Yesterday was Ash Wednesday which begins the Lenten season. We are blessed with the opportunity to celebrate Jesus’ sacrifice for us at Easter. But how can we also be more sacrificial? How can we put God first in our lives? We can start with practicing L.E.N.T.
L – Listen to what God says through His word. We can’t hear from Him if we’re not spending time in the word in the first place. And I don’t mean the “fortune cookie random Scripture verse” kind of reading. I mean pick a book of the Bible and read one chapter a day.
E – Expect to see God in a new way. After reading the Word, ask God to help you understand it. What does it mean to you? How can you apply it in your daily life? When we allow God to teach us how to live it out, He changes how we see Him.
N – Nurture relationships. We are designed for relationship and nothing glorifies God more than when we show His love to others. Who can you reach out to? How can you serve others? Choosing compassion over judgement, serving others instead of being served, and investing our time and talents into other people all expand the Kingdom and reflect God’s true nature.
T – Thank God for all He has done and all He plans to do. God is good all the time, yet not all things may feel good to us. Unanswered prayers or loss of loved ones can make us lose sight that God’s ways are not our ways. Even in the midst of pain, God does things for our good and His glory. He is always worthy of our praise and taking time to acknowledge and give thanks for all He has done brings Him the glory He deserves!
Jesus did what no other person could or will ever need to again. His love will be forever worthy of our praise! Let’s be purposed and intentional to live lives that glorify Him!
Be blessed!
Jennifer
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16