Today is Ash Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Colossians 2:16-17 says,
"Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days; 17 which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ."
This is the first day of the 40-day Lenten season. Ashes are put on the forehead sometimes in the symbol of a cross in order to remind us that we are totally dependent upon God for redemption from sin. Ashes are also like a symbol of death. From dust we came and to the dust we shall return. Death is symbolized as well when we crucify our flesh to let the life of Christ live through us. It is not what happens to us in life that matters, but it is in how we respond to it. We crucify our flesh in those moments when we choose to respond to a situation in a way that would please God and not the way that would appease our own fleshly desire.
Galatians 2:20
"I am crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Although this day is set apart for repentance and devotion to God, confession and repentance should be a part of our every day walk with the Holy Spirit. As we learn to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit the Bible teaches us that He will lead us into all truth. When the Holy Spirit shows us something it is our responsibility to humble ourselves and follow Him. It would not be wise to wait until Ash Wednesday to repent, but repent quickly so that we do not allow anything to put a wedge in our relationship with God. It is vital to keep communication open with the Holy Spirit and that we remain teachable always trusting in His mercy and His blood to keep us. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten Season a time of fasting, prayer, and intimacy with God. It is a time to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow Him however He leads us.