ASH WEDNESDAY

​From Jim's Cluttered Desks
March 2, 2022

Today is Ash Wednesday. This is the day of the Christian calendar where we set
aside some specific time to sit still for awhile. Many churches have worship
gatherings. Some Christian traditions include placing ashes on each worshippers
forehead reminding u “for dust you are and to dust you will return.” (Genesis 3:19)

For some of us a discussion about our mortality (that we each will die) is not
welcome. For others it can become a fearful expectation that dominates their life.
Ash Wednesday helps balance those two extremes.

It helps us admit to ourselves that there will be a day when that part of us that
lives forever will leave these “wonderfully and fearfully made” bodies of ours. It
also helps us prepare for this. advanced directives, wills, bequests, funeral
arrangements are important and thoughtful. But then there is being prepared
spiritually. “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face
judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many.” (Hebrews
9:27) Ash Wednesday offers an opportunity to prayerfully evaluate the “state of
our souls.”

On what and who are we depending as we live here and when we cross over?
Knowing we should fill out an Advanced Directive, compose a will, or plan our
funeral service doesn't get it done. Knowing you should make a decision to follow
Jesus doesn't get it done either. Knowing and doing are two different things.

Use this Ash Wednesday as a day to decide to follow Jesus; believing that he is
the Son of the Living God, naming him as your Lord and Savior, letting his
teaching and example become your guide, and become (or continue to be) part of
a group of people who have decided the same thing. May your 2022 Ash
Wednesday be a blessed time.

Be not afraid,
Pastor Jim

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blessed assurance control, that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and hath shed his own blood for my sake.
It is well with my soul.                                               -Horatio G. Spafford