Download (PDF, 1.01MB)

I have at least two answers:

1.  The Blessing:  It is good that things “stick” and that we don’t have to be retaught the basics.  This is one of the most frustrating parts of Alzheimer’s disease.  Once a routine is banked in our life it drifts from our consciousness.  God has made us to remember and hold on to things without thinking about them. Imagine how crazy you be if you had to think to make your heart beat! You are already full of worries and concerns enough without having to be burdened with all the little parts of life piled on top. Rejoice that you don’t operate on will power.

2.  The Curse:  Because we do so much of life by autopilot and without thinking, if we learn something wrongly – it is hard to correct.  If a child doesn’t learn math facts well, the problems linger for years –maybe even a lifetime.  Take my word for it!

The ongoing myth is that we change by will power.  The idea that I can change my mind and do things differently is completely untrue.  We don’t change by will power.  We don’t even make dramatic changes in one fell swoop.

Do you remember verse one and the chorus to the song – “I Am Resolved” ?

1. I am resolved no longer to linger,
Charmed by the world's delight;
Things that are higher, things that are nobler,
These have allured my sight.

Chorus -
I will hasten to Him,
Hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, Greatest, Highest,
I will come to Thee.

Like or not we are human and creatures of habit.  If we want to change our lives, and our will – we will have to work at it slowly, deliberately, and with all kinds of patience.  Throwing new ideas or new formulas or money at a problem area in our life is unlikely to bring about renewal.

We have to get to the root of matter.  So how do we get there?

The shortest way to your heart is through your hands.  Become attentive to what you are doing:

1. How do you react to people? (family, co-workers, friends)
2. Watch your instincts – in what settings are you angry, sad, or joyful?
3. Begin reading Scripture regularly – especially the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John)
4. How does Jesus react to people?  What are His instincts?  Are His instincts – yours?
5. Where is the gap between the character of Jesus and your character?
6. Be patient with yourself as you see the huge gap that exists between the Jesus way and your way.
7. Begin to experiment with new ways of living – when can you be more generous?  More thoughtful?  More courageous?
8. Can you extend grace to someone else?
9. Stop trying to fix what you are doing and become more aware of what is going on inside you.
10. Rather than pointing an accusing finger at your mistakes (or at someone else’s mistakes) invest time and energy into being compassionate – simply because it is the right thing.

May this week be a time of renewal for you. Not a week where you try fast change, but a week full of decisive change. May you be a person that stays focused on what is important. May your will be filled with goodness and seeking to serve others. May you be open to God’s Spirit and the example of Jesus.

“No, you shouldn’t!!!”  That’s the dominant message that I heard for years.

However, I have found that keeping a Lenten season can be valuable.  I would not hold this opinion over anyone, but I find that celebrating Lent– in one form or another– has helped me.

Before you become overly critical, ask yourself these 2 questions:

1) How many of the Consumerist Holidays do I celebrate and why?

It’s holidays include  New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, the 4th of July, Father’s Day, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Halloween, and Thanksgiving, (and perhaps Christmas).

2) What exactly is Lent?

A Definition:  Lent is a forty day period of preparation leading up to Easter and the Resurrection of Jesus.   The number of days seems to have been drawn from biblical sources.  For example, Jesus and Elijah were in the desert 40 days (1 Kings 19:8, Luke4:2).  Moses was on Mount Sinai 40 days (Exo. 24:18).

Historical Notes:

• It’s an old practice.   We find a mention of  40 day Lent in Canon 5 of the Ecumenical Council of Nicea (318 AD).  At this point, the practice is  as an established church tradition.  Irenaeus (a second century figure) mentions a short term (2 day) Lenten-type fast before the celebration of Easter.
• Daniel Sahas notes that the word Lent itself is drawn from an Anglo-Saxon term lencten, meaning Spring (Encyclopedia of Early Christianity (Garland, 1990): 533.

How can I practice Lent?

There are many creative ways to celebrate Lent.  John Marks Hicks has given ten suggestions at his blog.  It is a period of time for self-examination and self-denial.  Should you choose to give up food or some activity– the purpose should be to create a space where you can be close to God.

So be creative and seek after the Lord as fully as you are able.