A Steadfast Journey: Week 5 of Lent

It seems as if the days have been passing by quickly. With only ten days of lent left, I reflect on my decision to fast for lent. Knowing, that God has truly favored my family and me this year, (as well as last) I wouldn't start my day without giving him thanks as I strive to live accordingly to his teachings.

Here is a scripture that has really helped me during my Lent Journey 0f 2010. It represents my goal for this fast and what I would like to have accomplished when completed (or at least a few steps towards accomplishing it).

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." Psalm 51:10-12

At the end of this journey, I want to continually improve my relationship with Christ, to better following his teachings, and to resist temptations and distractions that may take focus from Him. I can only go forward from here as he directs my path. Along with faith, I will take my experiences along the way to serve as lessons learned. Enjoy your week!

Week 1 of Lent: The Good News of Jesus

After much consideration of what I wanted to give up for Lent, I chose to give up television, which consumes a lot of my leisure time right now. Instead, I will use this time to pray and read my bible. (something that I should do more often)

This morning, I read a verse from the book of Luke about the good news of Jesus.

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach
the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to
preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set
them that are bruised." (Luke 4:18)

When I read this I thought about hardships I have encountered in the past (some present) and how I would start to doubt my faith in God. When Jesus came to deliver good news to the poor to let them know that God will deliver them from their current circumstance.

Today, lets think about good news that God has brought to us in our lives such as getting that call for a much needed job or a bill that was less than you imagined it would be. Good news is all around us, we just need to open our eyes and acknowledge it...

Give it Up for Him Because He Gave His Life for You

Lent. The season of repentance and discipline. A time for us to reflect on our sins, repent and make positive changes to better follow his teachings.

Tomorrow (Ash Wednesday) begins the season of Lent, a 40 day fast from something we take great pleasure in to honor Jesus' fight against the devil's temptations. (wikipedia). The season of Lent resembles discipline, for self-control and temptation from material things; helps us identify with Christ's sufferings; and represents an act of sorrow for our wrongdoings and sins.
Whether it is your favorite food, a guilty pleasure, or a social activity you often enjoy, I encourage you all to join me in giving up something to focus on what it means to follow Christ and how we [individuals] need to change to become better Christians.

Many people give up things such as chocolate, alcohol or fast food. I challenge you to think outside the box. Give up something that takes a great deal of self-control and serious effort. Use the next 40 days to talk to God in prayer, read about Christ's teachings and focus on your relationship with HIM.

Here are a few suggestions in case you need help making your decision:
shopping
watching television
social media networks
clubbing
use of profanity

In addition to giving up something, I encourage you all to add something positive to your life such as reading your Bible everyday or doing one daily act of kindness for someone you don't know. Prayer is always the solution to every situation, so that would be something you could do more often. Perhaps you can do all three of the things mentioned!

Good luck to you all during this spiritual quest. I will be sure to keep you updated on how I'm doing with my fast. It is now 12:29 a.m. on Feb. 17th. Ready. Set. GO!

Lent ends the night of March 28th, 2010. (Not exactly sure about the time, but I will notify you as soon as I confirm)

"And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the spirit into the wilderness. Being forty days tempted by the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered." Luke 4:1-2