“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.”—Matthew 6:16 (NLT)
Having a physical home church you attend is how you find community with other brothers and sisters in Christ. I am blessed to be part of both a knitting ministry and a couple’s small group at a non-denominational church.
I was raised in a traditional Methodist church. We had Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday services prior to Easter. Sometimes I miss the traditions. However, just because our church may not have some of these services, I can still implement the tradition or Lent.
Many churches around the world, will be having their Ash Wednesday service this week. Typically, this is also when you can choose to fast from something. When I was younger, I would fast from candy or soda during the 40 days of Lent. My how times have changed for me!
Rather than give something up, some may choose to take something on instead. The purpose of Lent is a time for reflection and spiritual growth from what you choose to fast from during that time. It helps us to seek inward as we let God guide and strengthen our faith.
If you choose to participate in some type of fast, Jesus instructs us in Matthew 6:15 to not announce to everyone what we are doing. It is between us and God. However, I may share with another sister in Christ to hold me accountable. I am praying about that. I know God will reveal to me whether I keep it to myself or share with one person.
God has been convicting me of something I need to fast from during this time. My hope is after Lent, it will become a lifestyle change. In the past, I didn’t think anything of sharing what I was giving up or adding for Lent. I more than willingly would announce, I can’t have that. I gave it up for Lent.
We all have things in our life that may be detracting us from spiritual growth. If God is pricking your heart about something as you read this, then it is might something you should try removing from your life during this Lenten season.
Fasting from something isn’t meant to shame us but bring awareness to something that might be causing separation between us and God. I will use the extra time for more knitting and praying. While I am at it, I will tune into some worship music or find some podcast to help me grow in my faith.
This is a time for us to draw closer to God and prepare our hearts for the celebration of Easter. Just because your church may not have an Ash Wednesday service, doesn’t mean you can’t participate in giving up something during the 40 days of Lent. I don’t do it every year, but like I said, this year I feel the Holy Spirit nudging me to do this.
Father God,
I ask for strength to not give into temptations to things that keep me from focusing on You. May this time of Lent draw me closer to You. Still my mind to hear Your voice during the quiet moments. Remove distractions. Lead me to material to read or listen to that will deepen my faith as well as teach me more about who You are and how and how I can be more like Christ to grow Your Kingdom. I lift those up to You who don’t have a church family. May they be drawn to a church with Biblically sound doctrine this Easter season. I pray these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
February Verse
“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”—Luke 19:10 (NLT)
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