'Even now,' declares the LORD, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.' rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. (Joel 2:12-13)

Today, many Christians will make a commitment to give something up during the season of Lent. If you're like me, last night you pigged out because it was Fat Tuesday. The day before Lent begins. The day before many Christians will commit to making a sacrifice for a period to help them reflect what Jesus must have endured.

This year, Emily and I made a commitment to give up soda. Now, I know this doesn't sound huge. But, we both really enjoy having a soda with our meals. And, hopefully, everytime we crave a diet dr. pepper (yes, we are that adventurous in our beverage selection) we will reflect on how silly our sacrifice is in comparison to all that Jesus faced. Hopefully we will be humbled before the Lord and give Him thanks and praise for the wonderful things He has done for us.

You know, the real issue isn't about what we're willing to give up...but, it's more about what we're willing to give. Are we willing to give our hearts to the Lord. Are we willing to give Him our hearts and not our material possessions. You see, for me, the idea of giving something up is more about freeing myself up to more fully give myself to Him than it is about just giving something up.

So, will you return to the Lord with your whole heart? Will you give the Lord your heart and not just your material goods? Will you give your all to Him and believe that what He says is true and put your whole trust in Him?