Lent 2017

We have come upon one of the great seasons of the Christian faith.  The Lenten season is one that is celebrated by Christians around the world.  It is a time where Christians choose to fast from certain things in order to focus their attention more on Christ and what He has done for us through the cross and the empty grave.

Different people choose different things from which to fast (give up or not partake in for a time).  Some people choose certain types of food or drink… others may choose to lay down social media or TV…

Our family has chosen to partake in a “Daniel Fast” for the Lenten season. We are doing this to help our family not only grow closer to the Lord, but also to help clean up some of our eating habits.

Whatever one chooses to “give up” during Lent, I have learned from times before that just giving something up for a while doesn’t do what this season is intended to do.  Lent is for us to purposefully draw closer to the Lord and refocus on what He has done and is doing in our lives. This is not done by just giving up something.  We have to purposefully redirect that attention towards Christ.

While it is not necessary that a Christian partake in Lent, I would encourage any follower of Jesus to take part in this wonderful season.

I would encourage you to spend some time finding out what is one thing that takes your attention away from God, and then give it to Him in this season.  Fill that time with prayer and study of the Bible.  I have found some good resources that would help one refocus on Christ as we approach the greatest season of the year.

He Reads Truth / She Reads Truth

These are some really good websites that come with Bible studies and devotionals to help followers of Jesus spend time in God’s Word.  They have apps for your smartphones or tablets also.  Some of the plans do cost (the Lent devotionals are $2.99 and well worth it), but they also have free studies.

YouVersion

YouVersion is an app for smartphones, tablets, and computers that allows you to access the Bible in just about any translation you could imagine.  It also has many devotional plans (FREE) that help followers of Jesus in their time in the Word.  They have a multitude of devotional studies for the Lenten season.

Whatever you do, my prayer for each of you is that you draw closer to Jesus and what He is wanting to do in your life this Lenten season.

Read More

Lent 2014 Day 4

Temptation comes in many subtle forms. It amazes me how so many think that temptation just comes at us in blatant ways. I've experienced in my life time and time again that temptation is hardly blatant in its approach.

In Matthew 4, One can see Jesus under the weight of temptation.

This passage shows us a couple of things about temptation.

The true author behind all temptation. We see that Satan is behind each temptation. He cannot make us do anything against our will, but he can make it look appealing.

The true intent of all temptation. Every single temptation is an attempt to thwart and offset the work of God. It may not even be a personal beef that Satan had with you. It might just be you are in the way of fire as he tries to steal glory from The Lord.

The many faces of temptation. It would be nice if temptation wore just one mask. The truth is temptation comes in various forms. It comes at us trying to get us to look at a different goal or accomplish the right goal in the wrong manner. We must be alert to the schemes of the Devil (2 Corinthians 2:11.

While temptation lies at every corner, the one who trusts and follows Jesus has victory because He has already conquered both temptation an the tempter.

Read More

Lent 2014 Day 3

They go by different names in different sports. They are the 12th man in football. The 6th man in basketball. The home field advantage. They are the ones in the stands making a lot of noise. They can have a little sway, but mostly they are all noise.

I love sports. I especially love college football. I would spend every Saturday in the fall in front of a couple of TVs with various games on all day. But we know that wouldn't be any good.

I can really get into some of the games, especially if the University of Alabama is playing. I have been known to "holler" at the TV at times. My wife will often sarcastically call me "coach."

The truth is I can really make no difference in the game I'm so engrossed in. Why? Because I'm not on the field.

This same scenario plays out with ministry. When I say ministry, I am talking about the work that God is doing to bring His creation to Himself. There are many who make a lot of noise from the sidelines. The truth is that though they may make a lot of noise, there is no real impact being made by them.

Impact is made when a person hears Christ calling them to get into the game and obeys. They may not be the best. They may not have the most talent. They have the one thing that is needed though: Christ.

As we move towards the resurrection, let us remember those whom Christ has called and worked through to accomplish His purposes. They may not all be the "5 stars," but the ones on the field are making the difference.

Read More

Lent 2014 Day 1

As we move towards the celebration of the greatest event in history (the resurrection of Jesus Christ), I am walking through a time of reflection and devotion that many have done for centuries, Lent. This is a time of reflection and focusing on the resurrection. My bride and I are using a devotion through YouVersion to help us on this journey.

This morning's devotion brought a thought to my mind that I don't believe has crossed there before.

But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20, 21 HCSB)

The name "Jesus" was the Greek form of Joshua. Interestingly enough, this was not a family name. This name was specifically for this purpose. The name meant "Yahweh saves." Jesus was coming on a mission of God to save (Luke 19:10).

The thought I had not given much attention to before was Joshua. In the Old Testament book of Joshua, we see this Hebrew man leading the Israelites to victories and eventually the Promised Land. Do you see it?

That Old Testament Joshua was a foreshadow of the One to come. The One who would give us victories over every foe. The One who would pave the way for us to be able to experience heaven - the ultimate Promised Land.

Today, let us remember and realize the One who came to save us and lead us to the Promised Land.

Read More