Giving Up for Lent
At once the Spirit sent Jesus out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
-Mark 1:12-13
The 40 days we set aside for the liturgical season of Lent is often a time that people “give something up” in order to grow closer to God. This can be a “fast” of a bad habit, a particular unhealthy food, or something that distracts us from our spiritual life. I once heard someone say they were going to start smoking, so that the next year they would have something to give up for lent. This is NOT the idea. Often people will give up things like smoking, caffeine, alcohol, fast food, television, or social media for Lent. The intent is to remove obstacles to our listening to God. Growing healthier in mind, body and spirit during these 40 days.
Just as Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, he also faced not only hunger, but temptation. We, too, will face temptation. God wants us to draw near to Him in those tempting moments to give up and give in. God’s desire is not for us to suffer and never experience joy or pleasure. Jesus told his disciples in John 10:15, “I have come that they may have LIFE, and have it to the full!”
May we “give up” control this Lent. May we “give up” unhealthy thoughts and behaviors, continually remembering that we are a temple of the Holy Spirit. May we “give up” distractions that fill us with despair, so we may have LIFE to the fullest!
Faithful God, you put your gifts in our hands for such a time as this. Forgive us for times when we are too timid to step out in faith and trust you. Forgive us for our greed and jealousy. Change our hearts and heal our hurts. Help us to share our gifts for the relief and deliverance of your people in need. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Lent Spiritual Practices worship services at 6:30pm:
March 12 – Fasting/Worshipping God with our bodies
March 19 – Prayer Practices (focus on the Lord’s Prayer)
March 26 – Meditation (5 senses prayer stations)
April 2 – NO MEETING during SPRING BREAK
April 9 – Confession & Repentance
Holy Week Services:
April 13 – Palm Sunday Worship
April 17 – Maundy Thursday service 7pm in Garden Sanctuary
April 18 – Good Friday service 7pm in Main Sanctuary
April 20 – Easter Sunday worship, breakfast, egg hunt, celebration!
