1. This is the message of Lent. We are not called to sacrifice for Jesus in order to earn our salvation. Rather, we are called to remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for us.
  2. Ash Wednesday's purpose is not to motivate our resolve to redouble our efforts to do better.
  3. Even as he was dying, the heart of God poured itself out for the sake of sinners.
  4. Jesus not only healed her daughter, but he also gave himself to her. Wherever she went from then on, he was with her.
  5. Repentance is meaningless unless we are willing to acknowledge who we are: sinners needing mercy.
  6. You are the friend in low places. It’s only from this place that you are free to look outside yourself for the remedy to the issues that plague you and humanity.
  7. Both now and forever, the bruised and crucified Lord nailed to a cross is our assurance of deliverance.
  8. Every day is a Sabbath for Christians. Every day is the day the Lord has made. Every day is a day to find rest in Christ.
  9. Righteousness before God is possessed only by grace and that through the currency of faith.
  10. Sometimes in hanging on to our useless guilt, we are idolaters. We believe our sin or conscience is more powerful than our God.
  11. We can appreciate what we have received from God, we can receive it all as free gift, but only when we stop investing in fool's gold.