Ponder This:
Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent. Lent is 40 day period that many Christians observe in preparation of Easter. It is a wonderful time to reflect on our need for Jesus and remember the great love shown by our Heavenly Father. We invite you to join us in “giving up” something or adding in a new practice for the next 40 days.
What sacrifices/additions can I make in my life to focus on my spiritual growth during the season of Lent?
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Scriptures To Consider: Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and make your hearts pure, you double-minded. -James 4:8
Let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. -Hebrews 10:22
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Reflections from the PrayerBowl Team:
In this season of Lent, I feel God's calling to work on seeing God's goodness in all things. Recently, while reading the book of Philippians, verse 2:14, "Do all things without grumbling or disputing." jumped off the page and stuck with me. This word from God was convicting, and I felt called to begin paying close attention to my words and attitude. I am so excited that this month, PrayerBowls is focusing on the Fruit of the Spirit of Joy because I want to be filled with the Joy of the Lord. For the next 40 days, I will add a gratitude journal (my cultivate joy notebook) to my daily quiet time, work to bite my tongue when I feel like grumbling, and invite the Holy Spirit to redirect my thoughts. Our family also plans to watch The Chosen, a series based on Jesus's life. One place you can find this series is on Prime Video.
When my children were young, I taught CCD (religious education), and when asked this question about Lent, I reflected on a children’s song I used to teach during the season of Lent.The song, sung to the tune of Frere Jacques, goes:“Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we are meant to repent.Forty days of sacrifice, being super extra nice,This is Lent, this is Lent.”The first word of this song is prayer- and what an important word that is. Everyone could use prayers. I know God loves when we speak to Him, and I know He hears our words. This year, during Lent, I want to focus on prayer in a very intentional way. I want to be more aware of those around me—whether it’s a friend mentioning a loved one, a news story, or even a passing stranger. These prayers will not only be for those I hear are suffering from illness, but they may also be for those in need of hope or encouragement. I also want to pray for those I hear celebrating joyful occasions.I want to truly listen to those who need prayer and make sure I follow through with my commitment.
I typically take the easy way out for lent when it comes to sacrifice. I give up something that is not hard to give up, like chocolate. I don't even really eat sweets. I have a tough time finding something to sacrifice that isn't a "me first" sacrifice. However, this Lent, I will use my time and spend it helping a young man who needs help but is very difficult to help. It's a Groundhog Day relationship that could use some positive developments. Thirty minutes after writing this, Rick Warren shared in a podcast that God uses your struggles with others to put your attention on Him.
I have been reading Killing Jesus for the last 5 years during Lent, which puts Jesus squarely at the center of my mind. If you have not read it, it is a fantastic historical book that dives deep into the surroundings and situations Jesus encountered. We know this is the most remarkable story of all time, and this historical book makes you feel like you are there, following Jesus in real-time.
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