Dearly beloved in Christ,

We are entering into the great lent, a time when we will try to reset our priority list of our lives. Most of us set rules and regulations for our life based on others principles, but then judge ourselves very harshly when we do not live up to our own expectations. Most of the time we try to live up to the expectations and finally get to a point when "we", nor "other "are happy. The book of Micah 6:8 says that God expects from us to be JUST, TO LOVE MERCY AND TO WALK HUMBLY WITH OUR LORD.

In the Old Testament only the high priest could be in the presence of the Ark of the Covenant, which symbolized God's presence. Think about all the thousands of people on the outside, unable to get anywhere close to Him personally. Instead, their whole concept of relating to God involved living up to laws and achieving acceptance on the basis of performance. The forgiveness of their sin was based on a literal animal sacrifice.

Jesus came in order to die for our sins. He came not only for our salvation but also to initiate an entire different lifestyle than the people of God had been experiencing. On the day of His crucifixion, the veil hiding the Ark of the Covenant was split from top to bottom, symbolizing that God opened the door to an intimate relationship with Him. He has made it possible for us to talk directly to Him and know we are being heard. The time of lent should help us to built up and continue that relationship which He wanted with us.

Jesus' death settled the basis of our acceptance once and for all. Though our conduct sometimes is not what it ought to be, we are nonetheless embraced as children of God. In order to enjoy the Christian life, we must view ourselves the way God sees us rather than living on others expectation. If life is a matter of rules and regulations alone, we will nev- er have any peace or contentment.

We have a choice to make. We have to start somewhere. We can set rules and live by legalistic domination, fear and uncertainty. Or we can choose to live in the wonderful acceptance that comes by way of the cross. Let us look back and rectify ourselves in the light of "The WORD" and live according to His expectation. May God bless us all