TO LENT OR NOT TO LENT?

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TO LENT OR NOT TO LENT?

     The celebration of the Lenten season has not always been a practice of the Protestant Church.

     The observation of Lent began in the Roman Catholic Church thousands of years ago.
     The more recent observation of the Lenten season by the Protestant Church has come after reflection regarding the pertinence in the life of the disciple of Jesus Christ. It is the relevance of practicing self-discipline, along with disciplined faith practices and its value in preparation for the holiest day in the Christian’s calendar, Easter. For that reason the Lenten practice found its way into the heart of Christians across denominational lines.

     As I serve God’s people as a leader of the Church, I encourage others to observe the Lenten season for the purpose of making their Easter celebration more meaningful and to enrich their personal walk with Jesus for a focused time. I want to say this is what the disciple of Jesus should be doing every day, all year long.

     Yes, I believe the observation of the Lenten season is a very personal decision, as well as a powerful personal experience.

     If you are interested in embarking on this powerful journey this year, the season begins on Ash Wednesday-February 17th and concludes on Easter morning! God willing, we will have a very meaningful celebration at Amo Baptist on Easter morning at 9 am and 11 am!

     There are many ways to observe Lent. You can fast during the week from Monday through Saturday-Sunday’s are days of rest from your observation as you celebrate Sabbath rest. As you fast from things in your life that does not honor God, you should replace that time in prayer, journaling, finding a way to serve others, devotion of time to spend with God or any other spiritual practice you might choose.

     This time is meant to be a time to prune away something in your life that does not honor God or is not in alignment with your faith and replace it with a spiritual discipline. After practicing a godly discipline for 40 days, it has been a proven fact that a new patter of behavior often takes place, strengthening your faith and therefore drawing your heart closer to God! It is that simple.

     I will be observing Lent this year, as I have for over 25 years. If I may be of service to you or may enrich your Lenten experience, please feel free to call upon me.

In His service and yours,

Rev. Shelly A. Zook

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