Good morning, Father.<\/p>\n
February 18 is Ash Wednesday. It is the beginning of the church season of Lent, a\u00a040-day period (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter. Lent is a somber time in the church where we reflect on the great sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf because of His love.<\/p>\n
In biblical times, people in mourning would often put on “sack clothes of ashes.” These were symbols of sorrow. A reminder that we were formed from the dust of the earth,\u00a0and it is to the dust of the earth we will return. Jesus died to save us from the consequences of our sin.<\/p>\n
There is much to ponder and reflect upon.\u00a0Below are 40 things you might consider giving up for Lent not only this year, but for the rest of your life. (Source: Phil Ressler, 2015, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd)<\/p>\n
1.\u00a0 Fear of Failure-You don’t succeed without experiencing failure. Just make sure you fail forward.<\/p>\n
2.\u00a0 Your Comfort Zone-It’s outside our comfort zone where new discoveries are made.<\/p>\n
3.\u00a0 Feelings of Unworthiness-You are fearfully\u00a0and wonderfully made by your Creator.<\/p>\n
4.\u00a0 Impatience-God’s timing is the perfect timing.<\/p>\n
5.\u00a0 Retirement-As long as you are breathing, you\u00a0are here for\u00a0a reason.<\/p>\n
6.\u00a0 People Pleasing-I can’t please everyone. There is only One I need to strive to please.<\/p>\n
7.\u00a0 Comparison-I have my own unique contribution to make\u00a0and there is no one like me.<\/p>\n
8.\u00a0 Blame-I am not going to pass the buck. I will take responsibility.<\/p>\n
9.\u00a0 Guilt-I am loved by Jesus, and\u00a0He has forgiven my sins.<\/p>\n
10.\u00a0 Over commitment-Do less better\u00a0and accomplish more.<\/p>\n
11.\u00a0 Lack of Counsel-Wise decisions are rarely made in a vacuum.<\/p>\n
12.\u00a0 Impurity-Live lives pure and without blemish.<\/p>\n
13.\u00a0 Entitlement-Neither the world nor God owes me anything. Live in humility\u00a0and grace.<\/p>\n
14.\u00a0 Apathy-Life is too short not to care.<\/p>\n
15.\u00a0 Hatred-Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<\/p>\n
16.\u00a0 Negativity-I will put the best construction on everything when it comes to other people.<\/p>\n
17.\u00a0 The Spirit of Poverty-Believe that with God there is always more than enough\u00a0and never a lack.<\/p>\n
18.\u00a0 Going Through the Motions-The more you invest yourself, the more you will get back.<\/p>\n
19.\u00a0 Complaint-Instead of contributing to the problem, be the solution.<\/p>\n
20.\u00a0 The Pursuit of Happiness-God wants something greater\u00a0and more lasting than happiness; it is called joy.<\/p>\n
21.\u00a0 Bitterness-The only person I am hurting by holding on to this is myself.<\/p>\n
22.\u00a0 Distraction-Life is filled with distractions that will take our eyes off the prize.<\/p>\n
23.\u00a0 Giving Up-God never gives up on us.<\/p>\n
24.\u00a0 Mediocrity-If you are going to do something, then give it all you got.<\/p>\n
25.\u00a0 Destructive Speech-Encourage one another.<\/p>\n
26.\u00a0 Busyness-It is a badge of honor to be busy, but that does not always translate to abundance.<\/p>\n
27.\u00a0 Loneliness-With Jesus I am never alone. He is with me wherever I go.<\/p>\n
28.\u00a0 Disunity-If two\u00a0of you agree on earth about anything, it will be done for them by the Heavenly Father.<\/p>\n
29.\u00a0 The Quick Fix-Rarely does true transformation happen over night.<\/p>\n
30.\u00a0 Worry-God is in control\u00a0and worry will not help.<\/p>\n
31.\u00a0 Idolizing-Don\u2019t assign anyone a standard they cannot live up to.<\/p>\n
32.\u00a0 Resistance to Change-Change is certain. It is not if we will change, but how we will change.<\/p>\n
33.\u00a0 Pride-Blessed are the humble.<\/p>\n
34.\u00a0 Small View of God-Don\u2019t tell God how big your problem is, tell your problem how big your God is.<\/p>\n
35.\u00a0 Envy-My value is not found in my possessions, but in my relationship with my Heavenly Father.<\/p>\n
36.\u00a0 Ungratefulness-You have been blessed in a way greater than you realize.<\/p>\n
37.\u00a0 Selfish Ambition-God has a mission for me that is bigger than me.<\/p>\n
38.\u00a0 Self-Sufficiency-Jesus is my strength. I can do all things through Him.<\/p>\n
39.\u00a0 Sorrow-Weeping may tarry for a night, but joy comes in the morning.<\/p>\n
40.\u00a0 My Life-Whoever loves his life loses it\u00a0and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.<\/p>\n
In the power of Jesus’ name, Amen.<\/p>\n
Janet Waters, Preschool Sunday School Teacher\/Prayer Room Intercessor<\/address>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Good morning, Father. February 18 is Ash Wednesday. It is the beginning of the church season of Lent, a\u00a040-day period (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter. Lent is a somber time in the church where we reflect on the great sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf because of His love. In biblical times, people in…","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n