Find out more about what Lent is, who observes Lent, and for the full 40 days calendar.

 

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DAY 13 – March 4, 2015

RIGHTEOUSNESS

God says that only those who hunger after righteousness will receive it. God thrusts this heavenly manna on no one. You must desire it, above everything else. Your yearning for God must supersede all other desires. It must be like a gnawing hunger and a burning thirst. (Hunger for Righteousness originally posted on BillyGraham.org)

{Read more: Proverbs 21:21, Romans 12, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Timothy 6:11}

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DAY 14 – March 5, 2015

MERCY

An instrumental part of childhood development is learning that there are consequences to our actions. If you touch a hot stove you will burn your hand; if you step in front of traffic you can get hit by a moving vehicle; if you break the rules you receive a punishment… Yet, sometimes the consequences aren’t so clearly seen. Because of the Cross, we are given the gift of God’s mercy. Christ took on all of our sins so that we can escape death – a punishment we each deserve – and have eternal life with Him if we believe and give our lives to Him.

{Read more: Lamentations 2:22-23, Luke 6:36-37, Titus 3:4-5, Hebrews 4:16, 1 Peter 1:3}

Have you ever felt desperate for God’s mercy?

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DAY 15 – March 6, 2015

FORGIVENESS

Have you ever thought of the ways that we sin creeps in each day (Romans 3:23)? Impatient driving in traffic… a cross thought towards someone you encounter… an accidental omission of facts. These are things we don’t give a second thought to – and then there are the more glaring instances that maybe only happen once in a while. Our sinful nature can’t be eliminated, yet, our sins can. If we confess our sins they are forgiven – without questions or warrant – because the price has already been paid (Romans 5:8).

What holds you back from fully accepting God’s forgiveness?

{Read more: Zechariah 3:3-4, Psalm 51:2-7, Matthew 6:9-15}

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DAY 16 – March 7, 2015

WISDOM

Wisdom comes from knowledge; knowledge from learning. King Solomon was known for his wisdom, which are recorded in the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs (Song of Solomon). One of the earlier examples of his wisdom was when two women each claiming a baby was her own asked the king to side with her (1 Kings 3:16-28). Solomon ordered the child be cut in two and dividing equally between them – and in doing so found the rightful mother.

{Read more: 1 Kings 10:1-9, Proverbs 1:7, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; 1 Peter 2:2-3}

What will you do to seek God’s wisdom today?

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DAY 17 – March 9, 2015

LEADING

There are many different leadership styles. Jesus had the omnipotent vision of the Father, but also was a servant leader. He called the disciples to follow Him and to learn from Him, and then gave them authority over the church. He commissioned His followers to spread the Gospel, teach Truth, and give the new disciples the same authority to further grow the Kingdom of God (Matthew 28:16-20).

Sometimes we see positions of leadership – or are in places of leadership – and feel that that elevated place is allowed all power and authority. But like all gifts, being placed in a position of leadership is a privilege, and “with great power comes great responsibility (Voltaire).”

{Read more: John 13:15-16, Titus 1:7-14; Hebrews 13:17}

How can you be more like a servant leader today?

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DAY 18 – March 10, 2015

IMPARTIALITY

Prejudice. Bias. Judgment. We see these things all around us. Every day in the news there are more stories of intolerance. We develop a sense of callousness but at the same time a heightened perception of injustice. We are supposed to love our neighbors but how can we love someone who is causing us – and others – to suffer? We choose not to love their sin; the malady of their character. In turn we can pray for their guidance, be a good example of fair and kind treatment, and share truth at each Spirit given opportunity.

{Read more: Matthew 7:1-5; John 4:1-42; John13:34-35; Romans 12:3; Galatians 3:28}

How will you choose to show impartiality today?