DAY 1

ASH WEDNESDAY

Don't tear your clothing in your grief,

but tear your hearts instead."

Return to the LORD your God,

for he is merciful and compassionate,

slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.

He is eager to relent and not punish. JOEL 2:13

Why this, and why now?

Mathew 16:21.

From then on, Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day, he would be raised from the dead.

Some things we face necessitate some actions or reactions. It does not matter what brought you here or how you got to this point in your life; the important thing is that you are here and must deal appropriately.

See it as every new season, day, and moment, we get another chance to begin again. 

As we enter the Lenten season this year, let us start right. 

A wise man once said the heart of the matter is a matter of the heart. Yes, you heard right, the heart is where it all begins.

Where is your heart? What kind of a heart beholds God?

What do you bring to the table?

A broken and contrite heart is always welcome. God promises that it will not be despised.

The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.

You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Psalm 51:17.

Beloved, why are you embarking on this journey? Many things drive us to God: pain, trouble, curiosity, or you got to the point where you admit that there has to be more and only God can answer the questions in your heart. 

Understand that you need God, and to find Him, you need to come with a true heart and clean hands, and His love has been made available to you free of charge by the blood of Jesus. So come boldly and get acquainted with God's ways and will.

Why now?

The answer is simple: Now is the acceptable time. Now is the only time you are sure of.

God's love has brought you thus far, and it behooves you to reciprocate it by coming closer and taking full advantage of what has been provided for you. 

So, as we begin our journey to the cross, let us remind ourselves of what we need for this journey.

1. A broken and contrite heart

2. A willingness to learn and receive instructions from God

3. A readiness to obey

4. Letting go of preconceived notions and the past and embracing God's will and heart.

5. A clear focus on the direction you are to embark on

6. A humility of heart to admit your frailties and embrace God's covering and strength

7. An understanding of sacrifice, that which was done by Christ and that which is required of you

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. Mathew 16:24

For Further Study. Psalm 51, Psalm 24:3-6