A LENTEN JOURNEY (LENTEN SEASON SERIES 2) - A FAITH BASED HUMANITARIAN AND EVANGELICAL ORGANISATION

THE OIL OF GRACE FOR SERVICE

March 14, 2024

UNDERSTANDING THE SPIRIT OF DISCERNMENT

March 18, 2024

SUNDAY 17^TH MARCH 2024

AUTHOR: MARY LAWRENCE – DOKPESI

TOPIC: A LENTEN JOURNEY (LENTEN SEASON SERIES 2)

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you besides.” (Matthew 6:31-33)

A LENTEN JOURNEY

Many of us can’t stop thinking about comfort and freedom. We spare nothing to get comfort and enjoy it abundantly. But we need to shed the weight of food, drink and comfort to be closely bonded with God.

In our comfort-driven world, Lent offers a chance to reconnect with God. True fasting, as Matthew 6:16 reminds us, isn’t about showmanship, but a sincere turning of our hearts. This season, explore fasting beyond food. Let go of anything that distracts you from God’s will.

Fasting becomes a tool for focus. By letting go of earthly desires, we free ourselves to seek God first. This shift brings blessings. We become more aware of others’ needs and gain a renewed understanding of God’s plan (Isaiah 58:6, Joel 2:12).

This Lent, embrace fasting with the right perspective. Focus on what truly matters: turning your heart to God, serving others, and deepening your spiritual connection. As you prioritize God’s will, you’ll discover the power within a well-observed fast.

PRAYER

Loving God, as we enter this season of Lent, guide us in our fast. Help us quiet the noise and distractions, so we may seek You with all our hearts. Amen (within 20 words).

FURTHER READING: Philippians 4:6-7, Proverbs 3:5-6, Luke 10:41-42

Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi

Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi was born in Nigeria to Patrick Abuda Obeakemhe and Juliana Fatimatu Obeakemhe, both from Ogbona Town. With a master’s degree in law, she was called to the bar at the age of twenty-two, and she is currently the principle partner of the law firm Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi & Associates. She is also the founder of two philanthropic organizations: the Living Waters Mission and the Rose Croix Foundation. In addition to law, Lawrence-Dokpesi was drawn to spiritual pursuits at an early age, having begun studying philosophy, theology, chaplaincy, and spirit therapy by the age of eighteen. Inspired by her spiritual calling, she has produced ten intensively researched manuscripts on spiritual matters. Although Understanding the Spiritual was the last to be written, it is the first to be published. Lawrence-Dokpesi is a mother and a wife living in the city of Abuja, Nigeria.