Greetings as we enter into our second month for 2015. This month, we enter the season of Lent on our church calendar. This is a time of reflection, heart-searching and repentance. It is a season where we are called to focus our lives before God in humility and thoughtfulness. I always love this time of year because it points me to the Cross of Jesus Christ. It reminds me that God seeks and saves the humble of heart. It creates a picture for me of the grace and forgiveness that God extends to me as by faith I seek Him. Isn’t it wonderful?
No matter what you and I have done, no matter how we have failed Him, no matter how we have strayed, like the father welcoming the Prodigal son home with open arms, God extends to us His arms of forgiveness, grace and mercy! Amen! All we need to do is come to Him!
This is also a season of renewal; a time of re-commitment of our lives to Him. During this season, we are seeking a fresh outpouring of God’s mercy, which He gives freely in Christ. May I suggest a simple prayer for this Lenten Season? It’s very easy: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me!” The word, “mercy” is such an enormous word and can mean so many things to people. But in essence, to pray “have mercy” suggests that for the petitioner there are no names to drop, nor anything to bring, no hopes or dreams, no claim to stake, no honor to defend, no project or plan or intent to explain. Only nakedness and transparency before a Holy God. Fatigue perhaps, perhaps regret, perhaps collapse, but that is all. It is opening one’s heart before God and asking for His touch upon us. Like a baby bird opening his mouth, asking for nothing, waiting to receive whatever is given; except we have an advantage. We know what God gives to the repentant heart….mercy! Hallelujah!
So this season of Lent, pray the prayer every day, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me!”
Then receive what He gives to us so generously and watch how your life will change. Pray it as often as you feel you need to every day. As the Lord of all, He is delighted when His people call upon Him for mercy. II Chronicles 7:14 majestically declares to us: “…if My people, who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
God bless you richly this Lenten season. As always, I am available for any help I can give to you. My phone is on and my door is open! Remember, above all things, despite what the world projects, whatever anyone else tells you….Jesus Christ is Lord! Amen!
Grace to you,
Pastor Rob