At this writing, we are about one third of the way through Lent. Starting with Ash Wednesday on February 18th. It was a moment to come honestly before the Lord, to be open about our need for forgiveness and healing. Then to consider what could we do during the season of Lent, 40 days not counting Sundays, to take extra time and effort to be in prayer and practice self-disciplines, most notably fasting and other practices of self-denial.

Food tends to be a popular choice for self-denial. For me it is often in the picture. Food has that ability to get my attention and drive so many decisions! So, it is often a good catalyst for helping me see the ways I'm denying God or allowing my choices and preferences to limit my spiritual life.

A friend from a former church every year I was there gave up popcorn. It was her daily snack, especially at work. To give it up challenged her daily routine and created an immediate
moment of choosing to depend on God for her well-being. Which really is the purpose for self- denial. To open up those spaces in our lives where we allow other things to fill the compartments of our lives, rather than God's Spirit. It brings to life for us John 6:33 Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. Or in more common modern English The New Living Translation, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."

There is always time to join in on this Lenten spiritual exercise. The good news is if you choose, Sundays are exempt. Meaning that you fast or do self-denial through the week, then on Sunday, the day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, you spend time in celebration and worship and do not have to do your self-denial discipline.

Like anything, growing in our relationship with Jesus Christ takes honesty with ourselves, transparency before the Lord and a willingness to do what it take to grow. Blessings to all!

Happy Almost Easter!
Pastor Alice