Scriptural Inspirations

Joel‬ ‭2:12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬‬‬

“Now, therefore,” says the LORD, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”
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Today is Ash Wednesday, a day that marks the beginning of Lent. Lent extends a period of 40 days before the celebration of Resurrection Sunday. Wikipedia says “Ash Wednesday derives its name from the placing of repentance ashes on the foreheads of participants to either the words “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” or the dictum “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Lent serves to remind us of the 40 days that Jesus withdrew into the wilderness, fasted, prayed and was tempted by Satan before He was crucified on the cross. Christians replicate the sacrifice Jesus made in those 40 days by fasting, abstaining from certain foods and/or festivities. They also commit themselves to prayer, meditation, reflection and repentance.

I pray that you would, even if it’s your first time, participate in the Lenten ritual this year. Make a commitment to choose a food and/or an activity that you enjoy and give it up for the next 40 days. Personally, I’m giving up potato chips.

Be blessed +++

Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at both Goodwill and The Greater Universal Baptist Churches in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial &. Strategic Consulting, and hosts “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Soul 1 Radio, Mondays 8:00 – 10:00 PM. Listen by phone” at 626-226-1448. Be sure to Friend “Matters of Faith” on Facebook and email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The Book at www.BookBlues.com.

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