080 |Lent: You’re Already Sacrificing, So Why Not Sacrifice for God?

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SS080 Shepherd & The Shrink Lent: You’re Already Sacrificing, So Why Not Sacrifice for God?

Lent has begun, and it’s important to clarify the point of it. There are all sorts of ideas about the purpose of Lent, but whether we hold these ideas consciously or unconsciously, we need to straighten them out.

Today, we talk about Lent. We discuss the liturgical year, explaining what it is and why it’s important. We note that practice doesn’t always make perfect, and we note that we can’t divide our attention. We discuss the benefits of fasting and explain why it’s similar to feasting. We go into the spiritual disciplines, defining them, listing them, and sharing why they’re important. We offer a new definition of sacrifice, discuss delayed gratification, and note that you’re already sacrificing whether you know it or not. We talk about the power of moving on when you fail, and we note the importance of following God for the right reasons.


“Take your attention off the things that you’re sacrificing for right now, and move it to the thing that will absolutely satisfy you.”

- Dr. Marty Fletcher


This week on Shepherd & the Shrink:

  • The purpose of Lent

  • The liturgical year

  • Why practice doesn’t always make perfect

  • Why fasting is similar to feasting

  • The power of solitude

  • Ths spiritual disciplines

  • The definition of sacrifice

  • Why you’re already sacrificing anyway

  • Following God for the right reasons

  • Moving on after failure

Bringing Mental Health and Spirituality Together

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Shepherd & the Shrink Podcast with your hosts Dr. Matt Hook and Dr. Martin Fletcher, the show where theology meets psychology. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Martin Fletcher