches, fasting has been a traditional way of expressing dependence on God during Lent. Of course, like any other religious observance, fasting is only as significant as the intent of the heart. The practice may be nothing more than legalism, or on the other hand, it can be a way of saying, 'Oh, God, I want you more than I want any of the good things in my life—food, videos, crossword puzzles, shopping, etc. You are the one who fulfills my desires.'
We may find that a fast of some sort helps us recognize our reliance on God. Whether it’s a fast from some particular food or meal or from some activity, such as watching TV, reading the newspaper, or surfing the Web, we need to remember that fasting is two-sided. It’s not just turning away from something for a while, but it is also turning toward God..."
Karen Ehman tells us that in recent years, she has stopped giving up something for Lent; instead, she takes on something...like "serving in a soup kitchen once a week, taking a hurting soul out for coffee every Saturday, or acquiring a new habit like walking or reading the Bible before hopping on the computer." While her take on observing Lent may not be "traditional," it does meet the objective. She is turning toward God and giving of herself. You can read what she's doing this year here. She even invites us to join her and has a free give away.
Ann Voskamp has her take on Lent as well along with some free material. You can check it out here.
So, the options are front and center for you. Would you like a tangible way to remember and thank Jesus for dying on the cross? If so, are you going to give up or take on something?
Karen Ehman tells us that in recent years, she has stopped giving up something for Lent; instead, she takes on something...like "serving in a soup kitchen once a week, taking a hurting soul out for coffee every Saturday, or acquiring a new habit like walking or reading the Bible before hopping on the computer." While her take on observing Lent may not be "traditional," it does meet the objective. She is turning toward God and giving of herself. You can read what she's doing this year here. She even invites us to join her and has a free give away.
Ann Voskamp has her take on Lent as well along with some free material. You can check it out here.
So, the options are front and center for you. Would you like a tangible way to remember and thank Jesus for dying on the cross? If so, are you going to give up or take on something?
No comments:
Post a Comment