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Currently, I am reading several books on various subjects.  In my Go Deeper Hour Class, I am teaching through  Jesus Outside the Lines by Scott Sauls In preparation for Easter, I am starting a devotional during Lent published by New Growth Publishing called Journey To The Cross And then my current books for "fun" are by Lee Strobel, Sinclair Ferguson and Noel Heikkinen:

I usually don't give up anything or add something during Lent.  However, I have the last two years chosen a book that will help me reflect on Jesus' death on the cross.  This year, I am reading Scandalous by D. A. Carson.  Here are some quotes from my reading last week: No, the hardest truth to get across to this generation is what the Bible says about sin. All people without distinction are both condemned and savable. . . The cross is not only the demonstration of God's love; it is the demonstration of God's justice.  Go to the cross. It is where wrath and mercy meet. Holiness and peace kiss each other. The climax of redemptive history is the cross.     

I am continuing to read Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die by John Piper. This short book with short chapters has been a great read during this time of Lent. It is great to be reminded and taught about the multiple reasons Jesus died beyond just forgiveness and heaven. Here are a few reasons for you to ponder today: To Bring Us To Faith and Keep Us Faithful To Take Away Our Condemnation To Abolish Rituals as Basis for Salvation To Make Us Holy, Blameless, and Perfect To Give Us a Clear Conscience I want to close with a few quotes that impacted me today: "The suffering of Christ secures our perfection so firmly that it is already now a reality. Therefore, we fight against our sin not simply to become perfect, but because we are. The death of Jesus is the key to battling our imperfections on the firm foundation of our perfection." "When our conscience rises up and condemns us, where will we turn? We turn to Christ."

I mentioned in a previous post that I had read Operation Screwtape by Andrew Farley. It is a great fiction book with a lot of truth to ponder and live by. One of the things that the book has challenged me to do is during this time of Lent is to spend the next few weeks pondering what Christ accomplished on the cross. We know our sins are forgiven. We grasp that death is defeated. But what else? The answer to this question will affect how you live the Christian life. I will be reading through Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came To Die by John Piper to help me in this study. I would encourage you as well to consider focusing on the "Work" (word used to describe the Cross in Operation Screwtape) during Lent.

Today, we remember the day Jesus suffered, bled, and died for you and me.  I have been going through a reading plan from YouVersion during Lent.  It has selected about 40 passages to prepare our hearts and minds during Lent.  It has been helpful to read over and over what Christ did for us.  Below I have included a verse to remind each of us that the pain and suffering that Jesus endured was because He loves us, He wants us to be forgiven, He wants us to have peace, He wants to bring healing.  Don't take this for granted, but instead thank God for the gift of Jesus and the salvation He offers.  Have you said yes to Jesus? But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)

Bethany and I were caught off guard last week when Mitchell began thinking about what he should give up for Lent.  We had not talked about it much at home, but I guess he heard Pastor Brad mention it during a sermon the previous week.  I guess he is listening more than I think he is.  Mitchell is a creative, intelligent, and passionate individual.  As with all of us, our strengths can also show as weaknesses at times.  For example, Mitchell's passion when directed appropriately is great, but can also come out in anger or being easily frustrated.  My administrative gifts can also get in the way of meaningful conversations with others when trying to complete a task.  I share all of this to remind myself that my son is growing up.  Even though, we can clash at times, I still love him dearly and the unique personality God has given him. What can at times seem to be a self-focused, authority challenging, & quirky young man can also think deeply...

OK-can I just say that God is awesome and answers prayer?  Last week, I wrote a post about not having any good ideas for families to do during Lent.  But then on Thursday, I was reminded of a couple of ideas as well as a new idea from Pastor Brad that he posted on Hesston MB facebook page. So, here are three simple ideas to use with your kids: Resurrection Eggs -Family Life has a great resource for kids called Resurrection Eggs that tell the story of Easter.  You could use these during Lent by hiding them and then telling the story for each egg.  It comes with a booklet for ideas of what to say.  You can paraphrase or read it word for word.  They are available at local Christian bookstores and you can learn more here Jesus Storybook Bible- I am planning to read through the life of Jesus with my kids from this Bible during Lent.  It is a great Bible that has Jesus as the focus of every story of the Bible.  Check it out here . Easter Tree- Tha...

On Thursday, I was reading Sticky Faith again and was reminded about another option for you during the Lenten season.  Powell & Clark share some research about helping develop a heart of service and justice in our kids.  They also talk about the growing number of youth going on mission trips, but not seeing any change long term.  They suggest it is important for service and justice to "hit close to home . . . literally, thematically, personally, and relationally."  In other words, service and justice cannot be occasional events, but instead must become part of our family's lifestyle. As I reflect on Lent and the sacrifices that Jesus has done for me, it seems natural that part of our growth during Lent can be experienced as we as families serve others and/or seek justice on their behalf.  So, what can you do?  There are so many opportunities for service and justice in your community and in our world.  Check out organizations like Compassion Int...

Yesterday, I wrote a post about looking for ideas for families to do during Lent.  I am going to be trying a few things, but do not have definite plans yet.  However, as I thought about what I might do for Lent, I thought about a few ideas to share with you.  This is a great time to begin a new "habit" to help you grow in your relationship with God.  Here are a few suggestions for you during the next 40 days: You Version (on android or Apple devices) has several reading plans for Lent.  I am currently doing one suggested by Pastor Brad.  It is called 40 Days of Lent. Fasting--Have you considered giving up food, TV, facebook, etc. during the next 40 days?  Maybe you should start small and pick one day and fast from your choice. Spiritual Disciplines-There are many great books on the Spiritual Disciplines.  You could choose silence, solitude, meditation, etc. to try during Lent.  I would encourage you to pick up Good and Beautiful God by...

I have normally not given up anything for Lent.  And I have not decided for this year either.  But I wonder about how families could use Lent in their homes.  What are some ideas for how to use these 40 days to help our kids better understand Jesus and what He did for us? I am going to experiment with some ideas for Lent this year and hopefully next year I can share some helpful resources for use in the home.  If you know of someone who has already done something for families to use during family devotions or family worship, please comment below.