tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post7679022973559626528..comments2024-03-28T18:22:53.041-04:00Comments on Closed Doors, Open Windows: To Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice- UpdatedPamela M. Steinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-45406734624288758972019-03-05T19:17:03.489-05:002019-03-05T19:17:03.489-05:00Pam: I enjoy the challenge of fasting something fo...Pam: I enjoy the challenge of fasting something for Lent. One year, I fasted Facebook, another year, I gave up my electronic tablet. Our former church didn't formally observe Lent. When we received a new pastor one year, we, as a church, chose to give up something. I gave up television. I always love the Ash Wednesday service, however, this year I am unable to attend due to my being ill. I kept the worship folder from last year. I plan on spending time studying it this Lenten season. I love your source list of scriptures. Peace and blessings.quietspirithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-69133231295687442752019-03-05T16:43:30.622-05:002019-03-05T16:43:30.622-05:00God desires our hearts, our obedience--He desires ...God desires our hearts, our obedience--He desires all of us. Ultimately it's about being drawn ever closer to the heart of the Lord. It's not about rituals (sacrifices) but about obeying what God directs us to do. I've learned that in my own power I can't live a Christian life all that well. HOWEVER, through the baptism of the Holy Spirit--I'm empowered to live a Christian life--"the Power Source" which "powers" me through each day, living for Jesus!<br /><br />Blessings!Kim Jollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08670842504983601263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-41329694273205410912019-03-05T14:33:09.708-05:002019-03-05T14:33:09.708-05:00Lent offers such a unique opportunity for us to co...Lent offers such a unique opportunity for us to consciously draw closer to God, I can't help but treasure the season. And if something happens to throw me off course with what I'm taking on/giving up, I run to Jesus in prayer, asking Him to give me the strength and resolve I need to keep moving on the right track.<br />Wonderful reflection, Pamela, and gorgeous photos, too!<br />Blessings!Martha Jane Orlandohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11620499267401065780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-9303789005642399492019-03-05T13:44:34.425-05:002019-03-05T13:44:34.425-05:00"Without Christ living in me, I am powerless...."Without Christ living in me, I am powerless. In my own strength, I fail miserably. He is my Power Source."<br /><br />Amen! Amen to that.<br /><br />I have not traditionally celebrated Lent. I like how you described it here. Obedience.<br />Sandihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08702620069148109246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-24038122553921567252014-03-06T21:33:48.989-05:002014-03-06T21:33:48.989-05:00So love your heart! And for Lent, I think of Roman...So love your heart! And for Lent, I think of Romans 12:11 - Never be lacking in zeal-keeping my spiritual fervor, serving the Lord! I want to add, not take away for Lent...like add more of the fruits He wants to flourish in me by His grace...cultivating fruit for Lent, yessiree! Working on our RJD post, and tweeking it all up! You are an inspiration! Hugs! enthusiastically, dawnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13491170202082863992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-37474321448927904732014-03-06T20:17:46.837-05:002014-03-06T20:17:46.837-05:00Hi Pam! I think this year I am doing much the same...Hi Pam! I think this year I am doing much the same that you did in 2010 (wow, you've been blogging a long time!). I want to get on the right track with prayer and taking care of myself. I have to respect the gift of faith and my body that he gave me. I hope to make it a joy, not a drudge.<br /><br />I love the phrase "return to me" because I know every year I appreciate the call to think and decide how I have gotten far from the Lord. It makes me happy to try again. I think it makes God happy too.<br />Blessings to you this Lenten Season,<br />CeilCeilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06293917798735764739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-30569803582119147412014-03-06T14:27:12.855-05:002014-03-06T14:27:12.855-05:00Yes,, an offering of praise, even in the midst of ...Yes,, an offering of praise, even in the midst of the struggle...keeps us going when we don't know which way to turn. Where would we be without our Power Source, Jesus Christ? This is why we need to stay tuned in and close to His side. I'm in the midst of a battle right now...thanking the Lord for His strength to carry me through. Thank you for your words of encouragement.<br />Pamela M. Steinerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-49003594008058260762014-03-06T12:59:26.669-05:002014-03-06T12:59:26.669-05:00Amen Sister! As with every fast or it should brin...Amen Sister! As with every fast or it should bring us to a new place not just away from something but towards Christ. I have, in the past, celebrated the Lenten season as God was doing some new things in my life and not that He isn't now but my church does a first of the year Daniel Fast and I wasn't where I wanted to be when they finished so I "went on". These type of "celebrations" are a stepping stone and I thoroughly enjoyed you sharing your heart with us about this.<br /><br />There are times I have done this and because I was going in on "my own strength" it was a battle to remain faithful. However, during these times of almost giving up if I back up and recognize Him, I can bring an offering of praise at the finish line, as was the case this last time. Thank you again for your transparency!<br />Blessings- Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05037940561249409130noreply@blogger.com