Blackened Foreheads

~~~ASH WEDNESDAY~~~

~~Joel 2:12-18~~Psalm 51~~2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2~~Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Lent begins today with the marking of the ashes.

Ashes placed upon the forehead where we cannot ourselves see.

We can only see the blackened foreheads of one another.

We are quick to see another's faults, even sins.

while we are equally as quick to over look our own.

Before you wipe off the ashes tonight look into the mirror. 

Notice the cross of ashes smeared upon your own forehead.

Spend this Lent asking God to show you what 

is smudged in your soul.
Ask him to help you freshen up your heart.

God is more than willing to flood our soul with his grace...

be very careful so as to...

not to receive the grace of God in vain.

If his grace is what we need to reach our heavenly goal
then let this time of Lent be the time of grace for you.

Before you wash the ashes from your forehead this evening;
privately kneel down
ask God to reveal what he wants to remove
from your heart this year...
And then wait with an open heart.
Allow yourself to be vulnerable for his grace.

May you be Blessed with a most meaningful Lent.
We belong to a merciful God.
He has claimed us for his own.
Peace.