40 Days With Purpose

Today is "Ash Wednesday" and the beginning of the Lenten season for Christians throughout the world. "Ashes" signify repentance and the beginning of renewal. In the Bible repentance is always the first step for God to work (Nehemiah, Jonah, John the Baptist), "Repent, for the Kingdom of God is close". For me, its a new day, a new time of renewal. I will blog about my 40 day journey and I pray that you too will come along.

At 6 AM the Lord woke me up again, this is becoming habit for Him . . . seems like He heard my prayers when I asked Him to wake me so that He and I can spend time together. I will be reading through the Psalms and Proverbs during the next 40 days plus reading through the Devotional Classics by Foster. I also am spending half of my time in prayer.

"Lord, I want the next 40 days to walk close to you. I will wake up at 6 am for the next 40 days and spend time with you: I will be praying for my family, the new church plant in CFB and my walk with you. I need you desperately, give me the strength and reminder to do this. I will also be working to think more of you and learn from you throughout my days. In my family life I will work to be the spiritual leader which includes bringing Jesus more into our family and getting us more involved in spiritual exercises. In my physical body I will work on not drinking any soft drinks for the next 40 days, I will exercise at least 3x per week but with the goal of doing it 5 days a week. Heal me for my foot is hurting and I need my feet and legs to get me to exercise.

This morning it was good to spend time with you, especially in prayer and the Word. I was so encouraged by Psalm 1 and Proverbs 1. I want to be the tree that is planted by waters, I want to see more fruit out of my life for you, more than I ever imagined, more than I can do on my own, more than I deserve. I also was moved by vs 2-4,

for attaining wisdom and discipline;
for understanding words of insight;

³ for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life,
doing what is right and just and fair;

⁴ for giving prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young-

That is what my life is all about, getting discipline myself and doing what is right but then giving it away to the young. Lord help me do this well.

I also was moved by the verse that says the wise seek knowledge. The wise don’t have it but seek it. Its not about arriving but about pushing forward for it. Oh Lord help me!"

Reading excerpts from C.S. Lewis this morning, "Mere Christianity". He wrote, "Laziness means more work in the long run." This is so true, may I not be lazy but diligent in all my work, Lord help me.
"...the Church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ, to make them little Christs". Some churches do this well but most don't, seems like we are much more concerned about our newest program, building, pastors, etc . . . "God became Man for no other purpose."
Luke 14:25-33, "So therefore, no one can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions."
May our family become all "little christs" . . . thank you Lord that Bailey is showing great ability to be Jesus at school at four years old, she displays great grace and love to all, that only comes through prayer and love. . . .may Micah also become like You Lord too . . . may our marriage and home become a sanctuary to your Spirit and all who come, thank you Lord for a great wife that is so welcoming to all, so righteous. . . . help me learn from them today!