He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. II Corinthians 5 : 15

I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever. John 14 : 16

...for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. Psalms 103 : 14

"Dust to dust, ashes to ashes" Ash Wednesday uncomfortably reminds us of our mortality. Some people "give up" something for Lent to grow closer to God.

Others intentionally "give to" positive intentions that help others. Many of us responded to a challenge to read the four gospels during Advent. Are we open to another challenge during the Lenten season?

Early each morning, for the next 40 days, would we be willing to "give up" 15 minutes, deliberately set aside time quietly to be with God, with no agenda, no requests, but simply to wait before Him and "be with" Him? We have the promise of his Helper in all the activities that follow during the day.

Holy Lord, you love us so much. You give far more than we could ever "give up." Help us take time to be with you. Amen.