Lent: A Season for Adding or Subtracting?

“When you fast, do not look somber, as the hypocrites… instead put oil on your head and wash your face so it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting…”

Matthew 6:16

Dear friends,

As you enter Lent this year, are you TAKING ON some spiritual discipline to draw closer to God or are you GIVING UP something to help you draw closer to God? Are you adding or subtracting — and really, what is the purpose? I guess if you are giving up something that is a bad habit, the idea is if you can do without it for 40 days — maybe you can do without it for good or for several years without even thinking about it. I say I will ‘give up’ Pepsi and even when I am faithful and stay committed to it for 40 days, after Easter, I find myself back drinking Pepsi! The same is true trying to diet for 40 days — after Easter it’s right back to eating any and everything. Sadly, the same is true with some of the spiritual disciplines I have taken on in past years, adding journaling or reading a special faith-based book. I have good intentions but alas, I lack the discipline to continue forever.

The good news is that as I get older Lent seems to come around quicker, so I have another opportunity to “tweak’ my faith either by adding or subtracting. I trust that our God is a God of grace and if I fall short this season, there is the next season not too far in the distance! Speaking of grace, the sermon this Sunday is “Living by the Grace of God Alone.”

As one who lacks discipline, Lent makes me appreciate God’s grace.

Grace and peace,

Mike

PS – We are trying to update the church directory so please be sure to fill out the forms that were included in the bulletin last Sunday.  Forms can be submitted via email to newwappetawpc@outlook.com

Church Oyster Roast – Saturday, February 28^th at 4:00pm at the home of Nancy and Bob Dunn

Communion – Sunday, March 1^st

Cover Dish – After the service on March 8^th

Water Mission Walk for Water – Saturday, March 21^st

New Email Address – Please note the church’s new email address: newwappetawpc@outlook.com