Today is Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent. Lent is the approximately 40 day time period between Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. It is considered to be a time of prayer, repentance and confession as we anticipate and look forward to Good Friday & Resurrection Sunday. We all build structure in our lives to maintain certain aspects of our lives. From a young age I was taught by my parents that a daily time with God was important. This “quiet time” is often called “devotions”. As the name “devotions” implies it is a time to devote our thoughts and attention to God, His Word and prayer. I want my spiritual life to grow so I structure daily “quiet time” into my day. In the life of the church we structure the Advent Season into the church calendar. The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival”. During the Advent season we light a candle during the Sunday morning service and read Scriptures that focus on the coming of Jesus Christ to earth. We focus our attention in prayer and worship as we anticipate Christ’s birth and the true meaning of Christmas. During the Advent season we will corporately repeat a prayer of confession on Sunday morning. Confession of sin is part of the Christian life. “If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9 David’s words in Psalm 32:3 are instructive. “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.” When sin isn’t confessed it can have a debilitating impact on the physical systems of the body. It has been rightly said that “confession is good for the soul”. It requires humility and a setting aside of pride to confess sin. The season of Lent reminds us to focus on the cross and the price that Jesus paid so we could receive forgiveness and a restored relationship with God.   Let’s examine our hearts during this season of Lent. We have a Good Friday Communion Service at the church that I would invite you to be part of. We are continuing through the Gospel of Luke and learning what happens to people when they encounter Jesus. Join us on Sunday, February 26 as we worship our living Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and study his Word together.
God Bless You
Pastor Drew
