"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is a gift of God." --Ephesians 2:8 As you'll soon see, we love this time of year. Longer days, better weather (baseball)...all help put a spring in my step. Maybe you're the same? It's just a good time of the year for fresh starts and new beginnings. Which reminded me yesterday, Louie Giglio once said, "For Lent, I'm giving up."

Naturally, we think there's something missing from his sentence. Um, Louie? You forgot something buddy. When in truth, "period" is exactly what should come next. As we begin the Lenten season, let's remember that it's all about Jesus and what He did for us; not about what we can do, give up, commit to, or accomplish. (Or about our failure to succeed at any of that.) Nothing to prove, lose or hide.

Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Knowing the pressure isn't just off - it's non-existent - how does that help you prepare your heart for the Easter season? If part of your heart's preparation is indeed physical as part of obedience and humble stewardship, will your commitments to healthier choices take on new meaning? Will it help shape not only the goals you set, but how you prepare and execute them? Lent is a heart issue, because when Jesus said, "It is finished," it was and still is. Aren't we glad we don't have to measure up? (And that actually makes me want to work harder in all areas of life. Isn't that incredible?)