I was going to call this devotional “Lent,” but I thought you might not read it if I did. That said, the season of Lent begins today. Although my church does not officially recognize Lent, I observe it. Lent is not mentioned in the Bible, but it has been recognized as a practice since the earliest days of the church and was referred to by name (Lent) by the Council of Nicea in A.D.325.

The name “Lent” is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word for Spring, and its length (40 days not counting the Sundays before Easter) represents the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness fasting and praying in preparation for the start of his public ministry.

I think the reason I like to observe Lent is that my favorite day of the year is Easter, the day we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. Lent is a time of intentional preparation for Easter in recognition and as a way of following the example of Jesus.

I am not writing to recommend any particular way to observe Lent. Prayers and fasting are typical ways, but I think most of all it should be a private way to renew our commitment to spiritual growth in Christ. This might be through reading special Lenten devotionals and practicing spiritual disciplines. Whatever we do, we do it not for public recognition but for private reflection and meditation and renewal.  I have included some links to some resources that you might find useful.

Lent Devotional Resources: https://www.bible.com/search/plans?q=lent

Spiritual Disciplines:

• https://bible.org/illustration/spiritual-disciplines
• Sacred Rhythms (book, recommended by Zach Bryant)
• Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren

I guess I’m basically an optimistic person. I am excited about every opportunity to make a fresh start. That’s why I get so excited about New Year’s Day—yes, I still make resolutions. And I love Sundays because it’s the first day of the week, another chance to start over. And Easter is the event that proved beyond a shadow of doubt that Jesus is Lord. He overcame death and the grave as the first to ascend to Heaven. I celebrate it not only as the resurrection of Christ, but also as the anniversary of my new eternal life in Christ.

I am filled with gratitude for opportunities to make a fresh start. I am so thankful that we serve a God of grace, who sent his Son who paid the price with his life to reconcile us back to Him. I praise God for all our second chances (and third and every one after that).

In Christ,

Judy