Lent is here and another year has gone by since the last time the church calendar turned our spirit toward Jerusalem and walked with Jesus into the kingdom.

While it is true to say Lent is just another time in the year and we need to be examining ourselves each day, it is also good to have a particular time that our spiritual practices receive the time they deserve.

Unfortunately, for many Christians, the work of the day and year take precedence over that of our relationship with God. We might tell ourselves that we give God enough with evening prayers or church and worship. But then again, we are talking about our relationship with the Lord of the universe. We are talking about the One who will be the judge of our eternal soul.

For we are not the judge of ourselves or others as our words so often indicate. It often seems that we have decided what the standard of a Christian’s life should be. Often the bar we set is at a comfortable height for where we are or want to be. Not so high as where Christ has called us.

Think about how life changes over the years. Do we consider these changes in light of our call to love God and love and serve others in the name of Christ? Has our relationship with God grown as other parts of our life have? If so, drink deeply of the life-giving water that is Jesus and rejoice knowing there is always room to grow and prosper in Christ. Too often, life’s changes are subtle and we don’t even notice that our devotion to God has not kept up with other parts of our life. But when they grow, the difference in our lives is undeniably good.

I don’t believe it is easy to make alterations in the rhythm of our life, our work, and our play. But I do believe it is important to examine where we are in our active and intentional relationship with God.

My hope and prayer for our congregation is that each of us will strive to set a time in our busy days to examine our life with Jesus. I believe we will all find it fruitful for ourselves and our church.

May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Pastor Rick

---

Due to knee replacement surgery on March 13th, I (Pastor Rick) will be out of the pulpit for approximately four weeks. Our friends from the Methodist Collegiate Church, of which we are affiliated, have graciously offered their services while I am out. Two pastors from White’s Chapel are scheduled for this time. Pastor Tristan Hunt will bring the message on March 16th, 23rd, and 30th. Pastor Jon Reeves will bring the message on April 6th. I am very grateful for their support and know you will give them a warm Bridgeport welcome.

---

Are you looking for a devotional to read? We have just the thing for you. White’s Chapel, a member of the collegiate we are associated with, has generously shared an excellent devotional with us. They are very well written, with each daily writing short, but thought-provoking. And they are free! In fact, we are asked to take multiple copies so we can offer them to friends and family. May this little book be a wonderful addition to your Lenten journey!