40 Day Lenten Diet Day 37-40
Day 37
Effective Listening
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because our anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires (James 1:19)
The Diet: Be slow to speak. And only after having first listened quietly, so that you may understand the meaning, learnings, and wishes of those who do speak. Thus you will better know when to speak and when to be silent.
Capsule: Today, add more awareness to the conversations you have with people by making a point to fully listen to what they have to say. Try not to interrupt them when they are speaking. If an idea comes to mind, keep a piece of paper handy to jot it down and share it once they have completed their thought
Today, I will apply this idea to these aspects of my thoughts and actions:
My particular problems, condition, or situation which it can be used to correct is:
Day 38
Forgiveness
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you have a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13)
The Diet: Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.
Capsule: Today, do yourself a favor and forgive the people that have wronged you in the past
Today, I will apply this idea to these aspects of my thoughts and actions:
My particular problems, condition, or situation which it can be used to correct is:
Day 39
Lifting Weight
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. (Hebrews 12:1)
The Diet: The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone(Harriet Beecher Stowe)
Capsule: Make it a point to speak your mind. Be open and honest, yet still considerate of others feelings. You will feel a huge weight lifted off your shoulders once you have expressed yourself truthfully.
Today, I will apply this idea to these aspects of my thoughts and actions:
My particular problems, condition, or situation which it can be used to correct is:
Day 40
From the Desk of God
This is God. Today I will be handling all of your problems. Trust me, I got it! I do not need your help. If life delivers a situation that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it alone. Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours. Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Give yourself a chance to be a person who FROGs (Fully Rely On God). Take time to focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now and at this moment. Breathe!
If you find yourself stuck in traffic find the value in that moment of immobility. Should you have a bad day at work, search for words to describe how you succeeding in meeting or overcoming the challenge when it is time to pursue your next opportunity. Should you have anguish over a relationship gone badly hold it up to the contrasting light of never having known what it’s like to love and be loved in return.
Should you grieve the passing of a loved one, ask yourself why God trusted you with this individual and how can you keep their life lessons going. Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; give thanks for the opportunity to take that walk. Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror, take time to examine the years that went into developing gray hairs.
Should you find yourself the victim of other people’s bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; Remember, that without a steady diet of the Word, you could be one of them!
Loving you always,
God