Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV) Thanksgiving comes around once a year. It is a time to gather together with family. We watch some football and eat a nice meal. While the day is supposed to be about giving thanks, the actual practice of giving thanks is often neglected. The Apostle Paul says to … [Read more...] about 40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent: 06.Gratitude
40 Things for Lent
40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent: 05.God’s Word
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35, ESV) Words to Live By It is said that the pen is mightier than the sword. The point is that words have power. More than you realize! The words you speak and think hold authority. Your words command your life. They may command loss and despair. Or they may command joy and restoration. So many … [Read more...] about 40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent: 05.God’s Word
40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent: 04.Jesus
Saturday after Ash Wednesday “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:8, ESV) It might seem strange that Jesus is not at the top of the list. We are four days into this series, and we are now just getting to Jesus. But the truth is that it has all been about Jesus. Jesus is the object of our faith, the source or our hope, and the … [Read more...] about 40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent: 04.Jesus
40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent 03.Love
Friday after Ash Wednesday For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16, ESV) The Whole World God so loved the whole world. It doesn’t say he loved some of the world. It doesn’t say he loved the Christian world. It doesn’t say he loved those who are good and kind in the world. It … [Read more...] about 40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent 03.Love
40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent: 02.Hope
Thursday after Ash Wednesday “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1, ESV) My First Option or Last Resort? She came into my office with good intentions. Tears were running down her cheeks. The first things she said was: “Pastor, I have tried everything. Nothing has worked. I am out of options. So I am coming to see … [Read more...] about 40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent: 02.Hope