Lent reminds us that there is a God and it is not you! We are creatures; God is the Creator and we are the created. We are not entirely self-sufficient, but we have needs that go beyond our ability to satisfy. To grow in relationship with God and others requires that we accept the reality of those needs and that we surrender to God to meet those needs well. In our Lenten Message Series, we will look at some of our basic needs and how God provides for them to be met.
Lent is a time when we recognize that we need to open our eyes. Maybe we need to open our eyes to bad habits and bad relationships, things which hold us back and not allow us to be the best versions of ourselves. Can we open our eyes to what is good in us that needs to be grown?
Lent is the time to: Wake Up! Give Up! and Grow Up!
Challenge for the Week: In your prayer, ask for clarity about what holds you back and what moves you forward so that you can be fully happy.
In this first week, we will introduce the topic of having needs. We sometimes confuse our needs with our wants. At times, we can be tempted to fulfill our legitimate needs in the wrong way. Jesus show us that God is the only One who can meet our needs.
Challenge for the Week: Pray daily, "With You, O God, I have all that I need."
In today’s Gospel, we hear God telling the Apostles and us that we are to listen to Jesus. Listening is different than hearing. Listening to Jesus will move us towards a better and transformed future. This week, leave time for quiet; be in a space with no sound. Slow down and listen for God’s voice and notice His presence. You may be surprised how He chooses to send you messages when you speak less and listen more.
This week we will look at God as our refreshment. God gladly takes the first step in providing for our needs, as with the Israelites in the desert and with the woman at the well. Once we surrender our need to God and let Him send us His Living Water, we will experience the refreshment of Easter! Our strength is drawn on understanding our need and realizing who can fill that need.
Challenge for the Week:
As you take your first sip of water each morning, ask God to identify your thirst.