How are you doing on your Lenten devotions? Have you successfully removed something from your daily routine as a sacrifice of thanksgiving? Also, have you been faithful in some new and special almsgiving?
Of course, these Lenten devotions are not meant to gain salvation, that’s by grace alone. These devotions are meant to reset our minds and hearts. I am always blown away at how giving up something so basic proves to be more difficult than I expect. I find it fact that I take for granted so many gifts Almighty God has blessed me with. I find the weakness of my flesh all too real, and so the desire denied is filled with moments of prayer of humble thanksgiving and repentance.
To give additionally is also telling, and I do find it also challenging. This is true even when the almsgiving amounts are quite small. And so the mission of the Lenten devotions always brings about the desired outcome. I once again recognize how weak I am, and how significant I fail in my attempts and desires to walk in faithfulness to God’s desire for my life.
Am I alone? Have you experienced this truth for yourself as well? These devotions really serve their purpose well for me. I recognize my depth of error even to the simplest moments of life. I recognize both my need for a Savior and the depth of suffering my sin laid upon my Savior.
Today, let’s all take some time and consider the constant need for us to find conviction of the Holy Spirit and our continuing need for repentance. As we do so, let us consider our verse for today, which speaks of a Truth that flows with endless hope (2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV):
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Our prayer comes from Julian of Norwich (Occasional Prayers #92, 2019 BCP, page 673)
O God, of thy goodness, give me thyself, for thou art enough to me, and I may nothing ask that is less than may be full worship to thee; and if I ask for anything less, I shall always be in want, but only in thee have I all. Amen.