Ash Wednesday - Feb 25

Hebrews 12: 1-14
Excerpt: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God."

Traditionally, Lent is a time of repentance...looking into ourselves and approaching, with honesty, our shortcomings and seeking forgiveness. A question I ask myself is, what weight do I need to lay aside that will allow me to experience a full measure of God's grace? Is it big or small?

As we examine our walk, many of us would not consider ourselves"major sinners", I'm sure. However, sin is sin; there is no variation, none greater or smaller. But, rest assured! God’s gift, sending us His only Son to die for our sins while we were yet sinners and undeserving of His Grace, is there to lift us up. Just as no sin is to small to harm us in some way, no sin is too large that God will not forgive it. It is so simple…all we have to do is ask! Praying for forgiveness with a sincere and penitent heart not only repairs our souls every time we do it, but it also removes the barrier of unworthiness that we can feel, assuming that we do not deserve the forgiveness which comes from a debt which has already been paid.

So, watch out for the small things. But live in peace knowing that God’s ability to forgive us is immeasurably greater than our ability to deny ourselves of His grace.