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The Journey Begins

2/23/2012

4 Comments

 
Hello Friends,

Glad to have you reading today. It is official, we have begun our Lenten journey. Thank you for participating in our Ash Wednesday Service last night. We had great attendance. You should also remember that we were just a small group who joined with millions of other Christians to participate in that service as we prepare our hearts towards Easter.

As I told you in some of my comments last night, we have "set our faces towards Jerusalem" as Jesus does in Luke 9:51. There is only one place a journey like this will lead us and that is to the cross.

Many of you have asked me about giving things up for Lent. You should know that the act of giving up is patterned after Jesus' time in the desert where He fasted and communed with God. We give up certain things to deny ourselves, and to let us experience just a small sacrifice as we draw near the cross.

Just so you know, I have given up sweet tea, and sweets this year...for many that does not seem like much, but for me, it is quite difficult. What did you give up this year? Please put your answers in the comments below...it would be good for you to make them public so that you would be even more accountable.

With that said, it is day two of the Lenten journey and I have already been tempted. After officiating Mrs. Oreta Bishop's funeral this morning, I was invited to eat with Derrell and Judy Lynn at their home. There was more food there than at our Wednesday night suppers. I was okay until I saw the sweets (pecan pie, key lime cake, and of course, Mrs. Judy's famous caramel cake.) I resisted, but the devil rode home with me because Mrs. Judy insisted that I take a piece of that cake home for Ginger. If that is not temptation, then I do not know what is.

Our text Sunday, Mark 1:9-16, tells us of the first steps Jesus takes on this road...it covers His baptism, His temptation, and then His first message. In these verses, Mark outlines for us our own journey to the cross. You should know that the road is never easy, nor is the path straight...but the calling for you and me, especially in these forty days is to keep our eyes upon Jesus, and to keep the cross central in our lives.

May you turn your attention to Christ, especially when you are tempted to look away.

In His love and grace,

Josh

4 Comments
Lucy Green
2/23/2012 05:10:44 am

I had to think long and hard about this because giving something up is not easy. There are so many opportunities where I am alone and no one would know if I failed! After talking with Brad and my family, I'm giving up chocolate. All types, all forms. This is going to be extremely difficult but hopefully each craving will be an opportunity to remember and meditate on the incredible sacrifice Christ made for me.

Reply
Heather
2/23/2012 07:32:35 am

I am not giving up something but rather taking on something. I am committing to read the Bible daily and working on a personal part of my life.

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Robin
2/23/2012 10:41:00 pm

This year I will be giving up eating out, since I do this oh...about 7 to 8 times a week, and oh how I enjoy Rio, I will be missed, lol. I was a thought out decision, in giving up this I will be adding to my family life, the hours I spend at a restaurant can now be spent actually interacting with my family on a more intimate level.

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Pete
2/24/2012 05:53:16 am

Early Thursday morning I wanted to give up my alarm clock, but after more thought, I decided to give up Diet Coke. As much as I love it, I do feel better when I drink water instead. When I feel better, I AM better. I can be more the person God has intended me to be. Those around me benefit as well.

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