Newsletter Article February 27,2008

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Several years ago I followed a fasting and prayer time through the forty days of Lent and found that it changed my view of Easter and it changed me. Fasting and meditating on my weaknesses helped me grasp the intense significance of the crucifixion, and gave me a deep and powerful longing for the resurrection, which then became joy on Easter Sunday.
Before Christ, the world called out to God (in the words of David, King of Israel),
“How long, O Lord? Will you be angry forever? Will your jealous wrath burn like fire?” (Psalm 79.5)
Easter is the once and for all time answer to this question. Jesus took our place on the cross to appease God’s righteous anger. He went alone to be punished: separated from God and deserted by his friends. The drama of how this happened is the story of Lent. Before the resurrection comes crucifixion; before crucifixion comes prosecution; before prosecution comes betrayal, doubt, fear, rebellion, and sin.
Lent helps us experience our part in the Passion (suffering) of Jesus. We face our humanity during Lent; we learn that sin still dwells in us, that we still carry darkness. We learn that we would likely have fallen asleep as Jesus prayed for deliverance in the garden, and we would likely have denied knowing him as he silently accepted his death sentence.
Make this Lenten season a very special time between you and God.

Pastor Michael

What to Give Up for Lent

· Give Up grumbling! Instead, “In everything give thanks.” Constructive criticism is ok, but “moaning, groaning, and complaining” are not Christian disciplines.
· Give Up 10 to 15 minutes in bed! Instead, use that time in prayer, Bible study and personal devotion.
· Give Up looking at other people’s worst points. Instead, concentrate on their best points. We all have faults. It is a lot easier to have people overlook our shortcomings when we overlook their’s first.
· Give Up speaking unkindly. Instead, let your speech be generous and understanding. It costs so little to say something kind and uplifting.
· Give Up your hatred of anyone or anything! Instead, learn the discipline of love. “Love covers a multitude of sins.”
· Give Up your worries and anxieties! Instead, trust God with them. Anxiety is spending emotional energy on something we can do nothing about - like tomorrow! Live today and let God’s grace be sufficient.
· Give Up TV one evening a week! Instead, visit some lonely or sick person.
· Give Up buying anything but essentials for yourself! Instead, give the money to God. The money you would spend on the luxuries could help someone meet basic needs. We are called to be stewards of God’s riches, not consumers.
· Give Up judging by appearances and by the standard of the world! Instead, learn to give up yourself to God. There is only one who has the right to judge, Jesus Christ.
I hope these tips will help you towards a meaningful and holy Lenten season.
Pastor Michael