For Lent to begin on Valentine’s Day is ironic.  The day for expressing romantic love is the beginning of a season of reflection and prayer for God’s greatest expression of Love towards us in sacrificing His only son to save us from sin’s penalty.  John 3:16-17 puts it succinctly,  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”  God’s love for us is so much more than any romantic love we can even imagine.  His love is complete, full, holy, pure, for our good and eternal.  What a great love we have in Christ.

As we center our thinking on Christ these next 40 days.  I found this quote by Pope Francis and thought it was so insightful as to how Lent should affect our thoughts and behaviors.  He presents a thoughtful approach to fasting and I personally feel it is much more difficult than giving up chocolate or alcohol.  Will you choose an area or two of focus for yourself for these next 40 days?

In my Lenten blogs, I will be focusing on what I am now because Christ imputed His righteousness to me.  I pray you will find this Lenten focus helpful and that it will lead you into a deeper love for  your Savior. and greater connection with His sacrifice for you.

If you feel uplifted by reading my daily blog thoughts- sent it on to others.  Encouraging one another in faith glorifies God and His work in us.

Yours for 40 days,

Linda