Lenten Fast

After much thought, I have felt convicted to spend more time in the Word during this Lenten season.  I have decided to employ the help of YouVersion and one of the reading plans from their site called, "ReThink Life: 40 Day Devotional," which has readings for 40 days (allowing Sundays to be a day of rest, as is traditional).  Normally I wouldn't publicize my study for all to see, but as a measure of accountability, I have decided to share here.

There are three parts, Scripture, Thought and Prayer.  I will post them directly from the reading plan in italics, then add my own throughts after.

Today's Scripture
"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death."
Proverbs 14:12

Today's Thought
As we begin the 40 Day ReThink Life Devotional, we have to ask ourselves the question, “Which road am I on?” So many times we go so quickly through our days that we never take the time to stop and get a true perspective of what path we are on in life and where it is taking us. God loves us so much and wants us to spend time with Him everyday.
He is “the way, the truth and the life”. He wants to guide and direct our steps on the way that he has for us, but so many times his ways challenge the norm of our culture! Don’t be afraid to begin this journey with him. He can be trusted and He has a great purpose for this day and everyday of your life. If you seek him every day you will find him and He will show you the right way!

Today's Prayer
Father, I thank you that you love me and you have great plans for me. I thank you that I do not have to walk alone even though the path you have for me is sometimes completely different than the course my culture takes. I pray you would speak to me over the next 40 days and show me your way! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This morning I was talking with my department chair about what is coming next year, and all the new demands that are being put on us from "higher ups."  I mentioned in passing that "they" are making it very difficult to want to stay in education, which he agreed with, then realized that it's not "them" that I need to worry about pleasing, it's Him.  I am pretty confident that the "path" that I am on at work is not the path the I should be on.  Too frequently I allow my own motivations get in the way, and don't trust that He does have a great purpose for every day of my life.  This Lent I want to change that.  I understand that I need to do my job, and complete the tasks set before me, but instead of working for "them," I need to change my attitude and work for the Lord.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV, Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved worldwide.