SPECIAL DAILY HOPE DEVOTIONAL ON LENT (2) March 6, 2025 Scriptures: ISAIAH 58: 3 – 7; 1 CORINTHIANS 9: 27
Yesterday’s devotional on Lenten period was more of historical expositions. I made myself clear that I intend not asking all Christian to observe Lent against their beliefs. But it is my sincere observations that Christian denominations can achieve greater results if they fast, abstain and restrain themselves inclusively in same period. The Lenten Period seems the best._ Today’s devotional feels, therefore, to touch some practices during lent by some denominations which are beautifully collaborating. This devotional was able to see what Catholic Church, the Lutherans Church, the Methodist Church and the Western Churches do during Lenten periods.
The most common thing is that these denominations agreed that lent period is when Christians should prepare for Easter, the day many Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. They are therefore, to observe 40 days and nights repenting from sins, praying together more seriously, abstaining from foods, drinks, meats as well as giving up things they hardly do without in ordinary days. This goes with Apostle Paul’s doctrine of plumeling his body (1 Cor. 9: 27). It is a period most of these denominations teach the members to reach out to those going hungry, settling hospital bills for the poor as well as visiting orphanages and rehabilitation centers for works of Charity. This falls in line with Isaiah 58: 3 – 7. Most of the denominations agreed that benefits of observing lent include the following: –
Spiritual growth:
Lent is a time to deepen one’s relationship with God, by spending more time in prayer, reading the Scriptures, and meditating on the mysteries of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Lent is also a time to examine one’s conscience, repent of one’s sins, and seek forgiveness and healing from God and others. Lent is a time to grow in holiness by imitating Christ’s virtues and following his commands.
Mental clarity:
Lent is a time to simplify one’s life by detaching from the distractions and temptations of the world and focusing on godly things that really matter. Lent is also a time to renew one’s mind by filling it with positive and uplifting thoughts given by the Holy Spirit and rejecting negative and harmful ones (2 Corinthians 10:5). Lent is a time to cultivate a healthy and balanced attitude by being grateful for what one has and generous with what one can give.
Physical health:
Lent is a time to take care of one’s body by abstaining from unhealthy foods and drinks and adopting a more nutritious and moderate diet. Lent is also a time to exercise one’s body by engaging in physical activities that promote strength and endurance. Lent is a time to respect and honor one’s body by treating it as a temple of the Holy Spirit and using it for God’s glory.
Rhetorically, what are those things mentioned above that are anti-christian virtues. We can imagine what an overwhelming success Christianity would have accomplished if all of them observe lenen period together. Even satan and demonic forces cannot withstand this period. The Bible says one will chase 1000 but two will chase 10,000 thousands. Leaders of denominations should look into this and come out with resolutions. The demons and forces of darkness seem to have become more daring these days! Christians need to stop these forces.
PRAYER:
Jehovah Father, kindly give your children in all Christians denominations to see the needs to o observe Lent Period together in the name of Jesus Christ.
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