Pure Thoughts About The Season of Lent

Well, it's Day #2 of the Season of Lent 2014 and here are some pure thoughts I have been pondering:

General Thoughts:

Lent mirrors the 40-day period of fasting that Jesus modeled and we read about in Matthew's Gospel account. Some Lent observers choose to have ash placed on their foreheads as the Season of Lent commences on Ash Wednesday. The ashes that are traditionally used are created by the burning of palm branches from the previous year's Palm Sunday celebrations. As the ashes are applied, the shape of the cross is re-enacted as the words from Genesis 3:19 are spoken: “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Devotional Thoughts:

Lent is the opportunity to change what we ought to change but have not... Lent is about becoming, doing and changing whatever it is that is blocking the fullness of life in us right now... Lent is a summons to live anew... Lent is the time to let life in again, to rebuild the worlds we've allowed to go sterile, to "fast and weep and mourn" for the goods we've foregone. If our own lives are not to die from lack of nourishment, we must sacrifice the pride or the sloth or the listlessness that blocks us from beginning again. Then, as Joel 2:12-18 promises, God will have pity on us and pour into our hearts the life we know down deep that we are lacking.

-- Joan Chittister, Catholic Nun

Grateful

Confession Breeds Connection

Could it be that the reason we too often feel disconnected from God is that we too often disregard the simple and profound truth that confession breeds connection?

(3) Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. (4) And I prayed to the Lord my God, and made confession, and said, "O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments, (5) we have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments. (6) Neither have we heeded Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings and our princes, to our fathers and all the people of the land..."
-- Daniel 9:3-6 (NKJV)

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful

How Beautiful The Ugly Cross!

A few years ago I preached a season of campmeeting messages in North Carolina. One of the worship leaders, a young man of God named Jason (who sings like David Crowder) was moved to write some new music following a message I preached titled "In the Cross".

Yes, it was about a year later, while I was speaking at a Carolina Pastors' Gathering on Oak Island, North Carolina when Jason greeted me and humbly gave me a homemade music CD. It was then and there that I learned he had written a new song after the inspiration of that campmeeting message.

Jason's new song warmed my heart and the title has beautifully burned its way into my soul: How Beautiful The Ugly Cross.

Lord, I thank you today that The Beauty of Your Holiness has been extended to me. Talk about Beauty for ashes! I am humbled beyond words.... Yes, I am speechless because of the fulfillment I have found at the foot of the cross -- Your Holy Cross. How Beautiful the Ugly Cross. Thanks Jesus and thanks Jason.

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful

Beauty For Ashes

Crystal Lewis sings one of my favorites songs based on Isaiah 61:3. Here are the lovely lyrics:

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

When sorrow seems to surround you
When suffering hangs heavy o'er your head
Know that tomorrow brings Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

When what you've done keeps you from moving on
When fear wants to make itself at home in your heart
Know that forgiveness brings
Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

I once was lost but God has found me
Though I was bound I've been set free
I've been made righteous in His sight
A display of His splendor all can see

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

To all who mourn in Israel, He will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair. For the LORD has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for His own glory.
Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful