40 Days of Pursuit: Seeking God’s Heart in Lent

In this engaging episode of "Faith with Friends," Lisa discusses the significance of Lent as a period of spiritual renewal and transformation. Opening with a reading from John 15:4-5, Lisa emphasizes the necessity of remaining connected to Jesus to bear spiritual fruit. She elaborates on the concept of "abiding in Christ" as an ongoing relationship characterized by constant dependence and faithfulness.

Throughout the episode, Lisa uses various biblical references and themes associated with Lent, such as fasting, repentance, and spiritual introspection, to create a meaningful narrative about the season's purpose. She underscores how the 40-day period of Lent is akin to biblical accounts of figures like Moses, Elijah, and Jesus, who all experienced profound spiritual transformation after seeking God. Lisa offers practical advice on how to practice Lent by reading scripture, praying intentionally, and cultivating a sincere relationship with God. With a call to action, she encourages listeners to use Lent as an opportunity to deepen their faith and live out the power of the resurrection.

Key Takeaways:

• Lent is an ideal time for spiritual renewal and to deepen one's relationship with Jesus by studying scripture and engaging in meaningful prayer.
• Abiding in Christ means maintaining an ongoing, constant relationship rooted in faith, as emphasized in John 15:4-5.
• The 40-day period of Lent mirrors significant biblical events where spiritual growth was achieved through fasting and introspection.
• Practical steps to observing Lent include focusing on scripture, personal reflection, seeking God's truth, and being open to transformation.
• Gratitude and recognizing God's presence in life are vital for spiritual growth and alignment with God's will.

Notable Quotes:

1. "To abide means just to remain or to dwell, stay connected to him, stay tied to somebody."
2. "Lent is about making room to seek God deeply and experience him fully."
3. "God doesn't give you his power to be all you want to be. He gives you his power to be all he wants you to be."
4. "Lean in, press in, pursue Him. I'll be walking this journey with you."
5. "If you do this consistently, by the time Easter arrives, you're not just celebrating the resurrection, you will be living in the power of it."

Resources:

• Podcast Website: Follow "Faith with Friends" on social media for updates and to reach out.
• Scriptural References:
• John 15, Jeremiah 29:13, Philippians 3:8-10, Psalm 27:4, Romans 12:2, John 13:34, Psalm 51:10
• Lisa encourages listeners to explore online Bible reading guides for Lent and to engage with worship songs on YouTube for an enriched experience.

Tune in to the full episode for an enriching discussion on Lent, spiritual growth, and actionable steps to embrace a closer walk with God. Stay connected for more insightful content from the "Faith with Friends" series.