Refocus

New season, fresh outlook

I grew up in a Pentecostal/Charismatic church in the Assemblies of God. My Catholic friends talked about giving up something for Lent, but I didn’t really understand or think about the church’s liturgical practices for many years of following Jesus. A few years back, I began to incorporate some liturgical traditions into my walk with God and in the life of New Hope Church to deepen discipleship. We can use traditional liturgy as a template to focus our relationship with Jesus and bring a fresh focus on Jesus.

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1–3 (NIV84)

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a significant season in the Christian liturgical calendar. This preparation period leading up to Easter begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Holy Thursday. Lent is traditionally observed for approximately 40 days, symbolizing the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert.

What’s the focus?

Many see Lent as a time of reflection, repentance, and spiritual discipline. Giving up something for Lent is often seen as an act of self-discipline, and there is great value in building self-discipline. A more incredible blessing awaits the person who takes the opportunity to refocus on Jesus. We can get caught up in what we are giving up or how we are practicing a particular spiritual discipline and miss the point. Focus on Jesus. As we enter Lenten 2025, let’s focus our hearts, our attention, and our thinking on Jesus.

Throughout history, people have tried to find Jesus. They have searched academically, historically, ethically, and philosophically. The first followers knew Jesus as a friend, a rabbi or teacher, a miracle worker, and the Christ. The more they followed, the more they saw Jesus for who He was and is. Let us take this season to follow Jesus in the Gospels, in devotion, in worship, and in prayer. And may we come to see Jesus for who He really is. This reminds me of a song by Steven Curtis Chapman from years ago…

Giving Nothing Up For Lent

I don’t plan to give up anything for Lent. I may remove some things that distract me from pursuing Jesus, but my focus is not on what I give up. My focus is on what I gain through Jesus.

What does this look like in practice? I am glad you asked. First, I will spend time daily reading through the Gospels. I am going to use the New Living Translation this year. As I read, I will keep asking three questions? 1) What does this story tell me about who Jesus is? 2) What does Jesus tell me about who God is? Jesus came as God incarnate to reveal who God is. So I want to think about that question. 3) How does Jesus see me and the world that I am living in? I like Jesus’ perspective on life.

Second, I am going to focus my praise and worship on Jesus. As I listen to and sing different worship songs, I will focus on who Jesus is more than my feelings. Sometimes, we can worship our experience more than the Divine. My playlist will be crafted to concentrate on Jesus.

Third, I will talk to Jesus rather than pray at Him. I will strip my conversation of religious words and speak to Him normally. I will not worry if I am saying things the right way; I will just tell Him what I am thinking and feeling to the best of my ability. And I will listen to see what He says to me.

Join Me On The Journey

I want to invite you to join me on this journey. Let’s see Jesus. Throughout this season, I will post thoughts and devotions and share some experiences. Would you share your Jesus sightings with us? Maybe a song or a prayer that helped you. Together let’s Refocus on Jesus.