A LIFE-GIVING LENT?

“I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life.” –Deuteronomy 30:19

On this second day of Lent, the Lord tells us that Lent is a matter of life or death. Because of what we let the Lord do in us last Lent, some babies, poor people, and elderly people are alive today who would have been killed in our culture of death. Conversely, it is possible that because of our resistance to God’s grace last Lent, some attacks on life which could have been stopped are continuing to plague us.

Moreover, Lent is a matter of everlasting life or death. The Lord is working through us this Lent in a special way so that all people will be saved (see 1 Tm 2:4). By loving the Lord, “walking in His ways, and keeping His commandments” (Dt 30:16), we will be used by the Lord this Lent to lead many into God’s kingdom. However, if we refuse to deny ourselves and take up Jesus’ cross each day (see Lk 9:23), we may defeat God’s plan for ourselves and others (Lk 7:30). Therefore, have the Lent of a lifetime. May this Lent deepen greatly your love for the Father of life. This Lent, choose life.

PRAYER: Father, may I die like a grain of wheat so that I will bring forth abundant life (see Jn 12:24).

PROMISE: “Whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. What profit does he show who gains the whole world and destroys himself in the process?” –Lk 9:24-25

PRAISE: Ed made a daily habit of listening for God’s voice. One day in a business meeting, Ed felt God tell him that he must go home immediately. He dropped everything and returned to his home. His house was located on the seashore, and he arrived just in time to save his wife, who was caught in a riptide and was being carried out to sea