Week 1 March 2026, Impromptu Devotion

LENT commemorates Christ’s fast in the desert where Satan first tempted Him to turn stones into bread. Is my giving up desserts for 40 days a proper tribute to what it cost Him to secure my salvation by that agonizing death on the cross?. Something more biblical came into view when I chanced upon a Catholic mission organization called FOCUS, defined as follows: “Make disciples for Christ. First, we invite people into a relationship with Jesus in our church. Then, we accompany them along their journey. Finally, we equip them to share their Faith with others.” They published a list of 19 things to give up to prevent “post-Lent-guilt,” some rephrased for brevity by me. A degree of difficulty ranging from 1 to 5 is assigned to each, plus a Bible verse to state its spiritual benefit. The “holy catholic church” of our Apostle’s Creed wholly approves.

1   Complaining, 4, Philippians 2:14

2   Doom Scrolling, 3, Proverbs 25:28

3   Snacking between meals out of boredom or habit, 3, 1 Corinthians 10:31

4   Overthinking as perfectionists or chronic worriers, 5, 1 Peter 5:7

5   Procrastination, 4, Colossians 3:23

6   Using negative, critical words about yourself, 3, Genesis 1:27

7   Driving impatiently, 2, Proverbs 16:32

8   Impulse-buying of non-essential items, 3, Matthew 6:19-20

9   Saying “Yes” to everything as people pleasers, 4, Ephesians 6:6

10  Listening to secular music indiscriminately, 2, Philippians 4:8

11  Skipping exercise, neglecting physical health, 3, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

12  Food delivery or frequent eating out, 4, 1 Corinthians 10:31

13  Talking about yourself excessively, 3,  Philippians 2:3-4

14  Rushing through life, 4, Matthew 11:28

15  FOMO “Fear Of Missing Out,” 4, Philippians 4:19

16  Overindulging in comfort activities, 3, Galatians  5:13

17  Fussing over your appearance with grooming and fashion, 3, Romans 12:2

18  Prizing aloneness over being with others to bless them, 3, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

19  Skipping Sunday rest, 3, Exodus 20:8-11