Matthew 6:1-6; 16-21; KJV; Ash Wednesday; Impressing others will not get you into heaven. Only faith in the one who sacrificed himself will. He should be your first love.

 

Sorrow And Joy!

 

Ash Wednesday; 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:10 KJV; Without sin Jesus carried our sins and paid the penalty for our sins that we might be reconciled to God. 

Create In Us Clean Hearts

 

Psalm 51:1-19 KJV; Ash Wednesday; Ash Wednesday focuses on recognizing our sins and repenting asking God to create in us clean hearts.

From Dust You Have Come

Ash Wednesday; Genesis 3:19 KJV; From dust you have come; to dust you shall return.

We Follow Jesus To The Cross

Ash Wednesday; Joel 2:12-19 KJV; We repent as we follow Jesus to the cross and comprehend all he has done for us by dying for our sins.

Renew A Right Spirit Within Us

Ash Wednesday; Psalm 51:1-19 KJV; Forgive us! Create in us clean hearts and renew a right Spirit within us.

To Dust We Shall Return

Ash Wednesday: Genesis 3:17-19; Ecclesiastes 3:16-20; From dust we have come; to dust we shall return.

The Lord Is Merciful And Kind

Joel 2:12-19 KJV; Ash Wednesday; Even though we turn our backs on Him, He continues to love us.

Though We Die; We Will Live...

Psalm 51:1-19 KJV;; Ash Wednesday; Wash us and we shall be clean; create in us clean hearts.

Ash Wednesday Trek To The Cross

Matthew 16:24-25 KJV; Ash Wednesday; We begin our journey to the cross remember that we shall die; yet, all who believe in Jesus will live. 

We Weep With Sadness And Joy

Joel 2:12-19 KJV; Ash Wednesday; We weep because of our sins. We sing with joy for God's grace and mercy in spite of our sinful natures.

Forgive Me Create In Me A Clean Heart

Psalm 51:1-13 KJV; Have mercy on us; forgive us; and create in us clean hearts.

Have Mercy Upon Us; Ash Wed 2022

Spare The People, O Lord

"Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the Lord your God?

Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:

Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.

Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?

Then will the Lord be jealous for his land, and pity his people.

Yea, the Lord will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen" 

                                                                                  (Joel 1:12-19 KJV)

"Spare the people, O Lord."  I have and a lot of people that I know have been praying for help for the people around them and for the whole country especially during this past year.  It seems very true that hardship will soften the hearts of many. When we sink so low in the muck and mire there is only one place to go to for help and that is the Lord God, creator of heaven and earth.

Wednesday is Ash Wednesday. It is the beginning of Lent. This season is when we follow Jesus to the cross; recognizing the life he lived for us; the hardships he endured for us; the death he suffered for us. It is a rough journey to the cross as we recognize our sinful selves. Yet, we have hope because we know, evidenced by his resurrection, that because he lives we shall live also. 

Lent is a time to examine ourselves; to recognize our sinful selves and to repent of our own parts in the hardships that humankind suffers. How will you observe Lent? Will you take just a little more time to understand what Jesus actually did for you? That he loves all of humankind enough to die for us?

Lent is also a time when Christians have traditionally given up something for the season. Some fast from certain foods or habits. Others might give up a bit more of their time to study God's word or to worship.  Others might give up a bit more of their time to volunteer in some worthwhile project that will help others. Jesus' sacrifice was a blessing for us? Will you be a blessing to others this season?

There are many ways to fast. What will you be fasting this season? The little that we give up can in no way compare to what Jesus gave for us. So put a smile on your face and serve the Lord and his children with joy and gladness.

May God grant that we should all turn to the Lord with our whole hearts, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Open our hearts that we might turn to you Heavenly Father for you are both merciful and kind.  

God's Peace - Pr. J.