Grace Notes & Announcements

Dear Grace Family,

On Wednesday we begin the season of Lent. In most denominations today, the 40 (week) day period of fasting is not widely observed. We typically know a bit about it, but not the deeper meaning and importance.

It is actually 40 days, minus the sabbath Sundays. So, this year it begins on Ash Wednesday (February 18th), and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Resurrection Sunday. It’s not just a time of giving up chocolate, social media, or whatever else we’ve committed to help us commemorate a time of ‘fasting,’ it is also designed to be a time of personal reflection so we can prepare our minds and hearts in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice.

We know the number 40 has significance in Scripture. Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness, Moses was 40 days on Mount Sinai, there was 40 days of rain during the Great Flood… and of course, the Israelites wandered for 40 years. Scripturally, the number typically symbolizes a time of testing, trial or probation. 

How appropriate then, in this season of fear and uncertainty, that we take the opportunity to laser focus on the sovereign promise that is held in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

I would challenge our church to take this opportunity to observe Lent this year with intention and specificity. We know that there are so many examples of our Biblical ancestors fasting to petition God for something. In 2 Samuel 1, when Saul and his son Jonathan were killed in battle, we’re told the Israelites “mourned and wept and fasted for them and for the nation of Israel.”

It is time that we petition God together, to mourn, fast and pray for our Nation, our leaders and the Church. We are no longer enteringa time of spiritual warfare - we are in the midst of a spiritual battle. But we have power and authority available to us as children of God.

Esther called for a fast among the Jews before she approached the king and her nation was saved. The most important thing she was seeking was not sacrifice, it was unity. Because fasting and prayer is not about giving something up, but humbling ourselves before God and being open to His will.

It is time to put down the weapons of division - angry words, political divide, rhetoric and fear, and demonstrate that we can act like a family. God’s family.

“ Then if my people who are called by My name will humble themselves and will pray and will seek My face and will turn from their evil ways, then I Myself shall hear from the heavens and will forgive their sins and heal their land” 2 Chronicles 7:14 LEB. It is time for healing.

Be blessed my Grace Family.  God is on the throne!

   Pastor Bobbie