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For millions of people across the globe, Wednesday nights during the six weeks before Easter are filled with an opportunity to worship together in observance of Lent. From meat to alcohol, or chocolate to cigarettes many spend these weeks in fasting, or denying themselves something they would usually have. This is done as a symbol of sacrifice to God.
Until 1863 England had a law forbidding the use of meat, fish, cheese, butter, eggs, or milk during Lent. People who broke this law could be fined or even imprisoned. As a result, some traditions were established in order to clean their house for Lent.
One such tradition is known as Shrovetide - which is the English name for the three or four days before the Lenten season. As a result, “Collop” Monday and “Shrove” Tuesday were Established. On Collop Monday small pieces (collops) of meat were eaten, and on Shrove Tuesday Pancake meals were eaten, ensuring the use of all the butter, eggs and milk found in the house.
“Shrove” means to confess one’s sins and receive absolution. People were expected to prepare for Lent not only by having a clean home, but a clean heart as well. Today we may not follow the strict dietary rules of the past, but Lent should still be a season where we evaluate our lives, confess our sins before the Lord and receive His Forgiveness.
Whereas lent is traditionally thought of in terms of “giving something up;” it can be a great time to add some things to our life as well. Simply, feeling sorry, acknowledging, or even vowing to forsake our sinful and destructive habits does not ensure their permanent absence from our life. Yes, our guilt before God is wiped away, but if left un-replaced by something positive, it is likely these habits will return.
The apostle Paul taught the same thing in Ephesians 4:22-24 “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
As we confess our sin, and “put off” the desires and actions of the flesh, we are told to “put on” Christ: His nature, His righteous, His holiness, and His actions. Philippians instructs us to “Have His attitude” and further on in Ephesians four we are given an example of what this looks like: put off Falsehood and speak truth - Don’t let anger steep but seek reconciliation and resolution - stop stealing and work, giving back to those who are in need - put off unwholesome talk and speak only things that build people up - rid ourselves of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling, slander, and malice. Replace them with kindness, compassion, and a forgiving attitude, just like God forgave you in Christ.
Just as Christ has taken your sin, let Him replace it with attitudes and actions reflecting His own. Just don’t give something up this Lenten Season, let Christ add something in your life as well.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-25
Joy is not a term often connected with the season of Lent, in fact joy might be considered its antonym. For many, Lent prompts somber emotions, images of silence, sorrow, self-denial and sacrifice. These images are understandable. Throughout the centuries this season has been defined most by “giving something up.”
Lent is the forty-day season of preparation before Easter; and this tradition of giving something up for Lent probably grew out of the history of Lenten penance and fasting. Throughout Scripture fasting is often connected with times of repentance and prayer. Moreover, the length of the season (forty-days) is based on the time Jesus fasted and was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11).
Fasting can mean abstaining from all food and drink for a period of time. However it can also refer to going on a disciplined diet, or simply giving up anything that you normally consume. When this is practiced, it serves to remind us who is in control. When your belly growls or you see the things you have given up, it prompts you to spend time in prayer. Since Lent is a time for self-examination spent in prayer and repentance before the cross of Calvary, fasting, or giving something up for Lent has become a well known tradition.
Others observe this practice by giving something up they value in order to identify with what Jesus gave up for us. While all have some creature comforts that we could live without for 40 days; most of us have things in our lives that we need to give up permanently. Things that distract us from God. Things we have placed before Him. Things we treasure more than Him or His Word. Bad habits or rituals that are not becoming of a Christian; Sin that has dwelt too long in our life, and needs to be removed.
Lent is the perfect time to “give these things up” for good. For in our busy, fast paced, secular world we all need times of reflection and renewal. Times spent before our God, praying as King David in Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
You can be confident that God will answer this request. When He does, don’t ignore it but turn to Him in prayer; acknowledging and confessing your sins before Him like David in Psalm 32:5 where he said, “then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord”—and you forgave the guilt of my sin.”
Only six verses later He commands, “Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!” See, Lent is a season to rejoice not because of our self-sacrifice but because of Christ’s. May you experience the Joy of Christ’s sacrifice this season!
Labels: Confession, David, Devotions, Easter, Fast, Fasting, Fish, Forgiveness, Giving It Up For Lent, God, Jesus, Joy, Lent, Matthew 4:1-11, Penance, Preparation, Psalm 139:23-24, Psalm 32:1-11, Sacrifice, Sin
A few years ago, our congregation finished a building project that had been a dream for decades. Each week we are reminded of God’s goodness as we worship in a warm and beautiful sanctuary. There is one feature, however, that many cringe at as they walk past; a 3x6 ft framed mirror. It hangs on our back wall simply to provide visual balance to the window to our cry room on the other end of the room. Yet, some wish it wasn’t there, for who really likes to look at a mirror anyway.
Yes, mirrors are necessities. We must look at them to make sure our hair is combed, our teeth are clean, and our clothes are on straight. But for some of us, once we’ve got ourselves put together in the morning, we avoid looking in the mirror for the rest of the day - especially big one.
Whether it is insecurity, poor self image or a desire to remain in ignorance, some people don’t like mirrors. And who can blame them? Mirrors don’t just show our best side, but also our blemishes, and no one wants to be reminded of their imperfections. However unless our imperfections are revealed, they can never be fixed, which leads to much greater problems.
In many ways God’s Word is treated like a mirror. People enjoy looking at it when they are being reassured in their life - hearing about the many blessings and promises Christ offers. However when God’s Word begins to point out our imperfections or sins, most people cringe away; tucking their Bible on the far end of their bookshelf - avoiding it at all costs. For no one likes to be reminded of their imperfections.
King David, someone whom God called “a man after His own heart,” treated God’s mirror in a much different way. In Psalm 139:23–24 he wrote, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Instead of cringing away from God; David invites Him to take a deep look within. To test him, to search his heart and mind for anything that brings offense to God. David asks the Lord to serve as a mirror, pointing out his imperfections, his blemishes, his sins. David knows that only God alone can accurately point out and take his sin, and lead him in a new way of living. David knew he needed to look in God’s mirror often.
We do too. James 1:23-24 compares the Bible and the work it does to that of a mirror; exhorting each of us not to simply hear or read it, but also to do what it says.
As we invite God through His Word to examine our heart, He points out our imperfections, our wickedness, and our sin. Yes, it is ugly. In fact the prophet Isaiah says our sin stains deep like crimson, and our attempts to cover it up reek like filthy rags - images no one likes to be reminded of.
If we close God’s Word there, we miss another, more important, reflection; that of Christ. For God promises that all who acknowledge their sin, repent and turn to Christ will be forgiven (1 John 1:8-10). In fact, no longer is their sin seen, but instead Christ’s righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). We are now a reflection of Jesus Christ and the more time we spend in His Word, the more we are transformed to be like Him (2 Corinthians 3:18).
I encourage you to take a close look each and every day into the mirror of God’s Word.
It wasn’t the same every year, and I can’t be certain it was always on February 14th, but my father always made sure he expressed his love for us during this time. I don’t recall all the ways he expressed his love for us over the years, but one Sunday near Valentine’s Day I can never forget.
The car’s engine had barely stopped spinning, and I was halfway into our house. I couldn’t wait to get my “church clothes” off and get into something more comfortable. As I rushed in the front door and began to tear through house toward my room, I stopped. No, not by the voice of my mother telling me not to run in the house, rather by what I saw.
Most Sundays after church, while mom and dad got dinner ready, it was the job of us kids to set the table with the “good (or Sunday) China.” But not today; the table was already finished. Moreover, each place setting was topped off with ornate heart-shaped boxes filled with chocolates. It didn’t take long to discern who was responsible for this scene; two clues gave it away. Dad’s plate was noticeably empty, while Mom’s plate was lost under the largest heart on the table. Although Dad loved us all it was clear who was his Valentine.
That didn’t matter, in fact in many ways it was refreshing to see how much my dad loved my mom. Besides, I know he loved me too. This clearly displayed how much by father thought of, cared for, and loved each of his five children. As I stood silenced by my Father’s actions, I felt loved - my dad thought of and cared for me. His actions plainly demonstrated it. I was special to him. I was my father’s valentine. In return, I couldn’t help but love him back.
Yet, as wonderful as my father’s expression of love was, there is one Valentine’s gift greater still; given us by our Heavenly Father - the gift of Christ. I John 4:9-10 says, “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
The first Valentine ever given wasn’t a box of chocolates or dozen roses, it was God’s one and only Son. Jesus was sent not simply to be our teacher, example, or miracle worker; but as our replacement, our redemption, our salvation. Because of our sin, we deserve death and can never enter into the presence of God. Yet, because of His great love for us, God wasn’t going to let that happen. As a result, He did the only thing that could change our condition. He sent His Son, who was without sin to pay for ours.
Out of perfect Love, God gave everything so we could be with Him. Christ not only took our sin, but God gives us His righteousness. 2 Corinthians 5:21 “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” God’s Love not only paid our debt, but credited our account as well.
Yes. The first and greatest act of love came from God. According 1 John 4:19 “We love because he first loved us.” We are only able to love others, because God first loved us! For God is the origin and source of all true love. When one has experienced His Love, the response is simple; he can’t help but love God in return. Moreover, our ability and capacity to love others overflows from God’s love in us. As we experience God’s Redeeming Love, we are enabled and excited to extend it to those around us.
I’m not sure why, but my family hasn’t had the best luck when it comes to vacations. One year we rented a cabin on a lake; and it rained all week. Or the year we drove for hours to reach our hotel only to find they were overbooked and the spacious room we reserved was not available; and were forced to stay in a much smaller room and had to move into another the next morning. Wouldn’t you know it, this year our streak continued. No, it didn’t rain; and our room was nearly perfect, but it was bitterly cold.
I know, what can you expect when you vacation in Minnesota during the month of January, right? However, after a season of warmer than average temperatures we hoped for more. Instead, we were greeted with one of the coldest weeks of the year.
One morning, as we were preparing to leave for a day of activities, I headed out early to warm up our van. I even pulled it up to the front door of the hotel lobby so my family didn’t have to walk in the bitterly cold wind. As I sat there, shivering from the cold I thought to myself; “Now this is Ephesians Five Love,” self-sacrifice love. Not only was I braving the cold, sacrificing my warmth for theirs, but I did this while fighting a head cold and sore throat; I was convinced I deserved “Husband of the Year”!
What is Ephesians Five Love you ask? Loving your spouse as Christ loves the church. Ephesians 5:25-27 reads: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the Word, and to present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”
Yes, Ephesians Five Love is a “Christlike” love. A love of sacrifice. A love of action. A love expressed unconditionally without exception or expectation of something in return. I was confident my love fitted within those criteria. But, was I really loving my wife just as Christ loved the church? The more I attempted to compare my love, my sacrifice, and my actions to Christ; I realized I wasn’t even in the same league.
Christ sacrificed more by leaving the glories of heaven for the dullness of earth. He became human, and faced every temptation, struggle, and hardship we do; yet He never sinned. If that wasn’t enough, Christ willingly went to the cross, making the ultimate sacrifice: giving His life for ours. What makes this even more amazing is that He did this all for us while we were His enemies. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.
Christ’s sacrifice cost him exceedingly more than mine and offered something far better than a warm car. It paid for our sin, satisfying the wrath of God, restoring our broken relationship, and opening the gates of heaven. All done while we were hostile to Him.
No, my gesture of love doesn’t compare to that of Christ’s; for showing Christlike love to your spouse means loving them when they are unlovable, serving them when it’s undesirable, and sacrificing everything for them regardless of how they act.
Hard? Yes. Impossible? No. However, we are only able to love like Christ if we have experienced Christ’s love. “We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19. Because of Christ’s love and sacrifice for me, I am able to love Him and my wife. May you experience Christ’s Love in your life, so you can extend it to others around you.
Labels: 1 John 4:19, Christ, Christlike, Church, Cold, Devotions, Ephesians 5, Ephesians 5:25-27, God, Husband, Jesus, Jesus Paid it All, Love, Restoring, Romans 5:8, Sacrifice, Sin, Vacation, Valentine's Day, Wife
Yes, I was duly warned. My older sister was very clear in her explanation and warnings to me. Vanilla Extract does not taste good. Over and over again she admonished me, telling me not to drink it. But I refused to believe her. It just can’t be. I knew that it enhanced the flavor of many goodies my mother baked, and besides it smelled so good. She must be wrong, or worse yet she doesn’t want me to enjoy this treat.
It wasn’t long before the pleasant aroma had convinced me. My sister must be wrong, How can something that smells so good be as bad as she describes? Besides, I could nearly taste the Vanilla on my lips. I raised the plastic bottle to my mouth and took a giant sized gulp. It never made it to my stomach. As soon as the liquid touched my tongue, I spewed it out and quickly attempted to rid my mouth of that horrible taste.
Trying to control her laughter, my sister said with smile, “see I told you it tasted nothing like it smells.” Many, many years later, I find myself still asking the same question “how can something that smelled so good taste so bad.” I learned a valuable lesson that day, looks can be deceiving. I do take comfort in knowing that I am not the only one who has learned that lesson; Lot did as well.
In Genesis 13 Abraham and Lot had to part ways since their herds had gown too large to remain together. In verses eight and nine Abraham tells his nephew to choose where he would like to settle, and he, Abraham, would go in the opposite direction. He did just that; Genesis 13:10-11 says. Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, toward Zoar. So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east.
Yes, this land looked perfect. It was beautiful, large, and luscious; appearing to have everything Lot needed for his family and farm to be successful. However, instead of peace, growth, and success; his family experienced hardship, loss, and spiritual decay. It wasn’t long before war broke out in the region and Lot was captured; only to be rescued by Abraham.
Sodom and Gomorrah were wicked and immoral cities and eventually were destroyed. The hedonistic and depraved life modeled in these cities undoubtedly had a profound effect on Lot's children, who later got their father drunk and slept with him order to conceive. Lot lost everything, his wife who was turned to a pillar of salt, his home and farm which was consumed in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the spiritual life of his family. The land that looked so good, proved to be so bad. Looks can be deceiving.
What can we learn from Lot? What looks good to the eye, may not be good for the soul. Many things in life look appealing yet prove to be destructive. Seem innocent, yet rob our innocence. Physically appearing to offer the best life has, but causing spiritual decay and death. Let’s not be fooled by our flesh, captivated by the culture, or seduced by Satan; instead let us stand firm in our faith, letting God’s Word and His Spirit be our guide.
Labels: Abraham, Bad Taste, Bible, Christ, Deceived, Devotions, Genesis 13, Genesis 14, Genesis 19, God, Gomorrah, Jesus, Life Lessons, Lot, Sodom, Soul, Vanilla Extract
For many this year, the thought of a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year seems more like a wish than a reality. Unemployment, broken homes, or the empty seat at the table are only a few struggles which seem to suck the joy and hope out of the season. During these dry times, God seems very far away.
Joseph experienced similar feelings, for his beloved, the one he was pledged to was now pregnant, and not by him. This news must have crushed this honorable man. He had served God his entire life, and now the one whom he loved had betrayed him. Who would have blamed Joseph for questioning God’s presence? In the midst of this cloud of darkness, God spoke.
The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us. (Matthew 1:23)
He assured Joseph that Mary was pure and the Child within her was Messiah. In fact, He assured Joseph of His presence by the very name of the Child, Immanuel, God with us. God with him. The Messiah’s very name, Immanuel, is present tense. God was with Joseph even through this dark and difficult time.
This promise is for you too. Not just for this season, but every day. This is not a promise of His presence in the past, or something to look for in the future, but God is present right now. With you, wherever you are, wherever you find yourself, the presence of Christ is near. You are not alone. The promise of Christmas is the Presence of Christ. He will never leave you or forsake you, but He is always nearby your side. Whether you gather with others, or are alone this season, let the reality of Immanuel, God with you, bring comfort, hope and peace.
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