Okay, as I said in my previous post, I have never observed Lent before, but feel God's leading me to this year.
Today, from reading comments to my previous post, and in conversation with others, I have been pondering the reasons for observing Lent. I did not find the word Lent in the Bible, but did find the word FASTING.
From the NIV, Matthew 4:
1Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.
2After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
3The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."
4JESUS ANSWERED, 'IT IS WRITTEN: "MAN DOES NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT COMES FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD."
. . .
8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.
9"All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."
10Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"
Then, Jesus began His Ministry.
There have been many time periods in my life that I have been very commited to long, early morning Quiet Times and Prayer Journaling.
I am still currently near to God, but want to draw nearer again.
Lately, I haven't been going to bed early enough to make myself get out of bed early enough to not be rushed in the mornings before work. However, I have been able to get up at 4 a.m. once a month when I have to drive 3 hours to Okc. for a teacher's meeting, so. . .I believe I can get up at 5 or 5:30 in the morning to have my Quiet Time. And then, I do not plan to do it for only this time period before Easter, but to continue doing it. I am not posting this to brag on myself at all. I am posting it, hoping to maybe be a blessing to someone else and to maybe have some accountability. It is my heart's desire to feast on God's Word and to Worship and Serve Him.
I have decided for this time period before Easter, I will give up caffeine, carbonation and chocolate. This is partially also to see if it will help get rid of my lifelong headaches.
Go here to read all the other wonderful Spiritual Sunday posts and to link up your own.
Praying for you.
ReplyDeleteI know you didn't write this to brag, but I for one am impressed. I am also praying you will follow your dreams and meet your goals.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte
I will say a prayer for you as you begin this commitment =) I do fasts occasionally. I think it can be a wonderful, spiritual experience.
ReplyDelete=)
Lily
Thanks for commenting on my blog. You are right! Look at how similar our thoughts have been on Lent. Wow! As I was reading this it felt like I could have written it. I too have often journaled and had consistent quiet times. I am currently close to God, but want to draw closer. I have been going to bed too late and then not getting up early enough to start my day with God. It is nice to 'meet' you. ~Stacey
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for you. I will be looking forward in reading about your journey.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless,
Ginger
There is such a blessing that comes along with fasting, I know as we fast we also must always remember to fill ourselves with the word of God and prayer, What a great way to fast giving up those things that we feel a need to avoid for such a time. I remember fasting from Television and it truly was a blessing knowing I could fill that time in doing more productive things.
ReplyDeletePraying for you sister!!!
I pray for success on your fast of chocolate and carbonated beverages. I pray that you get relief from your headaches and that you draw even closer to our God.
ReplyDeleteLent means Spring, a time of renewel in our Christian journey. This can come in many forms.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are prepared to move in this way. May you be truly blessed! My Spiritual Sunday post has a prayer you may find helpful.