From Pastor Joe...

Lenten History:

The word "Lent" has an Anglo-Saxon origin, meaning "Spring." You can see the spiritual parallels –from ashes to new life. The same story is found in the Bible. As believers, we experience death in Christ, so that we can experience his life (Philippians 3:10-11). Therefore, we need to grieve for our sin (James 4:9-10) so that we can experience the life of Jesus This is the journey for every believer.

Psalms Experience:
From what I have read, a penitential Psalm is read at the beginning of each week in Lent . Today's Psalm is just that. Here are some guidelines this week for your Psalm readings:

Enter into the Psalm experience. The Psalms are the language of emotion. You have to feel them to do justice. The Psalms are for people not afraid of emotion and who also live on the edge of life. It is the place where faith strikes life like flint strikes steel.

If you are not in the emotional space of the Psalmist, then here is my suggestion. Use his words to pray. For instance, when David says, "I am deeply sorry for what I have done." You may not feel like you are in his penitential space, so pray, "Lord, what is in my life that I need to confess?" "Lord, help me see sin like you see it." Lord, help me feel the wrong I have done." Lord, help me experience your forgiveness."

For families:

Psalm 38 is helpful for kids to get a sense that sin has consequences. Sin should also cause remorse. Often, my kids say "sorry" to each other like it is mechanical often lacking a genuine remorse. This Psalm teaches us the saying sorry is more than what is spoken on the lips, but also it is felt deep within.

Pastoral/Personal Experience:

Here are some thoughts from others and myself...

From Others:

"I really enjoyed the Lenten service last night, just another way to consecrate myself to the pursuit of God’s presence in my life. Thank you for all of your effort in prodding us toward the kingdom!"

"This time of Lent is so exciting! Thank you for making it a part of Blue Sky. The stations set up around church that evening were wonderful. Also, thank you for praying for our family. During this time of Lent I feel so much more hope. I guess I was running low. The Psalms you choose are great. I noticed they were so far short and very clear about the message they are sending. They have been easy to use with the boys and very powerful for meditating on. We are looking forward to the rest of the journey. Thank you as well for the daily emails they are adding depth to the journey."

"It was an awesome evening the other night! Please give feedback to your worship team that they did a great job in making it a spiritually powerful experience. It made me more focus during this pilgrimage."

From myself:

The Ash Wednesday service was an amazing start. I loved seeing Kristi Carleton in her giftedness as she directed the worship service. Loved Nick leading worship until 9pm. Loved seeing families worship together as they went around to the prayer stations. Loved how the youth and young adults closed the night. Loved seeing others go around the room and pray for others. Loved seeing how people confessed their sin to each other and not just to God. Loved the weeping and the dancing.

Keep walking and may you experience God's renewal!

-Pastor Joe