FOCUS: Why Walk?...Week 1
“Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are?”
–Matthew 6:26 NLT
This Lenten season is about making a decision to "Prepare to Walk With The Father". There are some benefits to walking with God instead of walking alone. There are some benefits to walking with God instead of walking with people. It is my sincere prayer that this 2020 FOCUS for the Lenten season will heighten your relationship with God as you prepare to "Walk With The Father"!
During this first week of Lent, I challenge us to answer the question: Why Walk?
Prior to my explaining, I think this clip from Pastor Jamal Bryant is incredibly relevant for our Lenten 2020 season:
https://www.instagram.com/tv/B8tfOyYlMCd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
After watching that clip, I pray that you have a greater understanding behind the benefits of "Walking with the Father". Our God literally cares about each and every one of us even more than the birds of the air. If God feeds them, surely God will ensure that we are fed. However, when is the last time you have walked with Him?
This week I challenge us to do the following things intentionally as we "Prepare to Walk with the Father":
1. Be willing to move along (walk)
-Some times God will walk with us, but we won't walk with God. If there are some people, places, things, habits, mindsets, or otherwise that you've been feeling the unction of God to "move along" or let go. During this first week, let's work on our willingness to do so. Hey, it's a start!!!
2. Be patient with your development (walk)
-No baby just jumps to their feet to walk without struggle. Likewise, this Lenten journey is just that...a journey! Be patient with yourself, but do not give yourself an "out". You know the difference!
As you work on these 2 challenges throughout the first week or Lent, we will get our spirit prepared to walk with the Father. When we start walking, we will reap the benefits!
1. Be willing to move along (walk)
-Some times God will walk with us, but we won't walk with God. If there are some people, places, things, habits, mindsets, or otherwise that you've been feeling the unction of God to "move along" or let go. During this first week, let's work on our willingness to do so. Hey, it's a start!!!
2. Be patient with your development (walk)
-No baby just jumps to their feet to walk without struggle. Likewise, this Lenten journey is just that...a journey! Be patient with yourself, but do not give yourself an "out". You know the difference!
As you work on these 2 challenges throughout the first week or Lent, we will get our spirit prepared to walk with the Father. When we start walking, we will reap the benefits!
CONSECRATION PRAYER:
Most Holy God, here we are again. The Lenten season is upon us, and we must admit that we might sound like a broken record. We are coming another 40 days to walk with Jesus to the cross. However, this year we are pushing ourselves to not simply walk with Jesus to the cross. We want to walk with YOU daily! Please allow this Lenten season to FOCUS us and our hearts intentionally on our relationship with You. As we do so, we thank You for the benefits that await and our ever-improving relationship with You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
