Someone please point to the place in the Bible that says things have to be given up for Lent....any help would be appreciated...Thanks..
You don't have to give up something for Lent. It is considered a pious custom.
You can search for yourself to find the many examples of fasting that are located throughout the Scriptures.
Giving up something is considered a small fast.
And as far as the 40 days of Lent, well our Lord fasted for 40 days before starting His earthly ministry (see Matt 4:2, as an example)
There are several: Matt. 9:15; Mark 2:20; Luke 5:35. In fact, in Matt. 6:16-18, Jesus even gives instructions on how to fast. Jesus says, "Do not look dismal like the hypocrites, but look clean and refreshed." In Matt. 17-21 and Mark 9:29, Jesus teaches that only prayer and fasting had special power to cure a man possessed by a demon. Jesus teaches about the efficacy of fasting and how fasting, coupled with prayer, is acceptable and pleasing to God. In Acts 13:2-3; 14:23 - the apostles engaged in prayer and fasting in connection with ordaining leaders of the Church. Prayer and fasting have always been the practice of the Church.
And these are only from the NT. Do you want the OT references too?