20 things to give up for Lent

Guilt

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Fear

Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

The need to please everyone

Galatians 1:10 Am I now seeking human approval, or God’s approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still pleasing people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Envy

Psalm 37:7 Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him; do not fret over those who prosper in their way, over those who carry out evil devices.

Impatience

James 5:7-8 Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.

Sense of entitlement

James 4:6 But he gives all the more grace; therefore it says,‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’

Bitterness & resentment

Ephesians 4:31-32 Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.

Blame

Proverbs 28:13 No one who conceals transgressions will prosper, but one who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

Gossip & negativity

Ephesians 4:29 Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.

Comparison

Galatians 6:4 All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor’s work, will become a cause for pride.

Fear of failure

1 John 5:3-5 For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

Wanting more

2 Cor. 12:9 but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’ So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

Feelings of unworthiness

Philippians 1:6 I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.

Doubt

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Self pity

Romans 8:17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

Retirement

Psalm 71:18 So even to old age and grey hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to all the generations to come.

Excuses

Revelation 3:15 ‘I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot.

Lack of counsel

Proverbs 12:15 Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to advice.

Pride

Galatians 6:3 For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves.

Worry

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus

I came across this list in my old documents. So, I’m not sure where I first found it.

Happy Lent. Stay blessed…john

Gossip & negativity Ephesians 4:29 Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. Comparison Galatians 6:4 All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor’s work, will become a cause for pride. Fear of failure 1 John 5:3-5 For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? Wanting more 2 Cor. 12:9 but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’ So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Feelings of unworthiness Philippians 1:6 I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. Doubt Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Self pity Romans 8:17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.Retirement Psalm 71:18 So even to old age and grey hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to all the generations to come. Excuses Revelation 3:15 ‘I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. Lack of counsel Proverbs 12:15 Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to advice. Pride Galatians 6:3 For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. Worry Philippians 4:6-7 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Tags: Announcements