Lent Devotionals

February 17, 2010

Well, I have finally decided on what I am going to do without during Lent. First of all, I am fasting each morning by giving up breakfast. This is going to be the time in which I will study my Breaking Free materials. I won’t consume meat, milk, eggs, and butter. I will need your prayers and God’s daily guidance to see me through until Easter.

I have selected devotions for us to read each day during Lent. They are family friendly and easy to discuss. Trust me, I am going to be a little cranky and will be needing me some Jesus to get through this!!

Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010

In their distress, they will be my favor [ and say ]: ”Come, let us return to the Lord.” Hosea 5:15- 6:1

Distress sounds so…. well…. stressful. T-R-O-U-B-L-E is what we are in…. and we want to feel safe. We all seek safety in our families, in our homes, and with friends. When we surround ourselves with people who we know and love, the safe feeling is based on love….their love for us. God is the safest place on Earth. He wants us to come to Him when we are in trouble because He loves us. God is always there for us. Lent is a good time to remember this…..because sometimes in all the stuff we do during our busy lives may cause us to forget.

So especially now, when we are feeling a little distress because we are fasting or abstaining from indulgence, we need to lean on God more than ever…..

Loving God, when I feel like giving up due to the stress of our lives, I can always depend on You. I can’t always help myself or change things that are out of my control; but You, Oh God, can help me no matter what the problem may be. Remind me with Your gentle nudges to come to You whenever I am in distress.

Thursday February 18, 2010

He said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here and keep awake.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour may pass from him. He said, “Abba Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want but what you want.” Mark 14:34-36

I hate to suffer. I hate the feeling of hopelessness. Jesus prayed to avoid the suffering; but with one important exception: ONLY IF that is what God wants….Jesus had free will just like you and I…. He could have gotten up want ran away to hide from those who were out to get him. However, he trusted in God, the Father. So much that he left a legacy on how to approach suffering…. “Father, not what I will but what you will.”

Father, I don’t like to feel distress or to suffer any self affliction…..I wish I was strong enough to always accept your will as bravely as Jesus once did. I complain. I cling to MY will and for that I ask for YOUR mercy.

Come back tomorrow on a cool activity for the family…. Friday will have devotions for the weekend……

God Bless…..

**devotionals are based on Creative Communication’s booklets
Regina