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LENT DAY: 180 Degrees

Lent is the season of Repentance a change of thought to correct a wrong, gain forgiveness from a person who is wronged, confession to God, ceasing sin against God, and resolving to live according to His will. It involved admitting and promising not to repeat the action, turning 180 degrees and walking in the opposite direction in order to reverse the harmful effects of the wrong.

"Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth" (2 Timothy 2:25)

Lent is also the season of Discipline, systematic instruction given to to train students to follow a particular code of conduct.

"Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness" (1Tm 4:7-8).


Stepping into the season of Lent we have confession, forgiveness and change on our mind. We are preparing our body, mind and spirit for the celebration of Easter. Before we get let go in the freedom of the ascension, we must get close to the Son of God, Jesus lover of our soul. What he was created for, the way he was called to live, how he touched and healed people and the grace filled journey he took to the cross.

We prepare through prayer, penance, repentance, and self denial. I have always looked at my Lenten discipline on two levels.

One level is giving something up a luxury (i.e.coffee, sugar, alcohol, etc.) When the habit is removed there is a sacrifice. Many times during the day you long for the habit you have let go of. This is where prayer comes in LORD TAKE AWAY THIS DESIRE. I WANT MY EYES FIXED ON YOU. HELP ME UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ENDURED. BRING YOUR STRENGTH YOUR SELF-CONTROL INTO ME. STRETCH ME.

The second level is taking something on. My son Jonah was asking me yesterday what he should do for lent. Some of his ideas were respect, not hitting his brother, reading everyday. If you have a problem with language, that your words be honoring to God, the truth, manifesting the fruit of the Spirit.

Today we move in to surrender, shedding of the old self and stepping into a new perspective.


LORD I pray for covering today. Put in place the armor. Remove all obstacles from what might cause me to stumble. To not compete the vision of freedom you have for me. Freedom from frustration and fear. Freedom and protection for the plan of the enemy to destroy me and my family and keep us from rejoicing in the celebration and victory found in the Cross. The victory has already been won.

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