Heartfelt devotional for lent
Sacrifices
What Lent Means
What is Lent anyway? To best answer this question of what lent means is to know what lies ahead. So, 40 days of lent leads to Easter. The resurrection of Christ! During the 40 days of lent we prepare room in our hearts for Jesus to rise from the dead. For Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice for our sins which is death. Through His resurrection He lives, and those who believe will inherit eternal life. As Christians we celebrate this by offering sacrifices or by acting upon something we may have not done before to Honor Christ our savior.
Some may give up eating meat, snacks, drinking alcohol, or not smoking. There are a few who may offer to volunteer and be of service to others. I’m sure you have heard of “service of self” before.
How will you honor Christ this Lent? Feel free to share the comments, it may just help someone who is unsure of what to do for Lent. A funny thing, maybe not too funny, but in 2008 I gave up any type of alcohol for Lent. The funny part I mentioned is at that time I had thought you would give something up, “forever”. And I did. I wasn’t ever a everyday drinker, more what you may call a social drinker or the occasional beer or two. Nonetheless I haven’t drank since. I’ve also served at Cass Mission in Detroit serving meals to the homeless. I gave up social media, television, snacks and continue to do what I feel the Lord is calling me to in reverence to maybe something I may be struggling with; or He’ll put someone in my path to serve or to be served. The best way to pursue something you may be considering doing for Lent is to pray and pray earnestly with the desire to honor the Lord.
Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. Hebrews 13:15-16 (NLT)
What is Ash Wednesday Meaning?
Ash Wednesday is prominently the beginning of Lent. Countless believers begin Lent as a time of fasting, making sacrifices to honor God. Prior to Jesus’s ministry He began His journey by spending 40 days in the wilderness fasting, praying before God all the while being susceptible to the temptations of the devil. Nowadays when we think of fasting, we conclude not to give up on food entirely, rather to fast by sacrificing a bad habit. Alternatively, we would fast by sacrificing specific foods such as desserts, particular meats, alcohol, or smoking. During the process of fasting comes prayer, where we humbly come before God asking His forgiveness of our sinful nature, asking Him for His guidance upon our lives so we may serve a greater purpose than ourselves.
Ponder upon this for a moment of this Heartfelt Devotional for Lent means to for you
Think of a time when you confessed to God of your sinful regard to Him. And He forgave you. Lent is the opportunity to bring God an offering, your sacrifice for all He has done for you. Take into consideration what you will bring forth during the season of Lent. As you bring forth your sacrifices during the season of Lent, be prayerful and honest with what you bring to God as your sacrifice. Perhaps kindness and generosity towards others is just as profound and pleasing to God.
For more Heartfelt devotionals for lent follow the link below
https://thomasbrattonauthor.com/gods-grace-is-good-for-today/#google_vignette
Prayer:
Father, I am indebted to you for everything you have done for me, and grateful for your mercy, love and grace even when I have displeased you. I would like to offer something to you, in honor of you and the love that I have for you. I ask for your discernment of what would be pleasing to you that I have to offer as a sacrifice during the season of Lent, in Jesus’ name… Amen.
