Lent Day 1

Yesterday began the season of Lent.  We celebrated the beginning of the season with Ash Wednesday, a service that emphasizes our sinfulness before God and our human mortality.  We received the mark of the cross on our foreheads as a sign of our mortality and repentance of our sins.  The ash, which comes from burnt palm leaves from last years palm Sunday service, signifies purification and sorrow of our  sins.  

The Lent season continues for 40 days and serves as a season of preparation.   A time for us to reflect and repent to realign our lives and focus on God.  Some will give up something, others will take on some practice that helps us to rid ourselves of distractions from God and grow in His love, grace, understanding and wisdom.

God has given us the greatest gift in His son, Jesus Christ.   At the end of this season we will celebrate His resurrection that allows us freedom of our sins and death.  This is a gift we cannot receive on our own.   I’d like to encourage you for the next 40 days to check yourself and your focus on God.  Each day do something that will encourage you to grow in Christ, to live and love as a more faithful child of God. 

The scripture used last night for the imposition of Ashes was from Genesis and Mark.

Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. (Genesis 3:19)

Repent, and believe the gospel. (Mark 1:15)

A reminder that we come from dust.  God formed Adam when He formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed life into him.   We are nothing more than dust until God brings life to us through His breathe of Life (Genesis 2:7) which includes, physical, mental and spiritual life.  When that breathe of life is removed, we return to dust.   Our lives and worth come from God, not from ourselves.

Repent and believe the Gospel (Mark 1:15)

The Greek word for repent is Metanoeo which means to turn away from unbelief, mistrust and rebellion against God and toward complete reliance on His forgiveness and favor on account of Christ. (Key word Study Bible).   Mark is saying to turn away from our own thoughts and actions, believe in the account of Christ, His life, His death and His resurrection and live a life based in God’s truth and love.  

This Lent season, remember where you came from.   Remember your life and worth come from God.  Live a life of thankfulness this season.  Show God how thankful you are for the gift He has given us.   Spend time with Him, share His gift, show His love to others.

Grace and Peace to you all,

LeAnn