Lent – Susan Norris

To Abstain or Not?

Are you participating in Lent? Lent is the Christian season of preparation before Easter that runs for forty days. Typically, individuals abstain from something as an act of sacrifice for the Lord. The purpose of the sacrifice is to focus on Jesus and all He sacrificed for our sins [John 3:16, Romans 5:8]. I've heard of people abstaining from a variety of things: dessert television coffee chocolate soft drinks eating out movies The list goes on and on. I have asked friends in person and on Facebook if they're giving up something for Lent and, if so, why. Some responses [...]

From Sacrifice to Blessing

Do you celebrate Lent? Lent is the season of preparation leading up to Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday, which is today, and ends on Easter. Traditionally, lent is a time of prayer, sacrifice, fasting, and good works. People tend to focus on what they sacrifice during lent. Many times, they begrudgingly do without the item(s) they've chosen to sacrifice. The Lord tells us to be joyful always, even in our giving [1 Thessalonians 5:16-18]. Have you ever received something from someone and you knew they didn't really want to give it to you? It's awkward and uncomfortable. There's no more excitement [...]