Why Do We Celebrate Ash Wednesday?
- Love
- Compassion
- God's Heart

Why Do We Celebrate Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the 40‑day season of repentance leading to Easter. Its observance traces back to early Christian practice of public penitence.
Historical Origins
By the 6th century, Western churches imposed a strict preparatory period before Easter. Early penitents wore sackcloth and ashes as outward signs of sorrow for sin (cf. Dan 9:3; Jonah 3:6).
Medieval Development
By the 12th century, all faithful—not only public penitents—were invited to receive ashes at Lent’s outset, emphasizing corporate humility before God.
Liturgical Practice
- Imposition of Ashes: Clergy mark foreheads with ashes in the shape of a cross, accompanied by “Remember that you are dust…”
- Scriptural Readings: Services include Joel 2:12–18 (call to repentance) and Matthew 6:1–6,16–18 (instructions on fasting).
Spiritual Meaning
Ash Wednesday grounds believers in humility and dependence on God. The ashes symbolize mortality (“you are dust”) and call us to genuine repentance as we journey toward Easter renewal.
What Is the Cry in Psalm 70 KJV?
What Is the Cry in Psalm 70 KJV? Understanding Psalm 70 in the King James Version Psalm 70 is a brief yet powerful chapter in the Book of Psalms, expressing a heartfelt plea for God's swift help. The "cry" in Psalm 70 KJV is a desperate call for rescue and deliverance from enemies and troubles. This psalm captures the urgency and intensity of seeking divine intervention in times of distress. The Nature of the Cry in Psalm 70 The cry is a direct and urgent petition to God to come quickly to the psalmist's aid. It reflects a deep sense of vulnerability and dependence on God's power. The psalmist asks for: Swift help to escape adversaries Shame and confusion for those who seek to harm Joy and salvation from God This cry is both personal and communal, as it calls for deliverance and praise to be restored. Key Verses Highlighting the Cry The opening verses emphasize the immediacy of the plea: "Make haste, O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O LORD." (Psalm 70:1) "Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt." (Psalm 70:2) These words showcase the psalmist's urgent request for God's intervention against enemies. Conclusion In Psalm 70 KJV, the cry is a fervent, urgent appeal for God's quick deliverance from trouble. It encapsulates the human experience of seeking divine help in moments of desperation, emphasizing both trust and reliance on God's saving power.
Blessed AppWhat Does God Say About Cheating?
What Does God Say About Cheating?Cheating is often viewed as a betrayal of trust and a violation of ethical principles. For Christians, the Bible offers guidance on how to approach the issue of cheating in relationships, business, and in life. Whether it involves infidelity in marriage or dishonesty in other areas, God’s Word speaks clearly about the importance of faithfulness, integrity, and truthfulness.Faithfulness in MarriageThe Bible is clear about the sanctity of marriage and the importance of faithfulness within it. In Hebrews 13:4, it says, “Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” This indicates that God expects His people to remain faithful to their spouses, and cheating in marriage is seen as a serious sin against God’s design for the marital relationship.Integrity in LifeIn addition to marital faithfulness, the Bible emphasizes the importance of integrity in all aspects of life. Proverbs 12:22 states, “Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.” Cheating, in any form, whether in business, relationships, or even in personal dealings, is a form of dishonesty that is condemned in Scripture. God calls His people to live with integrity and truthfulness in all their actions.ConclusionIn conclusion, the Bible condemns cheating both in marriage and in other areas of life. It calls for faithfulness, integrity, and honesty. Cheating is seen as a betrayal of trust and a violation of God’s commandments. Christians are encouraged to honor God by living truthfully and faithfully in all their relationships.
Blessed AppDid Jesus Baptize Anyone?
Did Jesus Baptize Anyone?The Bible does not record any instance of Jesus personally baptizing anyone. Instead, His disciples carried out baptisms on His behalf. This distinction aligns with Jesus’ mission to preach, teach, and bring salvation while empowering His followers to continue His work.Biblical EvidenceJohn’s Clarification: John 3:22 mentions Jesus and His disciples baptizing, but John 4:2 clarifies: "Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples."John the Baptist’s Role: Baptism during Jesus’ ministry was closely associated with John the Baptist, who baptized for repentance and prepared the way for Jesus (Matthew 3:11).The Significance of Jesus Not BaptizingBy not baptizing, Jesus emphasized that baptism was not tied to a specific person but to the broader act of repentance and commitment to God. It also highlighted the role of His disciples in spreading the message and performing the work of the Kingdom.ConclusionWhile Jesus did not personally baptize anyone, His disciples carried out baptisms under His authority. This reflects His focus on empowering others and pointing to the spiritual transformation He came to bring.
Blessed AppWhy Doesn’t God Punish Racists?
Why Doesn’t God Punish Racists? Racism, the belief that one race is superior to others, is a deeply sinful attitude that is condemned by Scripture. The Bible teaches that all people are made in the image of God and that we are called to love one another (Genesis 1:27; Matthew 22:39). So, the question arises: why doesn’t God punish racists immediately? The Bible offers a few important insights into why God may not intervene immediately, while still holding people accountable for their actions. God’s Patience and Mercy One reason God does not immediately punish sinners, including those who harbor racist attitudes, is His great patience and mercy. 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” God desires that all people repent of their sins and come to salvation. His patience allows for the opportunity for sinners to turn from their wicked ways and seek His forgiveness. The Role of Free Will Another reason God doesn’t immediately punish racist individuals is that He has given humanity free will. Each person has the ability to choose their actions, including whether or not to harbor prejudiced beliefs. While God may not intervene immediately, He holds each person accountable for their actions. Romans 14:12 states, “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” God will judge everyone according to their actions, including the sin of racism, at the appropriate time. God’s Call to Love All People Although God may allow racist individuals to live out their lives without immediate judgment, He calls all believers to love everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity. In 1 John 4:20, it says, “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” Jesus commands His followers to love their neighbors as themselves, and this includes people of all races. Racism is a violation of God’s command to love one another, and Christians are called to actively fight against it through prayer, advocacy, and spreading the love of Christ. Conclusion God does not immediately punish racists because of His patience and desire for repentance. However, He holds everyone accountable for their actions, and the sin of racism will ultimately be judged. As Christians, we are called to love all people, regardless of race, and to actively combat racism through Christ-like love and justice.
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