Today is Ash Wednesday, which officially marks the beginning of Lent— a 40-day season of repentance and spiritual renewal leading up to Easter. Traditionally, Lent is a time to give up an indulgence or habit which can tempt you away from Christ. You will have a special opportunity to make your Lenten commitments during this Sunday’s service at Cornerstone. Please prayerfully consider the following so you will be prepared to make your commitments on Sunday:
For the season of Lent (from now until Easter Sunday) I will surrender: ___________________________, which can tempt me away from Christ.
In it’s place, I’ll commit to: __________________________, in order to draw closer to Christ.
EXAMPLES OF THINGS TO GIVE UP:
Certain TV shows or TV altogether, late-night web surfing, coffee, unhealthy snacking, working late, video games, eating out, other frivolous purchases, etc.
EXAMPLES OF THINGS TO TAKE UP:
Various forms of prayer and/or scripture reading, serving others, donating to a Christian charity, volunteering, etc.
The key is to be SPECIFIC and GOAL-ORIENTED. “Quit complaining,” is probably too general. A better commitment might be: “Thanking God for a blessing in my life every time I’m tempted to complain.”