The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. (2 Corinthians 9:6, ESV) 2 Corinthians 9:6 is one of the most powerful passages of Scripture. It is common sense, but it is not common practice. Many of us sow sparingly but hope to reap abundantly. There is often a correlation between debt and … [Read more...] about 40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent: 31.Generosity
Lent
40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent: 30.Prayer
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (1 Timothy 2:1–2, ESV) It might seem obvious that prayer is not something to give up for Lent. Lent is a season to focus on the spiritual … [Read more...] about 40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent: 30.Prayer
40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent: 29.Compassion
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4, ESV) When we look at the world around us, we will see there is so much pain, hurt, … [Read more...] about 40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent: 29.Compassion
40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent: Week 5
Theme for the Week: Serving But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”” (Matthew 20:26b–28, ESV) What is the greatest privilege in life? Living in luxury? Having servants who will come at your beck … [Read more...] about 40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent: Week 5
40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent: 28.Accountability
“So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:12, ESV) How are you doing with those New Year's resolutions? If you are like most people, you forgot about them long ago. The eagerness you had when you showed up at the gym on January 1 is long gone. Why do we struggle with these commitments we make? There may be a good number of reasons, but I believe … [Read more...] about 40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent: 28.Accountability