We read this in Psalms:

The LORD is full of compassion and mercy, *

slow to anger and of great kindness.

He will not always accuse us, *

nor will he keep his anger for ever.

He has not dealt with us according to our sins, *

nor rewarded us according to our wickedness.

For as the heavens are high above the earth, *

so is his mercy great upon those who fear him.

As far as the east is from the west, *

so far has he removed our sins from us.

As a father cares for his children, *

so does the LORD care for those who fear him.

For he himself knows whereof we are made; *

he remembers that we are but dust.

We are grateful that God always forgives, always loves, and always trusts. But it is still our sin that Jesus dies for.

And today begins the season of Lent, and is Ash Wednesday.  Lent is the time of the year where we reflect, repent, pause, and we decide to sacrifice something remembering the sacrifice of Jesus. Lent is a darker time that makes the brilliance of Easter all the more bright. But you have to go through the night to get to the day.

Today, Ash Wednesday, is a day where traditionally many Christians around the world get marked by ash to remember that we miss the mark, fail, and sin. We remember that as the Psalmist says, “we are but dust”. It is a day to remember to repent. To give up things in our lives for the sake of Jesus. So why not actually do that.

Would you consider joining in millions of Christians who on today will repent and remember by giving up something for Lent?

Over the years I’ve given up coffee, bitterness, and other things. The point is to sacrifice something to remember Jesus sacrifice.

So would you consider joining me and many others in Lent? In giving something up so that we find someone so valuable? Giving up so that we might remember and make this Easter more meaningful than ever before?