Saturday, February 20, 2010

A New Conviction to Observe "Lent"

I have always celebrated Easter, but have never observed "Lent" before. I honestly feel the Holy Spirit leading me to observe it this year. I have been praying about what I could give up that would be a sacrifice.



Lent is a period of fasting and penitence (self-examination and repentance) during which observers have traditionally (historically) eaten sparingly. The 40-day length of the fast was established in the 4th century. Following some of these ancient Christian practices (seasons) can indeed be of spiritual benefit.


The word Lent is a Teutonic word that meant "the spring season". I also found that it was taken from the word "lengthening", and related to the spring season, because the days are longer in the spring season.


The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the single most important event in the history of the world (and therefore also in Christianity), making Easter the most important Holiday (Holy Day) celebrated by Christians. The Christian season of Lent can be used as a time to draw closer to God in preparation of this annual celebration. It is a form of emulation of our Lord's example in His 40-day Fast in the wilderness (deserts) of Judaea in preparation for his public ministry.
You can use the time to pray for your personal ministry, your family, or whatever you feel led to pray for.
One way to observe Lent is to "deny yourself" in some way regarding food and drink (a "partial fast" of eating less than usual, or temporarily "giving up" desserts, meat, a meal, or whatever you may choose) and to replace this with extra time devoted to prayer and Bible reading/study, or the reading of a Christian book.

I am currently reading and listening to Beth Moore's book, "So Long, Insecurity", and it is a great blessing to me.

I have lots of great Christian books. Today, I picked up one that I had read through a couple times before, "Life Management for Busy Women-Living Out God's Plan with Passion & Purpose-Growth and Study Guide", by Elizabeth George.

As I read through the pages of responses that I had written, I kept reading, "I do have a consistent morning quiet time with God, spending time in His word and in prayer."
At the time that I wrote that, I was not working full time.

I have been convicted lately, that I need to get out of bed earlier, and make it a priority, like my son does, to spend a good amount of quality, quiet time with God first thing in the morning. . .and again at night, too. . .and to really never cease praying!

I'm still praying about what food or drink to give up.
I have decided that I am going to give up an hour in bed each morning, to spend reading the Bible and praying.
Go here to read all the other wonderful Spiritual Sunday posts and to link up your own.

24 comments:

  1. http://adivashammer.com/
    Spiritual Sunday

    i hope that your search...will be resolved under His lead.

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  2. Sandy - your post is inspiring. For the first time ever I am observing Lent in that I'm giving up desserts for 40 days. Your post is a reminder that its not just about giving up something, but replacing that with time spent with Jesus.

    Bless you, dear one.

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  3. Getting up to spend time in God's word is a great thing to do. God bless you during your Lenten journey.

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  4. Thank you for the reminder that not only on Lent, but in every day, we must deny ourselves to worldly things and rather focus much more on Him. Thank you for your prayers. God bless.

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  5. Thank you for this inspiring thought provoking post.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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  6. A wonderful choice and after 40 days it should be easy for it to be a lasting lift style change. I treasure my early morning start with My Lord.

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  7. May the Lord bless you for setting your priorities and putting Him first! Great authors you chose. Thank you for prayers!

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  8. I hope that you find a closeness with God during this time.
    God Bless,
    Ginger

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  9. This is a great explanation of the meaning of Lent. Getting up early to replace sleep and spend time with God will be rewarding. Thanks for sharing. Blessings, SusanD

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  10. May you be led to know what is Right, right now ... and be comforted by that knowledge!

    Blessings,
    Myra

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  11. Praise Jesus for what he has done for us ! If he had not risen from his grave , We would have no Hope of heaven, But He Did !I love the the Celebration of His Resurrection , too.
    Blessings,
    Myrna

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  12. Raised Jewish...I don't know about Lent but having become a believer....I know one thing...I would rather give up anything for Him. God bless as you seek Him during this season

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  13. I just finished Beth Moor's Esther and would like to read her new book. I also like Elizabeth George, but I have not read this book. I too celebrate Easter but not Lent, but in the past I have at times given up something during Lent. It was good! I remember being inspired by your post last week, I think perhaps the Lord is nudging me to give him more morning time and he is using you to do so. Thanks :)

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  14. Inspiring and encouraging to do better. Thank you.

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  15. I've never celebrated Lent, but I do fast and pray on a regular basis.

    Your idea of getting up early in the mornings to have quiet time with God is an excellent idea. In fact, my mom used to do that and I posted a blog about it just yesterday for Spiritual Sundays. Your more than welcome to read it if you'd like.

    My prayers are with you as you establish your quiet time with God. I'd like to follow you and I'm going to grab your button if you don't mind.

    God bless you today and every day!

    Georgia

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  16. It's amazing how different I feel when I don't do my morning quiet time.
    After my husband leaves each morning I get on up, get my coffee and have my time with Him. I love and cherish that time of day.
    Sometimes I wish it didn't have to end, but I have to get ready for work.
    Hope you have a great week!

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  17. I don't really celebrate Lent, but I think your thoughts and plans here are wonderful. I know the Lord will bless your efforts. I too am reading that book by Beth Moore. Soo good. Have a wonderful week.

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  18. Mt two favorite ladies, Beth Moore and Elizabeth George and I had the honor of being in their presence when they came to Hawaii. I always wondered about lent thanks for explaining it.

    Hugz Lorie

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  19. Lent is a special time for me and I find this tradition a comfort even today....May God bless you during this Lenten season....God bless..

    www.myautumnyears.blogspot.com

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  20. Thank you for those thoughts, Dear. Blessings ~

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  21. It's always in order to deny ourselves something. The life after Christ is truly the sacrificial life. Bless you during your time of observing Lent.

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