We have our ashes and remember that we are half human and half spirit. Genesis 3:19 “ for dust you are and to dust you will return.”
We understand our bodies wear out and turn back into dust. 2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
We comprehend why we are here and our purpose for this earthly life.The goal is to know, love, and worship God (Mark 8:36, Psalm 100).
We understand we have work to do before our souls depart to the mystery of our Faith into eternal life with God. (Service) Ephesians 4:28: “…doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need”.
We are clearing out the weeds in our hearts: cravings for honor, fame, position, material objects, or temporary desires. Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me”
We are wearing our “God Goggles” looking for ways to love others with random acts of kindness incognito. Matthew 6:1 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”
We are turning back to God and leaving the chaos and distractions of the world one step at a time. Don’t forget your Cross! Matthew 16:26 26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?
Welcome back! It’s only our second day of Lent and look at what we have accomplished. Goals! Fridays are for Fasting, FFF, F cubed, or TRIPLE F. My teacher nerd is showing. Drum roll, please…
We are clearing out our hearts and minds from hateful words, thoughts, and actions. Zip, Zilch, and Zero from our mouths, social media, and minds. When you feel them creeping in your ears and negative scenes flashing before your eyes, whisper a prayer, “God, help me to love. Fill my heart, mind, and mouth with compassion especially for those who persecute me and others. God, give them joy, peace, and love that only You can give.” Just an FYI, I have already broken my fast at 6:23 am! “God, it is my own grievous fault. Forgive me as I begin again.” Lent in the Fast Lane will make you lose your negative mind. Don’t get discouraged because every day, even Fridays, we are going to Feast, Feast, FEAST! Not on soda, sweets, or rare Who Roast Beast, but on the WORD of God. I hear moaning. The Feast of God’s Words will replace the negative, hateful words and thoughts in your hearts, minds, and mouths. Homework! Begin using God’s words in conversations, at work, at the grocery store, in traffic jams, at ballgames, at school, in your text messages, social media, church, especially at home. I am not assigning you to only recall scripture, but to filter every action and thought through the “meaning” of the Word. Comprehend it. Synthesize it. You will have to STUDY! Start with recall and work your way out of the box. Soon, you will have an arsenal of God’s Word’s to bring Light into the world around you. Here are some appetizers:
Scenario
Friends from work want to go for a drink after work. Your husband is working overtime. Leave the kids at the after school program and go. Pick up the kids early and go to the park. Get the kids and grab a 12 pack of beer to drink while the kids have a movie marathon. What do you choose? 1st, 2nd, or 3rd sentence?
Think of Phil. 4:8.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Scenario: You hear teammates calling you a showboat, ball hog, and blaming you for the losing score at the half.
What do you choose? 1st, 2nd, or 3rd sentence?
Lash out and tell them how horrible they play. Confront them and work it out and forgive them. Blast out on social media a post causing more dissension on the team.
Think of Ephesians 4:31-32
31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Scenario: You receive a terminal diagnosis from the doctor. What do you choose? 1st, 2nd, or 3rd sentence?
Turn away from God and blame God and become bitter and withdrawn. Cry out to God and say my life has always been yours; my creator, you have given me forty beautiful years now use me for your purposes until I have nothing left. Give up.
Think of Jeremiah 29:11.
11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Sal the Lent in the Fast Lane Gal
Sarah Anderson Alley
Quote of the Day
“Thank you God for this life. Guide my heart and words. Let me decrease and let me build others up for You.”
Sal
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