“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the … [Read more...] about 40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent: 14.Focus
40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent
40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent: 13.Discipline
“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:11, ESV) Discipline is often viewed as a dirty word. It is seen as a bad thing. But in Hebrews 11, it says, that while discipline can be painful, it produces the peaceful fruit of righteousness. At … [Read more...] about 40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent: 13.Discipline
40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent: 12.Persistence
“And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?” (Luke 18:7, ESV) The widow comes to the judge. She asks for justice, but the judge refuses to grant her request. But the widow does not give up. She does not take “no” for an answer. She goes back to the judge. Then she goes back to the judge again, and then again. … [Read more...] about 40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent: 12.Persistence
40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent: 11.Courage
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37, ESV) You are not a conqueror. You are more than a conqueror! In Christ, you are stronger and more able than you ever realize. But too often we feel like victims. We are defeated by the words of others. Or we are physically defeated by an illness. There are forces in this world … [Read more...] about 40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent: 11.Courage
40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent: Week 2
Theme for the Week: Strength I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13, ESV) Our theme for the week is strength. There is physical strength, but there is also strength of character. Strength gives us the ability to endure and accomplish more. In difficult times we call upon strength to push through. Strength gives us the ability to aim … [Read more...] about 40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent: Week 2