As I mentioned in here, I’m reading Maggi Dawn’s book, Giving it Up: Daily Bible Readings from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day as a devotional guide during Lent.

In reflecting on the third and final temptation of Jesus in the wilderness in Matthew 4:8-11, she writes:

Misusing power to take control is a temptation that comes to all of us in some way or another.  Not everyone wants to rule the world but most people at least want to control their own little world … when the human desire for control is mixed with belief in a God of unlimited power, the temptation to abuse power can hit overdrive.

The evidence of God’s power in our lives is shown not through controlling other people but through using the power we have to serve others.

As a leader in our local church, I see various opportunities to “control” through inappropriate uses of power.  Following Jesus’ example means overcoming this temptation by choosing the right use of power – the kind that equips and empowers others as a service to God.

Our community is currently in a season of transition.  We are renovating an old furniture warehouse to be used for ministry space, doing most of the construction work ourselves.  As this process caries on (seven months now), I feel pressure to employ a little of what Maggi calls “benign bullying” to get the work done faster.  And while I genuinely wish more people would volunteer and help finish the work faster, I struggle with how to lead through this.  I want to use the “power” God has given in the context of our church boldly and authentically, and yet always for the benefit of others, never manipulating toward a self-serving end.  So, I find myself praying for the strength of the same Spirit that led Jesus through this test — that I may not seek to control the situation by an inappropriate use of power.

Related posts:

1. With An Eye Toward Lent …
2. Wondering What To Give Up for Lent?

As I explained in a previous post, this lenten season for me is all about giving up and taking on …  so, let me offer a thought on what to give up for Lent.

Maggi Dawn, in her new Lent devotional, gives some insight into the history of “giving it up” during this season:  “There’s clear evidence that for at least 1500 years the Church has kept a period of fasting during the weeks before Easter, and it’s thought that it may date even further back to the very early Church.”

A natural question for people like me, who didn’t grow up in a tradition that observed Lent or other “fasting” days of the Christian calendar, is “Why?”  What’s it all about – giving up something for 40 days?

Maggi Dawn answers:

This fast has several purposes.  It’s supposed to remind us daily that we depend upon God for everything, to draw us closer to God in prayer, to reconnect us to the idea of community, and to help us follow Christ’s journey through the wilderness and on to Jerusalem.  In the Old Testament, the prophets called the people of God to a ‘true fast’, one that was not merely the observance of traditions but one that transformed their lives.

So, with these purposes in mind, I’ve decided to give up some different things each week of Lent.  I hope this can be a “true fast” and a discipline that expands my capacity to love God and love others.

For this first week from today until next Saturday, I’m going to give up “treats.” Here’s what’s included:  anything sweet, anything self-indulgent — no new books, music, or anything unnecessary.  No movies, no eating out, no buying coffee (yikes!).  Looking forward to seeing how this affects me.  I’ll blog the highlights!

Related posts:

1. Preparing for Lent: Renewal and Rest
2. With An Eye Toward Lent …
3. Giving It Up for Lent: Power, Control, and Bullying

Giving up and taking on … these two phrases reflect my approach to Lent this year.  First, I will identify things in my life to “give up” – things in which I’ve (mis)placed my dependence and trust.  Second, I will identify a couple of spiritual practices to “take on” – practices that will increase my capacity to love God and love others.

O Lord, our Lord, you have created us for yourself;

and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.

~ Augustine

I have filled my heart and my days with too much – the kind of “too much” that denies peace and promotes restlessness.  I have neglected the pursuit of peace in the presence of God.  So, for me, the lenten journey needs to be a season of discovering my “rest” in God, even as I invite the Spirit to prepare me for the cross and resurrection of Jesus.

I’ll be posting over the next 40 days about things “given up” and things “taken on” … my purpose is renewal through self-reflection and rest through embracing God’s peace.

Related posts:

1. Wondering What To Give Up for Lent?
2. Resources for Lent

Anyone celebrating Mardi Gras today?!

What about Lent? The season of preparation and journey to Easter begins tomorrow, Ash Wednesday. Do you observe this religious season? I’d love to hear from you in the comments: What, if anything, does Lent mean to you? If you deny or limit yourself, what do you do, why? Not for ego, attention, or any ‘holier-than-thou’ moments(!), but to share with others who might glean from your example …

Recently, I’ve been reading Christine Sine’s blog.  She has an excellent post on Lenten Resources.

I urge you to check out the Lenten guide entitled, “A Journey Into Wholeness.” This is a wonderful guide for the season leading up to Easter. Take a minute and check out the way the weeks of Lent are broken down in this guide and see if you’re not hooked! I’ll be journeying this way beginning tomorrow.

What about you? Is Lent a meaningful part of your walk of faith?

Related posts:

1. Wondering What To Give Up for Lent?
2. Preparing for Lent: Renewal and Rest
3. With An Eye Toward Lent …