Unshackled Echo ~ February 3, 2018 ~ Ashes

Today's Unshackled Echo was previously published on

February 18, 2015,
as Unshackled Moments ~ February 18 Ash Wednesday.
Ash Wednesday will be on February 14 this year.

Today, if you will hear His voice: 'Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion...

- Psalm 95: 7-8

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of the time of reflection and preparation for Easter known as Lent. Ash Wednesday is a reminder to us that we live or, if a believer, lived, under the curse of sin that brings death. Due to sin and separation from God, this world and all that is of it shall one day be nothing but ash. But praise be to God our Father who sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross and raised Him up from the dead that we may also escape true death and have life eternal!

In addition to serving as a reminder that we have need of or have received Grace that brings eternal life and salvation, Ash Wednesday serves as a reminder that we can do nothing without Jesus Christ that is worth more than dust and ashes. We can not fight sin on our own. We can not set ourselves free. When we try to live a Godly life on our strength and in our own might, the result is bondage, ashes and death. But there is freedom and life in the cross where His love poured out for us.

Lord, lead me to the cross this day and every day. Rid me of my self and give me victory over my difficulties that my freedom, joy and peace may be a sign to others of Your love, Your power and Your ways that are so much better than my ways. Help me to remember that in my effort and works is filthiness and death, nothing but ash, but that through Your power and grace I am righteous, clean and have the growth of new life within.

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