March Madness, sea turtles (nesting in Florida), Cesar Chavez Day, Mardi Gras, swallows to return to Capistrano, the beginning of spring, St. Patrick’s Day. 

   March is also time for spiritual contemplation.  Today, March 9, is Ash Wednesday.  This is the start of Lent, the 40 days before Easter (not counting Sundays). 

   During Lent we are encouraged to examine our lives in light of God’s Word.  We study Jesus at Gethsemane, before Pilate and Herod, being whipped and mocked, and dying on the cross.  We are sinners who need a Savior.  That Savior is Jesus who suffered and died because of our sins. 

   Jesus cried from the cross, “It is finished,” (John 19:30).  Jesus used the Greek word "Teleo," which means "to pay in full."  Jesus paid for our sins -- completely.  You are right with God, right now.  Everyone who believes in Jesus has eternal life (John 3:16; John 5:24).