Lent is upon us again … season of reflection and preparation.  Lent is a period of 40 days (not counting Sunday’s which are always “feast days”) remembering Christ’s 40 days in the wilderness. (Also, Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai getting the commandments; Elijah had a 40 day journey to Mt. Horeb; 40 days of rain during the great flood; and 40 years that the Israelites wondered in the desert)  40 almost always represents “testing” and “preparation”.  Many recent Lenten disciplines focus on “giving something up” in order to better perceive God’s presence.  I like it put this way :  Fasting on the things of earth so we can feast on the things of heaven!  Here is the suggestion of one pastor from Mississippi:

GIVE UP grumbling! Instead, "In everything give thanks." Constructive criticism is OK, but "moaning, groaning, and complaining" are not Christian disciplines.

GIVE UP 10 to 15 minutes in bed! Instead, use that time in prayer, Bible study and personal devotion. A few minutes in prayer WILL keep you focused.

GIVE UP looking at other people's worst attributes. Instead concentrate on their best points. We all have faults. It is a lot easier to have people overlook our shortcomings when we overlook theirs first.

GIVE UP speaking unkindly. Instead, let your speech be generous and understanding. It costs so little to say something kind and uplifting or to offer a smile. Why not check that sharp tongue at the door?

GIVE UP your hatred of anyone or anything! Instead, learn the discipline of love. "Love covers a multitude of sins."

GIVE UP your worries and anxieties! They're too heavy for you to carry anyway. Instead, trust God with them. Anxiety is spending emotional energy on something we can do nothing about: like tomorrow! Live today and let God's grace be sufficient.

GIVE UP TV one evening a week! Instead, visit someone who's lonely or sick. There are those who are isolated by illness or age. Why isolate yourself in front of the "tube?" Give someone a precious gift: your time!

GIVE UP buying anything but essentials for yourself! Instead, give the money to God. The money you would spend on the luxuries could help someone meet basic needs. We're called to be stewards of God's riches, not consumers.

GIVE UP judging others by appearances and by the standard of the world! Instead, learn to give up yourself to God. There is only one who has the right to judge, Jesus Christ.

Rev. Glen Schoeneberg - Sr. Pastor