Thought of the Day !!

But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:3-4 (NRSV)

And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:16-18 (NRSV)

Today is Ash Wednesday. It's the beginning of the Lenten season where Christians have a tradition of giving something up for Lent. This is a form of self-denial and fasting. We deny ourselves something that is important to us during these days before Easter to show God that He's more important to us, to find joy in seeking His strength in our abstinence, and to learn to rely on Him more heavily.

Something we must remember though is that this is a personal thing between us and God. "Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing" when you give your alms. And when you give up something for the Lord, it should be the same. If we fast this Lenten season by giving something up and then boast about how well we're doing or look for pity in our hardships, we've already received our rewards. It then becomes something that's all about us and not all about God anymore.

May you be blessed during this Lenten season as you're strengthened by God. May you reconnect with Jesus. And may the Holy Spirit guide you in all you do so that you will find joy and peace and blessings in the Holy Trinity that is our God.

In the love of Christ,
greg