I decided to join my friend Rachel and drink water ONLY between now and April 23 (not incl. Sundays). This means no Gatorade to rehydrate after a 600 calorie Zumba workout, no fresh fruit smoothie to feel healthy after eating a spicy Chick-fil-A sandwich with waffle fires for lunch....no mid-afternoon diet coke, diet mt dew, or caramel macchiato to stay awake in class... no Tuesday night African tea to help unwind during small group... no Thursday night sangria, or makers mark to celebrate an end to a hectic week...and no milk or OJ to wash down Saturday morning pancakes....So why on earth am I imposing something that is so torturous? Welp, because we are in the midst of LENT! [And yes I am a slacker and should have started this a week and a half ago, but alas I was in Costa Rica. ] Today I want to run through a few FAQ about LENT and also give you more info in case you'd like to join Rachel and I in Blood Water Mission.WHAT IS LENT?
Generally, Lent is a period of fasting and/or repentance observed by Catholics during the 40 days leading up to Easter (March 9-April 23 this year) . This time is viewed as a period of preparation, preparing hearts for what is to come (crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus). An article from a church in San Fransisco summarized it well: Think of it as an annual self-review for your spiritual life : how can I work/pray to overcome sins I've struggled with, what idols are overshadowing my love for God? , in what ways is my commitment to Christ less than wholehearted?, etc.
WHAT DO PEOPLE TYPICALLY DO FOR LENT?
1. Self-Denial/Self Discipline- Make a change in attitudes, words, or lifestyles ... forgoing or sacrificing stuff we really enjoy. "I am giving up chocolate" "I am giving up cursing" , "I am giving up watching tv", etc.
2. Acts of Compassion- Do nice things for the poor and oppressed. Ex. some people may fast once a day, eating 2 meals instead of 3, and then give the money they saved to the poor.
IS LENT BIBLICAL?
No. It isn't in the Bible, it is a tradition started by the Catholic church many years ago. The only issue arises when people observing Lent
1. Incorrectly assume that our actions can somehow earn favor with God
Our works and good deeds are meaningless, and it is only by faith in Jesus that we become reconciled to God:
"..all our righteous deeds are like filthy rags..." Isaiah 64:6 "
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6
2. Incorrectly assume that personal sacrifices atones for our sins and somehow restores our relationship with God
Only through Jesus can a person be forgiven and reconciled to God...
"Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— " Colossians 1:21-23
"For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!" Romans 5:10
IS IT OKAY TO OBSERVE LENT?
Yes! As long as you've got the right motives... Search your heart and ask yourself why you are choosing to do this... are you participating so that you may be granted access to eternal life/heaven ? (won't work) Are you participating to receive praise/attention from others for your religious acts? (God knows the truth) Or are you trying to grow closer to God by becoming more like Christ in the process? (Christ prayed, fasted, helped the poor, made sacrifices, suffered, etc ). Also, keep in mind, we can choose to grow closer to God 365 days a year, and don't have to wait for a particular date and time to do so :) .
HOW DO I PARTICIPATE IN BLOOD WATER'S 40 DAYS OF WATER MISSION?
1. Monday-Saturday drink water ONLY
2. Every time you crave a drink, write down what it would cost you (ex. Tall Skim Caramel Macchiato $3.59)
3. Sunday- FREE DAY . drink anything your lil heart desires
4. April 24 (Easter) - tally up total amount of money you saved by only drinking water during period
5. Donate money you saved to Blood Water Mission to help build clean water wells in Uganda!
http://www.bloodwatermission.com/fortydays.php
I hope you decide to join us!
1. Self-Denial/Self Discipline- Make a change in attitudes, words, or lifestyles ... forgoing or sacrificing stuff we really enjoy. "I am giving up chocolate" "I am giving up cursing" , "I am giving up watching tv", etc.
2. Acts of Compassion- Do nice things for the poor and oppressed. Ex. some people may fast once a day, eating 2 meals instead of 3, and then give the money they saved to the poor.
IS LENT BIBLICAL?
No. It isn't in the Bible, it is a tradition started by the Catholic church many years ago. The only issue arises when people observing Lent
1. Incorrectly assume that our actions can somehow earn favor with God
Our works and good deeds are meaningless, and it is only by faith in Jesus that we become reconciled to God:
"..all our righteous deeds are like filthy rags..." Isaiah 64:6 "
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6
2. Incorrectly assume that personal sacrifices atones for our sins and somehow restores our relationship with God
Only through Jesus can a person be forgiven and reconciled to God...
"Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— " Colossians 1:21-23
"For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!" Romans 5:10
IS IT OKAY TO OBSERVE LENT?
Yes! As long as you've got the right motives... Search your heart and ask yourself why you are choosing to do this... are you participating so that you may be granted access to eternal life/heaven ? (won't work) Are you participating to receive praise/attention from others for your religious acts? (God knows the truth) Or are you trying to grow closer to God by becoming more like Christ in the process? (Christ prayed, fasted, helped the poor, made sacrifices, suffered, etc ). Also, keep in mind, we can choose to grow closer to God 365 days a year, and don't have to wait for a particular date and time to do so :) .
HOW DO I PARTICIPATE IN BLOOD WATER'S 40 DAYS OF WATER MISSION?
1. Monday-Saturday drink water ONLY
2. Every time you crave a drink, write down what it would cost you (ex. Tall Skim Caramel Macchiato $3.59)
3. Sunday- FREE DAY . drink anything your lil heart desires
4. April 24 (Easter) - tally up total amount of money you saved by only drinking water during period
5. Donate money you saved to Blood Water Mission to help build clean water wells in Uganda!
http://www.bloodwatermission.com/fortydays.php
I hope you decide to join us!
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