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.
I knew there was a reason I enjoyed Lent. I'm excited to read what you have to say.
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