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What should I do for Lent?

Be led by the Spirit, practice discipline, reflect on Jesus, and listen.


Lent is a traditional time of 40 days to prepare the Church for Easter. There is a liturgical build toward Passion Week and all of it culminates in celebrating Jesus rising from the dead. The time period is set in recognition of the time Jesus was led into the wilderness prior to His public ministry.

Matthew 4:1
    Be led by the Holy Spirit. As a follower of Christ it is difficult for me to avoid the imperative of listening to the Comforter. The One who was sent to come alongside humanity is still the One who leads the Church. To prepare myself for Easter, what can I do to engage in this practice?

Matthew 4:2
    It is common to fast during these 40 days. I have heard it taught that there are two types of spiritual discipline: engagement and abstinence. In order to set this time apart perhaps I should be led by the Spirit in my decision to practice a spiritual discipline that will focus and elevate this period in my spiritual walk. Should I spend some time praying over the disciplines so I can make this commitment while being led by the Spirit?

Matthew 4:3
    In this passage the tempter began by saying, "If you are the Son of God..." How could I observe Lent without reflecting on Jesus? Well, I could make it about me and what I'm doing instead of Him and what He's done. This is a small span of time to intentionally correct myself if I wander into the realm of legalism and away from grace. What Jesus accomplished through His death and resurrection cannot be overstated. I could not possibly devote too much time considering the ramifications of the Cross and the Empty Tomb. There are not enough quiet moments in my entire life to give me the satisfaction of fully comprehending what it meant that all of the Law and Prophets was fulfilled in Jesus and the Law of the New Covenant both began, and is comprised of, the ultimate & definitive act of love. Have I take enough time to reflect on Jesus today?

Matthew 4:4
    Jesus responded to the accuser by quoting Deuteronomy all 3 times. Have I just passively heard the Scriptures or have I listened so closely that it is my primary defense? In my time being led the Spirit, practicing a discipline, and reflecting on Jesus I could easily train in this ability by finding a reading plan or simply carving out a regular time to read my Bible every day...to listen. "All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable" so what will be the next thing I hear Him say?

This season can be a time of reflection to work our way through issues of life and faith as we approach Resurrection Sunday. I have learned that every step I take in following Jesus is worth the effort and increases my appreciation of grace. Even if I start late, I know He takes great joy in my walk as well.

Remember Him.

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