I have decided not to do a Lenten study program this year. Instead, I am calling all at CTR to join me for a time of focused and intentional prayer each Thursday from 6:30pm — 7:15pm beginning February 18th at church.
In my Annual Address a couple weeks ago, I called us into a time of intentional prayer & seeking the Lord to move among us. This is the first step in moving that direction.
Please join me as we gather to simply pray to the Lord of the Harvest to direct and guide us, and to give us the heart and ability to seek and find lost sheep. This will not be a time for praying for individual needs and concerns, although that may come in the future. This time of prayer during Lent is menat to focus on the needs of CTR and our community.
I believe prayer changes things, especially us. I believe there is great power available as we gather with a common purpose and goal to simply pray! Please join us beginning February 18th.
This Lent
We are now in the season of Lent, a time of pentitence and being mindful of our sins and weaknesses. Lent is a holy season, but what makes for the keeping of a holy Lent?
Central in my own ponderings and reflection is 2 Corinthians 6:1, “We urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.” It seems odd to focus on God’s grace during Lent. Isn’t it more about our own failings and shortcomings and sinfulness? It is, but only as an initial step. Awareness of our own faults and mortality is meant to lead us to a greater undertanding of God’s mercy, forgiveness, and grace.
In reckoning who and what we are, we run straight into what God has already done for us. Through Christ, we stand before God already reconciled and forgiven, for “God made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21) — the verse right before 2 Corintians 6:1!
We need to keep both verses in mind, and keep them together. It means we don’t come before God groveling to merit or receive mercy. We come before God as those who have been reconciled and forgiven already! What a gift! Lent leads us to a new appreciation of God’s mercy and grace.
But sometimes appreciation alone isn’t enough. The question is what we do with the gift that has already been given, the grace those of who are in Christ have already received. It is here “We urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain” comes into focus again. Lent gives us an opportuntiy to do something — something that is focused and directed and intentional — with the grace we have received.
It might be a new spiritual discipline, or beginning one for the first time. It might be the time-honored practice of denying ourselves something important so that we might acknowledge our dependance on Him. It might be giving ourselves in a new type of service to others. Practices may vary, what is important is that we use the time and opportunity Lent gives us to grow.
Let us not receive the grace and gift of God in vain. The only way that happens is if we stay where we are now. May each of us do something this Lent that will help us grow into deeper relationship with Christ, that we might be changed by Him.
Resources for Lent
Here are some links with resources for your Lenten journey:
-Hat tip to Maurice on this one. “Why Lent Is Good for Bad Christians.” I love it!
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2016/february-web-only/why-lent-is-good-for-bad-christians.html
-For those wanting to begin or change material for a devotional time.
Morning & Evening devotions:
http://www.missionstclare.com/english/#daily
Daily scripture readings:
http://satucket.com/lectionary/2lent1.htm
Our Daily Bread & Other Devotionals
http://ccca.biola.edu/lent/2016/#
Hat tip to Sherrie Nieradka on this one!
See you Sunday!
