The Truth About Lent

Today is the first day of Lent and I am really excited to be reading the lenten lessons by Charles Fillmore in his book Keep a True Lent. It has a lesson for each day and I am going to share those with you and I experience them myself.

First he references Matthew 5:1-16. The first day of Lent Papa Fillmore wants us to understand Denial. John the Baptist came saying "Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Repentance means denial and denial means to let go. So on this first day of Lent I must let go of my past wrongdoings, let go of those who have done me wrong, let go of all error thought as I go into the next 40 days. I must dedicate myself to right thinking and forgive the past, for my good is only available in the present.

I affirm: "Forgetting the things that are behind, I realize I am strong, positive, powerful, wise, loving, fearless, free spirit. I am God's perfect child." -Charles Fillmore

Matthew 5 1-16
1(A)When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on (B)the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him.
2(C)He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,
3"(D)Blessed are the poor in spirit, for (E)theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4"Blessed are (F)those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5"Blessed are (G)the [a]gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
6"Blessed are (H)those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7"Blessed are (I)the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8"Blessed are (J)the pure in heart, for (K)they shall see God.
9"Blessed are the peacemakers, for (L)they shall be called sons of God.
10"Blessed are those who have been (M)persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for (N)theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11"Blessed are you when people (O)insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
12"Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for (P)in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Disciples and the World 13"You are the salt of the earth; but (Q)if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.
14"You are (R)the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;
15(S)nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
16"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may (T)see your good works, and (U)glorify your Father who is in heaven.