March 11, 2023 — “Accept a Challenge”

“Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord, and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn, saying that he has done it.” Psalm 22:30-31

“The main purpose of “giving up” things in Lent is to bring us closer to God; to prioritize God; to put God in the center of our minds and lives; to make God the focal point. So if you’re thinking about giving up chocolate — do it!? But also ask yourself “how will that bring me closer to God?”  (www.umc.org; Why Give Up Things For Lent)

To accept a challenge means opening up your mind to a new level of living, dreaming, and/or understanding. Accepting a challenge for our faith recognizes the dynamic nature of our faith as set within the framework of our lives. As our faith grows so will our blessings, our challenges, and our responsibilities.

If you want to accept a challenge this Lent, try some self-denial. What is it you most crave every day? This Lent take a week and do not use it, drink it, eat it, or seek it. Self-denial or the setting aside of our personal wants takes a single-mindedness that requires the help of the Holy Spirit. We may be able to follow some self-denial on our own – but if we want to make it not only a Lenten discipline, but a spiritual discipline, then we will need the power of the Holy Spirit. And do not forget to ask the question: How will this bring me closer to G-d? Will you accept the challenge?

Let us pray: Dear G-d, as I look to challenge my faith I understand I must use prayer; confess my weakness; confess my need for your grace; and to remember that you are always with me. Amen.

Pastor Dave