As we enter the Lenten season for 2021 - let's all remember the reason we celebrate this season in our faith. By definition Lent is "the period of 40 days which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ's sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days. Lent is marked by fasting, both from food and festivities." 

Whether I choose to 'give something up' as a sacrifice for Lent, or to 'add something' to my spiritual life to acknowledge Lent, what's most important to me is the reflection on my own walk with Christ. Where can I improve my relationship with God? What are things I can do to grow others in Christ? How can I be more pleasing in God's site? 

As Jesus wondered the desert for those 40 days, I often wonder what He was reflecting on. His life on earth? His separation from the Father? His coming fate at the cross? The devil even tried to tempt Him.

Matthew 4:1-11

At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights and afterwards was hungry. The tempter approached and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread. He said in reply, “It is written: One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.”

He was very confident, He knew the Father was in complete control. But He also knew what was in front of Him, and He was anxious.

Mark 14:32-42

 And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” ³³ And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. ³⁴ And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.”^[a] 35 And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. ³⁶ And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

As you ponder your reflections in the time of Lent, always remember that even Christ pondered on His own life. He dealt with fear and anxiety. He was HUMAN. And the most important thing to me is that He always trusted and glorified the Father. He was indeed confident because of who the Father is. Walk in confidence and know He is the one in control even in these very uncertain times. As you ponder, always remember that God loves you completely, as He did the son. That's pretty awesome... 

 OK - so today we transition one US President for another. I don't like talking politics - and I will leave my opinions about Trump out of this. But, what I do know is there is a high level of mistrust on both sides. I've never seen this much American hatred in my lifetime. If this nation has any chance of healing itself - both sides have to 'lean in' here. Our democracy and our very freedoms are at stake. Big government has never been an answer to any prosperous society, ever. But we all have to remember God is ALWAYS in control. Even those who don't acknowledge Him or even believe. Remember how He was in complete control of the Pharaoh in Egypt when Moses was there. We are called to pray for our leaders, including those recently elected. 1st Timothy explains...

" I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time."