Image courtesy of Evgeni Dinev at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Lent is one of my favorite times of the year.  I think it’s because there is no hype around this season like there is during Christmas, which leaves me to consider what Christ did for us on the cross.

Without a Santa Claus for the Lenten Season, we are left with the deeds of Jesus Christ and the road to the cross; and it wasn’t an easy one.

In fact, the path to the cross was a long, hard journey and it does my heart good to remember the sacrifice. That while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (See Romans 5:8)

It truly fascinates me that through one of the most shameful ways to die of the time, we were saved from our own shame.

I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. Psalms 34:4-5

Shame is like a terminal disease that gets a hold of our body, mind and soul and torments us until we are so defeated that we are left in the grip of death.

Jesus is the healer that comes in and rids us of this disease and makes us whole again.  Without Jesus we will just wallow in our pain and never find the path to freedom.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10

This is all way easier said than done because evil awaits us at every turn.  The devil tells us the following:

1. We deserve our shame.
2. We aren’t good enough to be saved.
3. God has no use for someone like me.
4. God could never love someone like me.
5. God doesn’t care about me.

The constant whisper of negativity and damnation is hard to silence without the knowledge of what Jesus actually says…

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. Luke 23:34

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11

But seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. – Matthew 6:33

Ask and it will be given. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened for you. – Luke 11:9

I hope that you will take the time to find out more about what Jesus says so that your heart may rejoice in His Grace and His Mercy during this Lenten Season!  Let shame stay on the cross where it belongs!!

Some Wisdom for Today:  Proverbs 25:25 – Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.