It seems that the Christian life is filled with seasons of waiting - waiting for Christmas to come, in Advent. Waiting for the Kings to come to the stable, in Epiphany. Waiting for Easter, throughout the 6 weeks of Lent. Waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit, in Pentecost. Waiting through the months of "ordinary time," for the crowning of Christ the King. Then suddenly, it's Advent again. 

Each period of waiting has about it a particular emphasis on preparation, too. In Advent, we get ready for the promise of the ages to be fulfilled in the birth of the Savior. In Epiphany, we look for light in the darkness of winter, and wait to see Jesus in unexpected places.  In Lent, we reflect on our own tendency to sin, and look to the cross which provides the only remedy for human sinfulness.  In Pentecost, we prepare for the Holy Spirit to fill us again, so that we can be strong and make it through the "ordinariness" of daily life. And then we strive to walk intentionally with Jesus, preparing ourselves for life in the heavenly kingdom.  

During this 40 days leading up to Easter, let us take time to evaluate our commitment to Christ, and our need of His redeeming love. We will face temptation to sin, and we need to be aware of that, so that we are not caught unaware. Each of us needs to be saved! As you study your Bible, look for the strength that Jesus promises -- it's there, and it's available whenever we ask!  

The concept of thankfulness appears 73 times in the New Testament, and many more in the Old Testament. It is recorded that Jesus "gave thanks" at least seven times, for revealing eternal truths to "little children," (Matt 11:25),  for providing the means to miraculously feed the 4000 and 5000 (Matt 15:36, John 6:11), for being heard by the Father at the raising of Lazarus (John 11:41-42), at the Passover meal (Luke 22:17-18) and when He shared the bread and wine with His disciples just before the crucifixion. 

These things provide an outline for our own Thanksgiving gratitude. We are the "little children" to whom God reveals His Spirit, so that we can have an intimate relationship with Jesus. We are provided for in every way by the Lord, from food and drink to health and life-purpose. We are heard by our Father any time we pray, no matter what time of day or night, and He always listens and responds to our needs. We are joined with Jesus, like a vine and its branches, and are the recipients of His salvation. In good times and struggles, in everything, let us give thanks!   "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)   "Praise the LORD, O my soul, all my inmost being, praise His holy name.  Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits -- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion." (Psalm 103:1-4)

October is an interesting month, with Halloween coming at the end of it. In Ohio, it seemed like everyone put out spooky decorations and blow-up monster figures on the lawn. Here in the West, Day of the Dead celebrations are also seen, due to our Mexican heritage. I once served a church that prohibited any kind of Halloween party because of the traditional association with Satan worship, witches, devils, ghosts, etc. When the youth wanted to have a "Harvest Party" where they could have apple dunking, pumpkin carving, and a scary movie, they were told "if it looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it's a duck -- no matter what you call it!"  I have never been fond of scary movies, and dislike the association with the occult, but sometimes I think that our society needs a way to talk openly about death. We tend to avoid everything that has to do with dying, and that may be  one of the reasons why the tragedy of Covid deaths hit so hard emotionally. 

Christianity has the answer, of course, but too often our message of a joyful passing into eternity with a loving God gets hidden by the perceived negatives of Church rules, politics, and prejudice. The current political climate of Christian nationalism (the belief that America was divinely anointed by God, and that Christian belief should prevail in our government, schools, and daily life) muddies the water even further, especially among non-Christians who feel that they are being threatened. Why should they listen to anything taught by us?  We must be proactive about inclusiveness, protect human rights, and welcome all people before we will gain a listening ear for our message about Jesus, who loved every person enough to ensure that all can find life after death. 

So maybe you can find an opportunity to share the message of Jesus when you encounter Halloween revelers. Comment on the decorations, and maybe ask what your friends really believe about what happens after death. After all, they say that nothing's sure but death and taxes - we will all experience it!

I'm Randa Ray, and I grew up in Desert Hot Springs. While there have been many changes over the years, I think this is still a great place to live! The desert offers many opportunities to see God's miraculous creation, from our brilliant sunsets to the tiny wildflowers that bloom, unseen by almost everyone - except our Heavenly Father, who created all things for His pleasure and our joy. Some of my random thoughts about life as a follower of Jesus will appear on this page from time to time - I hope that they will prompt your consideration.

3-11-22   Lent is a strange time, when we both look back at our sins and look forward to a renewed life in Christ. We begin this period with the ashes of repentance, and end with the glory of Christ's resurrection from the dead. We are in a constant state of change, and hopefully, growth in Christ-like-ness. Now we have an opportunity to choose a future that is more healthy than the past, that helps us live into the fullness of what God intended for us.  Don't get hung up on your repentance, though, Jesus already forgave your sins and you are already beloved in Him. Live up to your calling!