MaggieBelle

Beloved–

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent and it starts 46 days (40 days not counting Sundays) before Easter.  It falls on a different date each year because it is dependent on the date of Easter.  It can occur as early as February 4 or as late as March 10.

The purpose of Lent (recalling Jesus’ 40-day fast in the wilderness) is to be a season of fasting, self-denial, prayer, scripture reading, penitence, conversion, and simplicity. Lent, which comes from the Teutonic (Germanic) word for springtime, can be viewed as a spiritual spring cleaning: a time for taking spiritual inventory and then cleaning out those things which hinder our corporate and personal relationships with Jesus Christ and our service to him.

Prayer: Lent is a good time to develop or strengthen a discipline of daily prayer. A good goal for Lent would be to praise God in prayer morning and evening daily.  Praise and thanksgiving first and requests second.

Scripture Reading:  When facing temptation in the desert, Jesus relied on Scripture to counter the wiles of the devil. It is a formidable weapon for us as well.

Pray that we can be diligent in our “spring cleaning process.”  I’m praying for you morning, noon and night for the next 46 days.

Luv Ya!

Beloved–

Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.  (from Romans)

 Sometimes, I forget who is attacking me and why.  I learned that the belt of truth and the body armor are God’s word; putting on the shoes of his word gives me the confidence to be able to speak into someone’s life. To tell them how much God loves them and how he sacrificed his only son, on the cross, so that they can have salvation.  Praise the God who is … Father, Son and Holy Spirit!  

Luv Ya!

Beloved–

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.  Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. (from Romans)

Sometimes, I forget who is attacking me and why.  I learned that I must absorb the spirit of the word of God so completely, that I will be able to recognize the difference between a spiritual attack and my own foolishness.  Praise the God who is … Father, Son and Holy Spirit! I pray for you to desire the study of God’s word above all else.

Luv Ya!

Beloved–

In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (from Romans)

Sometimes, I forget who is attacking me and why.  I learned God’s promises from his word and he gave me my faith, that brought me my salvation from death. Praise the God who is … Father, Son and Holy Spirit!  I pray for you to want to learn all of his promises to those who, by faith, choose his offer of salvation.

Luv Ya!