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Good March Disciples,

As many of you know, we are well into our Lenten Journey. I remember Lent as a time when we gave something up, but the purpose is much deeper. Lent is a journey in our wilderness, where we return our focus on Christ, realigning ourselves with our faith, and remembering who we are and whose we are. As followers, Lent serves a purpose, inviting us back into the quiet places of the soul.

The Prophet Joel gives us these words, “Return to Me, for I am gracious and merciful.”

Through Lent, we speak often of returning to the Lord with our whole heart. The Good News is that God is there waiting for us with open arms. The importance of the Lenten season gives each of us the opportunity to pause, admit our wrongdoing, and refocus on the One who never turns away from us.

I know how easy it is to turn away from God. Sometimes it may be an inch or even miles. Our lives are busy, our spiritual habits dull, priorities get out of order, and even joy fades. The Lenten season is there to help realign our spiritual moments, bringing our hearts and lives back into harmony with God’s will. That is why I ask that each of us take time for ourselves, read Scripture, come and worship, help others, and allow God to recalibrate our hearts and minds.

Lent doesn’t end there; it is also a time to remember the love of Christ. Over the next few weeks, on Wednesday evenings, Pastor Beth and I will be exploring the road to Jerusalem. Our Lenten series will lead us from the gates of Jerusalem to the Upper Room, on our way to the Cross. As we make this trek, we are reminded of the justice that Jesus brought and the burdens that He carries for each one of us, remembering that in a few short weeks, we will be exclaiming Hosanna and crying at the foot of the cross. On this journey, let’s remember also that this path leads not to defeat but to resurrection.

Lent is not a gloomy march, rather it is a hopeful pilgrimage. As we walk together the next forty days, Article let’s keep our eyes fixed on the promise of Easter. Friends, the empty tomb awaits. Grace awaits. New life awaits. Lent reminds us that God is always doing something new, even in our wilderness.

May this season guide you gently, challenge you lovingly, and draw you ever deeper into the heart of Christ. And may we, as a church family, walk this journey together with faith, humility, and joy.

Blessings,
Pastor Greg Leslie