Lenten Devotional for Wednesday, February 20

Dr. Jim Denison's 2013 collection of Lenten devotionals is entitled, "If My People..." and comes at a time that he believes "a Fifth Great Awakening is sweeping the nations, as more people are coming to Christ than ever before in Christian history. How can you join this great movement of God's Spirit?" He goes on to write, "in this year's Lenten devotional guide, we will walk each day with King Solomon as he leads his nation into God's presence and glory. We will commit ourselves to our Father's purpose and experience his transforming power. And we will claim his promise: 'If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land' (2 Chronicles 7:14). 'If My People ...' is more than a Lenten guide - it is God's invitation to intimacy with him. Please join us on this joyous journey."

CLICK HERE for a free copy of Dr. Denison's 2013 Lenten Devotional (in a downloadable/printable Adobe .pdf file)

---

Wednesday, February 20
Would you confess whatever grieves God in your life?

What most grieves you today? The loss of someone you love? A tragedy in your community or on the news?

King Solomon knew that our sin grieves our holy God. That's why, during his temple dedication, he interceded on behalf of his sinful people: "When a prayer or plea is made by any of your people Israel — each one aware of his a ictions and pains, and spreading out his hands toward this temple — then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive, and deal with each man according to all he does, since you know his heart (for you alone know the hearts of men), so that they will fear you and walk in your ways all the time they live in the land you gave our fathers." (2 Chronicles 6:29-31)

To follow his example, make time today for a "spiritual inventory." Take a sheet of paper and pen, and get alone with God. Ask his Spirit to show you anything in your life that grieves your Father, then write down what comes to your thoughts. No one will see what you write, so you can be speci c and honest. Confess what you have written, claim God's promise to forgive all you confess (1 John 1:9), and throw the paper away.

Do this regularly, and you will stay close to your holy Father. Would you begin this important preparation for awakening today?

---

Prior to founding the Denison Forum on Truth and Culture, James C. Denison, Ph.D., was pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church, a 10,000-member congregation in Dallas, Texas. He also pastored churches in Midland and Mansfield, Texas, and in Atlanta, Georgia. He earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy of Religion and Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and received a Doctor of Divinity degree from Dallas Baptist University. He is also the the author of seven books.