The Lenten Journey
FOCUS ON FASTING
You are not the only one. Everyone in Lent struggles with their Lenten Fast. Maybe you took something on to grow spiritually. On the other hand, maybe you gave something up in order to spend more time in God’s presence. Either way, it shouldn’t be easy. Six weeks of being uncomfortable. Lent is a great reminder of how easy and comfortable a majority of our lives are, especially when it means giving something up. Maybe you have already messed up and broken your fast on accident. Maybe you forgot that you gave up coffee at 5 am when you’re tired. Maybe you were extra busy one day and you forgot to spend time in prayer. No worries. Keep the faith and keep going! Keep the fast. It’s not supposed to be easy!
Many individuals struggle in their Lenten resolution. Here are 7 ways to keep the fast.
Why Ashes
Remember that you are dust…
Ashes were an ancient symbol of our humanity. In Genesis, we read that God formed human beings out of the dust of the earth (Genesis 2:7). The Hebrew word translated dust, is occasionally translated ashes elsewhere.
When Abraham felt the need to acknowledge the difference between him, a human being, and the infinite God, he referred to himself as dust and ashes. “Let me take it upon myself to speak to the Lord,” he said, “I who am but dust and ashes” (Genesis 18:27).
When we participate in the service of ashes, we confront our sin. We recognize our inability to live up to all God has created us to be, and our need to be forgiven. No matter how often we go to church, how far we have come in our spiritual journeys, how accomplished we may feel, each of us has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
source:www.umc.org
10 lent fasts
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Gossip
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Being Late
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Social Media
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Negative Eating Habits
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Ungratefulness
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TV
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Buying Wants
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Do: Say 3 kind things a day
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Do: Daily Mini Mission
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Do: 15 min in scripture
Ways to Grow
Get a daily devotional
Start/join a Bible Study
Practice daily prayer
Kids: Collect coins each day from spare change for 'small sacrifices' and donate to a local mission.
Rest
Serve
Read poetry
Disconnect form electronics
Stop purchases un-necessities