Lent Challenge 2013

Today is Ash Wednesday and today I will begin my 3rd Lent Challenge.  A few years ago I realized that as a Baptist I had never observed Lent.  Most other Christians, be it my Catholic or Lutheran friends, gave up something for the 40 days of Lent.  I never did because I never felt the need to do so.  I still say there is no need to do so.  There is no need to observe Lent.  However, I had a desire to observe Lent.  I wanted to better my relationship with Christ in the traditional way so many saints before me have done.

That being said, I didn't want to give something up.  I didn't want to give something up because I couldn't think of something I would give away that wouldn't somehow be all about me.  For instance, the idea of giving up pop was really so I could be a person who drank more healthily.  So, in lieu of giving something up I decided to add something.

For what will now be my third consecutive year I will be adding blogging.  I will blog everyday during Lent.  I do this so I have to think about God/read His Word in a matter that causes me to think clearly enough to share my experience.  Before I did this challenge I added reading a chapter of the Bible a day (something I should have been doing anyway).

I invite you to read along as I challenge myself again this Lent to grow closer to God.  I hope that my challenge can in some way be of help to you.

I also challenge you to challenge yourself.  This Lent add a spiritual discipline to your life like Bible reading, prayer, meditation on scripture, etc.  Who knows it might end up becoming a habit.  (By the way, if you're reading this after Ash Wednesday there is no rule that says you can't start today)

One suggestion I have for you is to add Bible reading.  I would suggest reading less than a chapter a day, unless you get on a roll that is.  I suggest reading just one of the sections in a chapter.  You know, the one's that say things like "Jesus predicts His death".  By reading less than one chapter a day it will allow you to read the Bible and understand what you're reading rather than forcing yourself to blaze through a long chapter.

Happy Ash Wednesday!  I hope that my challenge enriches your faith and I encourage you to challenge yourself today.