I missed Ash Wednesday. Well, not really. I was aware of it. I knew when it came (and went). But since I am not from a tradition that typically observed/observes it, I often consider it just another day on the calendar. However, I do try to be more aware of its significance. I do know that Ash Wednesday is the start of what we call the “Easter season.” It is the start of the 40 day journey to Resurrection Sunday.
I may sound somewhat cynical here but please don’t take it as being any less sincere: I don’t need a reminder of how sinful I am. I see that every day-whether as I read my Bible, journal, interact with people, or just live my life. I feel like the Apostle Paul in Romans 7:15- “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” Busted!
But thank God for the cross!! A most unusual psalm fits in right here: Psalm 130. That psalm is the basis for my sermon Sunday on the shadow of the cross. I’m borrowing from Paul David Tripp’s new book, Journey to the Cross for this message. He gives 6 lessons the shadow of the cross teaches us. They will be the first part of my message followed by a look at Psalm 130. I also plan to share those 6 lessons in two posts next week. I’d love to have you join me and the church I pastor either in person or online. And as always, if you are unable to do so, then prayer is always appreciated.
I’ll close this post with words from a Petra song: “Never perfect, but perfectly forgiven…This is life as we know it forgiven and free, life as we know it more abundantly.” (Life As We Know It)
I will certainly be tuning in on Sunday, Bill, but with the time change? It might have to be the later service.
Blessings and prayers!
Yeah that time change might make it a bit tough. 🙂
Yeah, I don’t need to be reminded of my sins either. 🙁
I only ever had one one of Petra’s albums. Although just a worship album it still was pretty good.
I liked Petra a lot in their day. This was from Jekyll and Hyde, a later album (in the early 2000s). It was one I really liked.