Understanding Lent
An important season in the Christian calendar is upon us but many of us might not realize it. You've probably heard of the terms Lent and Mardi Gras but may not be familiar with their origins or what they truly mean…
The Meaning Behind Mardi Gras, Lent, and Fasting
By Scott Crocker
An important season in the Christian calendar is upon us but many of us might not realize it. You've probably heard of the terms Lent and Mardi Gras but may not be familiar with their origins or what they truly mean.
Lent is a forty day season of focused prayer, repentance and fasting that takes place each year before Easter, the Sunday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. These forty days represent the time that Jesus spent in the wilderness immediately preceding the start of His public ministry. Christians around the world have celebrated this season for a number of centuries and many continue to do so to this day.
For those of us in the West, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, the seventh Wednesday before Easter. On Ash Wednesday, worshipers -- most commonly, Catholics -- have ashes rubbed on their forehead in the shape of a cross. This represents "repentance" -- or the turning from self to God -- during the Lenten season. This repentance can be driven by our personal sins and for the brokenness and injustice that we experience in our fallen world.
During the time of Lent, Christians are expected to fast. It could be fasting from food completely or just meat or, in recent years, some have chosen other items like candy, caffeine or even forms of technology, like television or the Internet. (Technically, Lent lasts more than 40 days since Sundays were originally a day when one could indulge in whatever was being denied since it is the Lord's Day, a day of celebration.)
The day before Ash Wednesday is known as Fat Tuesday or "Shrove" Tuesday (or in the French language, Mardi Gras). Carnivale (which means "away with meat") is an extended festival before Lent that is commonly found in Roman Catholic societies. These are times of celebration and feasting before the entrance into the fasting period. For 2019, the Lenten season began this week with Fat Tuesday taking place on March 5th and Ash Wednesday falling the following day, March 6th. Palm Sunday is April 14th and Easter Sunday falls on April 21st.
For those of us that are Protestant Christians, the observance of Ash Wednesday and Lent is usually dismissed since many regard those as Catholic holy days. But I think that all Christians can appropriately recognize this season. For a number of years, I have participated in the Lenten season and have found it beneficial. It can be a time of dedicated Bible study, prayer, some sort of fasting and repentance and can be great preparation in leading up to the remembrance of the most significant event in world history, the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.
Whatever you might choose to do or not do during this season, I trust that your focus will be on the One who loved us and gave Himself for us. Entering into a time of self-denial and focus on Jesus can help in leading us to a place of maturity where we are more committed to Him throughout the year, whether it is a designated holiday or not. May God bless you richly as we anticipate the celebration of His victory over sin and death.
Scott
2016 August Prayer Initiative - Day 21
As followers of Christ, we believe that it is only the Great Physician that can bring ultimate healing to the people of Orlando and to our great city. Let’s pray to that end.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27)
“Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity.”
"The Healing of Orlando"
The weekend of June 10, 2016 was a difficult one for Orlando. On that Friday night, singer Christina Grimmie was killed after a concert at The Plaza Live. The following night, 49 people were murdered at the Pulse nightclub. A couple days later, two-year-old Lane Graves was killed by an alligator while on property with his family at a Disney resort.
In the days and weeks following these tragic events, the family of LBC gathered in prayer, moved forward in generosity and sought to serve those affected by these deaths. But the grief remains for the family and friends of those whose lives were lost and the road to recovery still exists for many of those injured.
Sadly, the aftermath of the Pulse shootings displayed a fractured relationship between our churches and the LGBTQ community, not only in Orlando but throughout our country. As a church, we have sought to reach out in love and compassion to those affected by these shootings. I believe that God is calling us to continue to live out the belief that the gospel is “good news for our city.”
As followers of Christ, we believe that it is only the Great Physician that can bring ultimate healing to the people of Orlando and to our great city. Let’s pray to that end.
How to pray...
- Pray that we will “weep with those who weep” and “mourn with those who mourn.” Pray that we would allow ourselves to grieve these senseless tragedies.
- Pray that we would look for opportunities to provide a listening ear and non-judgmental conversation for those who have had negative experiences with the Church.
- Pray that LBC would continue to be a church marked by an Outward Focus and a Gospel Culture. Pray that we would be welcoming to all those that God might allow to cross our paths.
- Pray that God would heal our city through the power of the gospel. Ask God to open the hearts of people to the gospel. Pray that Christians would represent Christ well to those who appear to be without hope.
For the Family
- Share with each other a time when you were really hurt or upset. Did you learn anything during that time?
- We live in a beautiful world but it is full of pain and challenges. What does injustice mean? Are there things that seem unjust to you in our world?
- Do you know someone who is going through a hard time? Maybe a friend at school or church or a neighbor? Pray for them and brainstorm ways that you can be beside them in their pain.
Contributors
"The Healing of Orlando" - Scott Crocker
Scott Crocker is the Chief of Staff for Ethnic Field Ministry, a ministry of Cru committed to seeing spiritual movements launched among ethnic minority students and faculty throughout the world. His family attends Lake Baldwin Church, where Scott serves as a deacon and leads the church’s mercy ministry to those in need. In his free time, he is a diehard fan of the Michigan Wolverines & Detroit Tigers and has coached youth basketball and football since high school. An avid reader, he particularly enjoys biographies and books about culture and American history. Scott and his wife, Lori, have four children and live in Orlando, Florida
"For the Family" - Michelle Crouse
Michelle Crouse has served as the director of LBC's children's ministry—SPLASH Kids—since the end of 2011. She and her husband Joshua were married in 2002 and have 2 children. Michelle grew up outside of Boston and graduated from James Madison University in Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She loves being with kids and loves the opportunity to be a part of teaching children how much they are loved by God, and helping them grow in their understanding of what that means.
2016 August Prayer Initiative - Day 19
When we look at the world around us, imagine the difference a generation of Christ-centered, Spirit-filled, and gospel-driven young people could make in our city, nation, and world. God is at work among these future leaders and we have the opportunity to make a difference in their lives through our prayers.
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ… (Colossians 4:2-3)
“The university is a clear-cut fulcrum with which to move the world. Change the university and you change the world.”
"Local Campus Ministries"
I was as a college student when God grabbed ahold of my heart and changed the course of my life. An impressionable nineteen-year-old sophomore, I met Jesus in a life-altering way and committed to serve Him the best I knew how. In His graciousness, God provided a group of other students who loved God and loved me well.
Through a ministry on my campus, I learned how to pray, how to study the Bible, and how to live a life empowered by God’s Spirit. I received training on how to share my faith with others. My experience through a collegiate ministry impacted me so profoundly that upon graduation, I wanted to spend the best hours of my day helping college students who were coming into a relationship with Christ. Now over twenty years later, I’m still committed to this same mission.
The college experience is a critical time for those in their late teens and early twenties. It is during this season of life that so many of the future leaders of our world are wrestling with many potentially transformative questions: What kind of work will I do? Where will I live? Who will I marry? What will I believe? What will I live for?
In the midst of all the learning, searching and questioning, we are grateful that there are a number of campus ministries that reach out to the college students of central Florida and beyond. When we look at the world around us, imagine the difference a generation of Christ-centered, Spirit-filled, and gospel-driven young people could make in our city, nation, and world. God is at work among these future leaders and we have the opportunity to make a difference in their lives through our prayers.
How to pray...
- For Intervarsity Christian Fellowship at Rollins College, and for Zack Baldwin as he leads the ministry. Pray for “open doors” for the gospel to go forth.
- For Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) at UCF, and for Lee Wright as he directs the work. Pray for students to be grounded in the Word and in love for God and others.
- For Cru at UCF as they engage in evangelism and discipleship, and for Jeremy Reddy as he leads the work. Pray for reliance on the Spirit’s power in their lives.
- For all the staff and students from Campus Outreach who were part of LBC this summer. Pray that their experiences and growth from this summer will deepen throughout the fall and that they will be strong witnesses on their campuses and in their families.
- For the college students who attend LBC. Thank God for their presence and their participation in the life of our church. Pray that their college years would be a time of spiritual growth and transformation.
For the Family
The season of late teens/early twenties is such a unique time in life full of change and choice. Share with your children some of the impactful things that happened to you during that time of your life. Each of our lives is a journey and we can’t predict what is going to be on that road, but it is amazing to look back at where that road took us. God not only knows our entire journey—he is on each road with us.
Ask your children: what is important to them right now and why? Maybe it is a friendship, an extracurricular activity, or family time. This part of their journey is preparing them for what is ahead. Find ways to be present in their journey and to look for God’s guiding hand in their lives.
Contributors
"Local Campus Ministries" - Scott Crocker
Scott Crocker is the Chief of Staff for Ethnic Field Ministry, a ministry of Cru committed to seeing spiritual movements launched among ethnic minority students and faculty throughout the world. His family attends Lake Baldwin Church, where Scott serves as a deacon and leads the church’s mercy ministry to those in need. In his free time, he is a diehard fan of the Michigan Wolverines & Detroit Tigers and has coached youth basketball and football since high school. An avid reader, he particularly enjoys biographies and books about culture and American history. Scott and his wife, Lori, have four children and live in Orlando, Florida
"For the Family" - Michelle Crouse
Michelle Crouse has served as the director of LBC's children's ministry—SPLASH Kids—since the end of 2011. She and her husband Joshua were married in 2002 and have 2 children. Michelle grew up outside of Boston and graduated from James Madison University in Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She loves being with kids and loves the opportunity to be a part of teaching children how much they are loved by God, and helping them grow in their understanding of what that means.
2016 August Prayer Initiative - Day 18
In an age where a quick tweet or Facebook post allows us to offer a critique of our leaders, God’s Word instructs us to instead pray for them. The role of the Christian is to lift up our leaders—spiritual, civic, or otherwise—before the God who sees all and knows all.
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 2:1-4)
"Praying for our Leaders"
One of the best examples of leadership in the Bible is that of Moses. The circumstances surrounding his birth, the manner in which he was raised, and the remarkable ways in which God chose to use him are an evidence of God’s power and grace. When God called to him from a burning bush it was evident that God had unique plans for Moses. He was to lead his people out of Egypt and into the Promised Land.
But Moses was a reluctant leader. He initially hesitated to be “God’s man,” though he eventually accepted his call. And even though it is obvious to us that Moses was God’s appointed prophet to deliver the Israelites from slavery, many of the people Moses was attempting to lead did not appreciate his efforts. They constantly complained. They questioned his decisions. Some even wanted to stone him. No one said leadership was easy.
In fact, leadership can often be quite difficult. Though leaders often get attention and recognition, they also carry the burden of responsibility and receive unfair criticism. Like the Israelites, we can be quick to fault our leaders without fully comprehending the weight of decisions and expectations that they carry with them.
In an age where a quick tweet or Facebook post allows us to offer a critique of our leaders, God’s Word instructs us to instead pray for them. The role of the Christian is to lift up our leaders—spiritual, civic, or otherwise—before the God who sees all and knows all. Let’s do that today...
How to Pray...
- Pray for local government officials. Pray for wisdom as they lead our city and that God would draw them closer to himself.
- Pray for law enforcement, fire fighters, paramedics, and all those who seek to serve and protect us. Pray for their protection and that they would lead with courage and integrity.
- Pray specifically for the leaders of LBC who lead us in caring for our congregation and in serving our city, our deacons. Pray for Michael Ballenger, Scott Crocker, Drew Hallberg, Candice Holtz, Adam Mikkelson, and Ernie Traynham. Pray for their personal spiritual lives, their families, and the ministries they lead. Ask God to raise up new deacons and deaconesses for our deacon team.
- Pray pastors throughout the city, including those planting new churches. Pray for Mike Aitcheson, former apprentice at LBC now planting Christ United Fellowship as a multi-cultural congregation. Pray for the Florida Church Planting Network, with 40+ churches locking arms to resource new church plants. LBC helps fund this effort.
- Finally, pray that God would use all these efforts to open the hearts of people to the gospel, bringing good news to the city!
For the Family
by Michelle Crouse
As a family, make a list of all the community leaders and servants you can think of (president, governor, representatives, policemen, firemen, judges, pastors, church leaders, etc.)
During this election season our kids are likely hearing all kinds of ideas and viewpoints about leaders or potential leaders. Give your kids some time to share what they have heard and what they think about it. Take some time to talk about how we can be respectful of others and their viewpoints even if we don’t agree with them. One of the greatest gifts we can give to these leaders and servants is to pray for them as they seek to lead and care for the people.
Download a "Community Helper" coloring sheet HERE!
For the younger children, print the Community Helper coloring sheet. Encourage them to pray out loud as they color the community helpers!
Contributors
"Praying for Our Leaders" - Scott Crocker
Scott Crocker is the Chief of Staff for Ethnic Field Ministry, a ministry of Cru committed to seeing spiritual movements launched among ethnic minority students and faculty throughout the world. His family attends Lake Baldwin Church, where Scott serves as a deacon and leads the church’s mercy ministry to those in need. In his free time, he is a diehard fan of the Michigan Wolverines & Detroit Tigers and has coached youth basketball and football since high school. An avid reader, he particularly enjoys biographies and books about culture and American history. Scott and his wife, Lori, have four children and live in Orlando, Florida
"For the Family" - Michelle Crouse
Michelle Crouse has served as the director of LBC's children's ministry—SPLASH Kids—since the end of 2011. She and her husband Joshua were married in 2002 and have 2 children. Michelle grew up outside of Boston and graduated from James Madison University in Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She loves being with kids and loves the opportunity to be a part of teaching children how much they are loved by God, and helping them grow in their understanding of what that means.
2016 August Prayer Initiative - Day 15
We each have the opportunity to serve others in our community. Whether it’s picking up trash in our neighborhood, volunteering at a local school, serving with a local ministry that cares for the under resourced or joining a once/month team at LBC, we can model God’s love for others through the way we serve them. It might cost us a little time and possibly a little sweat, but the eternal difference our service can make is worth it.
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)
“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”
"Serving Others"
There’s a gentlemen who lives in my neighborhood who is a well-known Christian leader. He leads a ministry of thousands and oversees a multi-million dollar budget. His influence on the lives of others is remarkable and the sheer number of people he’s had an impact upon would be difficult to count.
He has faithfully served the Lord for decades and shared the gospel throughout the world and, for this, I have great respect for him. But one of the things that I admire most is that while he goes for his daily morning walk in our neighborhood, he often picks up trash along the road and sidewalks in our community. No one has asked him to do this and he certainly isn’t getting paid to do it. In fact, as a very busy person with important responsibilities, some might argue that it’s not a good stewardship of his time to be picking up discarded fast food wrappers, half-consumed soda cans and forgotten scraps of paper that are the result of the carelessness of others.
But as one who seems to have a good understanding of why “Jesus came to serve and not be served,” I think he offers a good example for each of us. I would imagine there are a number of people in our neighborhood who recognize him as “that guy who picks up trash” and don’t know anything else about him. But I’m also guessing that his willingness to humbly serve our neighbors through this oft-unrecognized service opens doors for him to share about the One who not only served, but “gave his life as a ransom for many.”
We each have the opportunity to serve others in our community. Whether it’s picking up trash in our neighborhood, volunteering at a local school, serving with a local ministry that cares for the under resourced or joining a once/month team at LBC, we can model God’s love for others through the way we serve them. It might cost us a little time and possibly a little sweat, but the eternal difference our service can make is worth it.
How to pray...
- Pray for God to develop a humble heart of service within you.
- Pray for all of the faithful volunteers who serve LBC each and every week. Pray for their energy, strength and steadfastness.
- Pray for gospel-inspired service to be part of the culture of our church, and for volunteer teams to be at full strength as we anticipate the excitement of the fall ministry season.
- Pray that the members of LBC would be known by others in our community as people who willingly and joyfully serve others.
For the Family
There is excitement in the air as this is the time that school is starting back! Some children are about to begin their school journey and others are another year along in the process. How special it is that the same week that children are going back to school, we are seeking the Lord about serving others!
Carve out a little time to talk with your kids about ways that they can serve the Lord through serving others at school. Ideas might include opening doors, playing with a new friend at recess, helping your teacher clean up a mess in the room, looking for new students and introducing yourself. Sometimes just talking through ideas helps train our eyes and ears to be sensitive when events happen in our daily life when we can take a moment to extend grace to others!
As the busyness of the year kicks in, you may want to think ahead of creative times you could have these types of meaningful conversations and touchpoints with your kids —driving in the car, during a meal, while you are cleaning up at the end of the day, or while giving them a bath, trimming their nails or brushing their hair! Little moments of connection can be so meaningful and special!
Contributors
"Serving Others" - Scott Crocker
Scott Crocker is the Chief of Staff for Ethnic Field Ministry, a ministry of Cru committed to seeing spiritual movements launched among ethnic minority students and faculty throughout the world. His family attends Lake Baldwin Church, where Scott serves as a deacon and leads the church’s mercy ministry to those in need. In his free time, he is a diehard fan of the Michigan Wolverines & Detroit Tigers and has coached youth basketball and football since high school. An avid reader, he particularly enjoys biographies and books about culture and American history. Scott and his wife, Lori, have four children and live in Orlando, Florida
"For the Family" - Michelle Crouse
Michelle Crouse has served as the director of LBC's children's ministry—SPLASH Kids—since the end of 2011. She and her husband Joshua were married in 2002 and have 2 children. Michelle grew up outside of Boston and graduated from James Madison University in Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She loves being with kids and loves the opportunity to be a part of teaching children how much they are loved by God, and helping them grow in their understanding of what that means.