2017 Belmont University Lenten Devotional GuideSample

I feel like Lent is often a misunderstood tradition. Too often I see people giving up something they consider a luxury to try and make more time for God but they end up filling that time with something else. Too often, that something else is complaints. But God doesn’t want us sacrificing something if it won’t bring us closer to Him. 1 Samuel 15:22 says, “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice.” God is after your heart, and He has been since the day you were born. He made you and He wants to spend time with you.

I want to challenge you to use the time you gain from what you give up and spend it listening for the voice of the Lord. I know it’s hard and too often He seems silent, but as Psalm 23 teaches us, God is always guiding us. He leads us beside quiet waters and is with us in the valley of the shadow of death. He loves us and He comforts us, so much so that He paid for you with the blood of His son. That’s what this season is about. That is what every season is about. The wonderful love of a gracious God who “gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:2).

The sacrifice has already been made. The debt has been paid. Nothing you do can make you in more right-standing with God, because He already made you His child. Therefore don’t spend this time focusing on the sacrifice you are making, but on the sacrifice He made. Spend some time with the King over all kings, for He knows you and He wants you to know Him as well.
Lord open up our hearts to receive your peace, and open our ears to hear your words.

JOSHUA STARK
Senior
Computer Science Major