MI NI S T RY
Will You Take The Journey This Year?
by Pastor Cheryl
What will we discover on the journey called Lent this year? It is recognized as a time of selfreflection and self-denial. Slowing down to seek God and listen to God’s Spirit. According to www.bbc.co.uk : Lent is a period of 40 (week)days during which Christians remember the events leading up to and including the death of Jesus Christ, whose life and teachings are the foundation of Christianity. The 40-day period is called Lent after an old English word meaning ‘lengthen’. After Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River, he was compelled to separate himself from the crowds and walk a solo journey. Why he chose to head out into the desert was probably a convenient geographical choice. Knowing the barrenness of the surrounding desert that was outside of the bustling city of Jerusalem, he could go get some clarity of mind and mission. God the Father had a locator flag on Jesus and the Spirit of God accompanied him. There was another spirit that went out into the desert. One of lies and discouragement. Jesus was being tested as if he were a man. Scholars say that Jesus came into his understanding of his role for humanity after he came up from John’s water baptism and the Spirit revealed all things. The journey of processing his calling is what took Jesus 40 days and 40 nights. On your Lenten journey what will you process with the Spirit of God? • What job direction you should take? • Your relationships? • How to love your enemies? • Surrendering your financials to God? • Wrestling with the topic of sexuality? • The best use of your spiritual God given-gifts? • Directing your children, youth and/or young adults? • Your fears, addictions, weaknesses or failings? • How to use your time? • Your ambitions? • The best way to be a part of the Kingdom of God in your community? The list is endless yet with God it is an open invitation for you to meet about an issue concerning you. I hope you respond to the invitation. You will never be the same. Blessings on the Journey, Pastor Cheryl
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