SUGGESTIONS FOR CELEBRATING LENT

Fasting has always been a large part of Lent.

I once read of a man who urged his children to do more than give up candy (their idea of fasting) and give up some habit of sin in their lives instead. About halfway through the Lenten season, he asked the children how they were doing. One of his sons who had promised to give up fighting with his siblings during Lent said, "I'm doing OK, Dad -- but boy, I can hardly wait until Easter!"

Although Christ had not been born when Isaiah lived, let alone been crucified and resurrected, Isaiah had a good grip on the type of fast that was pleasing to God. Read Isaiah 58:3-7. Although it's too lengthy to quote in its entirety, let me point out verses 6 and 7. "Is this not the fast I have chosen--to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?"

If you really want to celebrate Lent, ask yourself the following questions, answer them honestly, then act accordingly.

Do I share gladly what I have with others, including strangers and the poor?

Is my attitude toward others gracious and patient, especially with those who irritate me?

Do I sense God's presence in my personal life as well as in corporate worship?

Are my devotional life and my prayer life progressing?

Do I listen to God more and complain less?

Am I dealing with any sin problems that still plague me?

Am I thoughtful and forgiving of others, including family, or do I take my frustrations out on them?

Do I speak up for the oppressed or keep quiet in order to remain popular?

And with that, I'll get off my soapbox re Lent.

Preacher's Kid