Devotion - Shrove Tuesday

The season of Lent begins tomorrow.  This 40 day season of the Church Year are the days of preparation for the Christian community.  In the early Church, these were the final 40 days before converts were baptized into the faith.  Throughout the history of the Church, these were days of increased attention to one's spiritual disciplines.

Use them well.  Wisely.

Make a commitment which you can keep, and maintain it for these 40 days.  Do not do something for show - something which will call attention to yourself or your discipline.  Whatever change you will make in your life for these next six weeks, make it something which will strengthen your response to God.

Here is one suggestion - read 1 chapter of scripture each day.  1 chapter.  If you need a place to start - start with the Gospel of Luke.  Or the Gospel of John.  Out of that chapter, pick one verse.  You don't need to memorize it, but become familiar enough with it that you can return to it during they day, reflecting on its meaning in the context of your life.

Here is another suggestion - reach out to someone with a note of thanks or a word of encouragement.  It might be a Sunday School teacher or former pastor.  Maybe it is your uncle or grandmother.  Tell them how much you appreciate their presence in your life and for sharing with you their faith and faith life.  When sending a note of encouragement - speak to the classmate or roommate of the reasons why you are grateful for them and how they aid you in your journey.

Want one more?  Commit to participating in worship.  Most of you are regulars, but be exceptionally regular during theses weeks.  Attend Sunday mornings, but also mid-week worship.

40 days is not that long of a time.  40 days can make a big difference in our lives.  Use these 40 days wisely.