It's the season of Lent

Lent is the 40-day period leading up to Palm Sunday where, traditionally, the church has fasted, done heart examination and repented of sin. Lent mean’s “slow down.”

Slow down? I’m not sure that is in our vocabulary. Sometimes, I have to schedule a “slow down” on my calendar. We all should.

Lent is like a regular “heart checkup.” People with weak hearts need a regular checkup at the Doctors as we need to check our hearts during Lent. Are we following the right plan or the “right” plan, God’s plan for us?

Lent is like a “Spiritual New Year” … did anyone make any New Year’s resolutions? Lent is “resolving” and renewing your love for God. “Repent, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19)

From the Greek word “metanoeo” where we get the word “metamorphosis.” To repent means to go through a radical change, like a caterpillar to a butterfly … or a frog to a prince! Butterflies represent a total new radical change … they will never be the same again, and neither will you when you repent and give your life to Jesus!

Turn to God. “Repent” Greek: Repent means “to turn about” “a 180.”

It’s like going from Nebraska to New York, and then turning around to go to California. A complete change of direction. God wants to totally change people, not just give them a little direction in their life.

Two positive results: Our scripture says there are two positive results to repenting and turning to God: (1) Your sins will be wiped out but God promises to wipe them out … to erase them until they’re gone. (2) Refreshing. Imagine it’s over 100 degrees outside and you just finished a 10 mile bike ride or run … how good does a tall cool glass of water taste? When we have repented and turned to God, it’s like a tall glass of refreshing water … the weight of sin is gone.

We all want to feel refreshed. Do you have any sins you would like to confess and ask God’s forgiveness? Do you need to dedicate or rededicate their life to the Lord? “Dear Jesus, I know that I have sinned. I am responsible. There’s no one else to blame. Please forgive me and come into my life. I now turn away from my sin to follow you and to be Your disciple. Give me the strength I need to do so. I love you!”

Lauri Beach

First United Methodist Church, Parish Worker