Knowing Christ in Lent

Lent is a season that brings a gentle gravity. A season that cloaks us in both shadow and anticipation. It begins with ashes traced on our foreheads, a reminder of the need for penance and that we’re made of dust. The season unfolds over 40 days as we follow our Lord’s journey to the cross. 

During Lent, we live in this sacred tension, caught between the sting of repentance and the hope beyond the grave. Into this quiet, Philippians 3:10 emerges like a flame in the dusk. We read Paul’s passionate cry, “...that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.” 

Paul’s cry reimagines Lent. It’s not just a somber vigil or a countdown to Easter. Lent is a bold invitation to taste the power of the resurrection right now, amid the sacrifices and stillness of this holy season, before the trumpets of Easter morning. 

Knowing Christ

What does it mean to “know Christ?” For Paul, it’s no mere acquaintance or intellectual nod. It’s a consuming fire, a deep ache to encounter Jesus in His fullness. To know His tenderness, His tenacity, and His triumph. Lent hands us this same longing. We strip away life’s excess like the sweet taste of a morning pastry, the pull of endlessly streaming our favorite shows, or the desire to read the latest social feeds. Instead, Lent helps us carve out a holy space for our Lord. 

The Lenten season echoes Christ’s 40 days in the wilderness, where He faced hunger, solitude, and the tempter’s schemes. Yet, He emerged victorious (Matthew 4:1-11). In a similar way, Lent becomes our wilderness, a testing round where we meet Christ anew. 

This knowing is visceral, relational. It’s not about reciting doctrines or ticking spiritual boxes. Instead, it’s about sitting with Jesus in the silence, feeling His presence in our very being. Every prayer, every bad habit relinquished opens us up, heart and soul, to Jesus. 

What's the gift of Lent? Knowing Christ reshapes us for Himself, drawing us into a love that rewrites our hearts and souls from the inside out. 

The Power That Breaks Through

Paul’s “power of his resurrection” stirs images of Easter—the stone drawn aside, the empty tomb, the Savior risen and alive! (Matthew 28:6). But this power isn’t a distant memory or a prize for Easter alone. Christ’s power is a living pulse of the Holy Spirit, thrumming through our now, even in Lent’s muted tones. The ashes we wear aren’t just a mark of endings; they’re a canvas for life that erupts from death’s grip. 

In Ephesians 1:19-20, Paul wants his readers to know “...what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in heavenly places…” That’s no trivial force Paul’s talking about. It’s the might of God, through the Holy Spirit, that shattered the grave. This same force He offers to us today if we believe in Christ. 

In Lent, we fast and confess; we’re not just shedding weight. We’re inviting the resurrection’s renewal to flood our souls. Psalm 30:11 NKJV speaks of this transformation: “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.” Every skipped indulgence, each repentant tear plants a see for joy, tended by the power of the Holy Spirit already stirring within. 

Lent is our desert experience; recall the Israelites in the wilderness. They were parched and pleading for water (Exodus 17:1-7). God told Moses to strike a rock. Moses was obedient, and water gushed forth. This is a glimpse of Christ, our Rock, who pours living water into our driest places (1 Corinthians 10:4). Lent is our wilderness, and the resurrection power is our stream. 

During this season, we’ve had the chance to fast and confess, opening our souls toward God’s whispers. He offers us a renewal that we need desperately. This is the very power Paul wants us to receive through Christ and the Holy Spirit—he wants it to break through our ordinary lives and fill us with divine life, turning our dust into something radiant. 

Participating in His Sufferings

Paul’s yearning to participate in Christ’s sufferings may be unsettling. Suffering isn’t a prize we chase these days. Yet, Lent has a holy purpose. Jesus said, “...If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23 NKJV) The choices we make throughout Lent—forgoing meals, silencing distractions, or facing old wounds—mirror this call. They’re not about earning God’s favor; they’re about walking beside the One who bore our sins on the cross. 

Participating in Christ’s sufferings redeems us. 2 Corinthians 4:10-11 NKJV explains, “...always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.” In these verses, Paul highlights that his ministry is not done in his own strength. It’s only done in the power of Christ. This power is made manifest in Paul’s weakness and suffering. 

As Christians, followers of Christ, we, too, are called to willingly suffer for Christ. Like Paul, He can work His power in and through our weakness and suffering. We can find Jesus’ strength in our weakness, whatever that may be. When we let go of our pretense of strength in ourselves, putting our faith in Christ, we reflect His self-emptying love. 

Through our suffering, we are driven to prayer, where we find strength through the Holy Spirit. This life-giving power flows into us in spite of our weakness. 

Suffering becomes a bridge to life, a way to taste His sacrifice. In Gthesemane, Jesus prayed, “...Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42 NKJV). Lent brings us to our own Gethsemane—moments of struggle where we choose trust and faith over ease and being comfortable. The power of the resurrection doesn’t bypass our suffering; it glows from within us, promising that every surrender leads to increased strength and life everlasting. 

Becoming Like Christ

What does it mean “becoming like him in his death”? Here, Paul refers to dying to self that gives birth to Christ’s life within us. Galatians 2:20 NKJV proclaims, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Paul’s saying his old self—the sinning self—has been crucified, and now he lives empowered by the Holy Spirit. 

As believers, our former self (with their desires and motives) is no longer the source of our lives. Instead, once we have died to self, we become empowered to live a life that pleases God. Lent is our forge—the slow, intentional process of being shaped by God for His purpose and our salvation. This process requires our effort and surrender on our parts as God shapes us. 

This becoming is a daily process and choice. Each day in Lent, we must ask ourselves, “Will I hold tight or let go?” Forgiving betrayal, serving unnoticed, praying through fatigue—these small deaths align us with Christ. Lent is a time of discipline, where heat burns away pride, fear, or apathy, molding us into His image. Over 40 days, “death to self” weaves a life that reflects our Lord, preparing us for the glory to come. 

Living the Resurrection Now

Lent can definitely feel heavy with fasting, silence, and repentance. It’s a long trek for the soul. Yet the power of the resurrection lifts every burden. In John 11:25-26 NKJV, Jesus declares to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” Jesus asks each of us this question. How do you answer? 

Before raising Lazarus, Jesus proved the resurrection power isn’t a future hope—it’s a present reality. Every hunger pang, every faltering step, meets His promise. When Lent drags, recall our risen Lord. Live in His power now—Christ’s power anchors us. When we stumble, He restores us. When tears fall, He comforts us. Lent is grief yielding to joy, death to life. When the fast stings, we can whisper, “You rose, and I will too.” Christ is the source of the power within each of us. 

An Uplifting Invitation

Let Philippians 3:10 guide you through the rest of Lent to Easter. Pursue knowing Christ—His power, His pain, His victory. Embrace the resurrection as your strength today. Walk through suffering, trusting it shapes you into His image. Let each “no” to self become a “yes” to life in Christ. Lent isn’t only a prelude to Easter—it’s the power of the resurrection breaking through right now. 

The tomb is empty, the battle has been won, and the power that raised Jesus Christ flows through us if we believe Jesus is the Son of God who has been raised from the dead and lives with God. The power of the resurrection isn’t waiting—it’s here, urging each of us to rise. Live with courage. Share the Good News with love. Let it illuminate every step of this sacred season! 

God bless,

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Living Resurrection Hope

Have you ever faced a morning when hope seemed like a distant memory? Maybe you’re feeling a bit down, facing the grind of endless tasks, dealing with a fractured relationship, or contemplating the quiet weight of unspoken fears. We all experience those times when life’s storms threaten to drown any flickerof  light. Yet, Scripture offers us an anchor. 

Read 1 Peter 1:3 NKJV, which says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” This verse isn’t based on a flimsy wish. It’s a rock-solid promise that sustains us with resurrection hope. 

The Power of a Living Hope

What makes this Bible verse a living hope? As Paul writes, we see this hope isn’t a passive feeling. Instead, it’s a dynamic reality tied to the risen Savior. Jesus didn’t just die; He rose from the dead, shattering death’s grip once and for all! 

Paul declares this in 1 Corinthians 15:20 NKJV, “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.” His resurrection isn’t a standalone miracle—it’s more. The resurrection is the guarantee of our eternal life with God. Peter, writing to believers battered by persecution, points to this as a source of their hope and eternal life with our Lord. The same holds true for us today. This verse shows God’s mercy in action, not just words or a flimsy promise. 

I felt this truth pierce through during a dark season in my life. It was after a bitter divorce and during a severe health crisis—bills stacked up, and my confidence failed. But Romans 15:13 NKJV spoke to me, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” 

It hit me hard when paired with the resurrection: this hope is alive and working because Jesus lives. It’s not speaking of dead-end optimism. It speaks of Christ’s resurrection as a lifeline that pulls us forward, fueled by the Spirit who raised Christ (Romans 8:11). Jesus’ resurrection is the living hope that sustains us through everything now and in the future. 

Resurrection Courage--Sustaining Us in Everyday Battles

How does this living hope hold us up day to day? First, it gives us courage. Life can feel like a battlefield, especially when facing health issues, broken dreams, and daily frustrations. But this is directly where Jesus’ victory over death reframes it all. 

If Christ overcame the grave, He can overcome our daily struggles. Knowing Jesus has risen gives us the guts to face today and tomorrow. Whether that means tackling a hard talk or pushing past fear, resurrection courage isn’t denial—it’s determined strength and action. 

Second, resurrection courage builds resilience. When Peter says that God has “begotten us again” (in today’s verse), he echoes Jesus’ words to Nicodemus, in John 3:3 NKJV: “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” This rebirth isn’t a one-time event; it’s a daily renewal. 

We may stumble, lose patience, or doubt God’s plan, but Psalm 42:5 NKJV steadies us: “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.”  No matter what you face today or tomorrow, Christ’s resurrection hope keeps us strong. That’s resilience. It’s hope that abounds and is rooted in His triumph. 

Third, resurrection hope teaches patience. We hate delays and waiting. Yet, consider the resurrection, which had its own timing. Jesus stayed three days before He rose from the grave! Hebrews 6:19 NKJV calls hope “an anchor for the soul, both sure and steadfast.” If Christ had to wait, so can we. We can take comfort in the waiting, knowing that God’s perfect plan is being prepared. 

We’re reminded of this in Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not evil, to give you a future and a hope.” That future and hope include the resurrection if we believe Jesus is God’s Son and that He rose from the dead. 

Living Hope in Action 

What does living hope look like practically? Resurrection hope is intentional. When despair looms, we can cling to Isaiah 41:10 NKJV, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Another great verse is Philippians 4:13 NKJV, which says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” When we remember these verses and Jesus’ resurrection, the promise is not a cliche—it’s living hope in action. 

Certainly, we must still face the chaos and the pain of this life. When the world darkens with wars and divisions, we can recall Revelation 1:18 NKJV, where Jesus says, “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore...” He is the Rock of our salvation and our hope. 

Christ is the Rock of our salvation, offering us a living hope, no matter what we face. Colossians 3:1 NKJV reminds us, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.” This hope isn’t only for Sunday mornings in church—it’s for our daily grind: endless hours of tasks at work, piles of laundry, sleepless nights, and deep loneliness. No matter what we’re facing, if we believe Christ is the only begotten Son of God, we are saved and have that living, resurrection hope to face whatever life throws at us. 

Clinging to Who Sustains

This resurrection hope is a living hope—it’s for our sustenance and strength. This hope is tied to our living Lord, Jesus Christ. The resurrection isn’t a past tense story; it’s our present strength. We can grip this hope even when we’re weary and facing doubt. 

So, today, let’s choose to cling to hope that sustains. Picture Jesus stepping from the tomb—alive and victorious for us. That’s the hope that sustains, not just to scrape by, but to thrive. How will it carry you? 

Maybe it’s whispered in Scripture, “The Lord is my strength and my shield...” (Psalm 28:7 NKJV)—or a bold step forward. Whatever it is, know this: because He lives, your hope does too. 

What’s one way you’ll lean into resurrection hope today? Drop a note in the comments and let us know how resurrection hope is transforming your life! 

God bless,

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Dying to Sin: The Lenten Road to Resurrection Victory

Lent can sometimes feel more like running a marathon. It’s 40 days of saying “no” to our wants and wrestling with habits we’d rather ignore. Denying ourselves in any way can feel like gritty, unglamorous work. We’re about halfway, with Easter still a few weeks off. By now, the Lenten process can wear thin. We may wonder why we’re working through Lent in the first place. 

Then, all at once, 1 Peter 2:24 cuts through the haze like a lifeline: “...who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you are healed.” This verse reminds us that Lent isn’t about punishment—it’s a practice—it’s about penance and repentance. Every sacrifice, every “no,” is a step toward the resurrection, where sin loses and we win. 

The Weight of the Cross

Let’s take a look at this scripture a piece at a time. “He himself bore our sins in His body on the tree.” What comes to mind when you read this verse? Jesus was beaten and scourged and then had to drag the cross up the hill to Golgotha. Imagine splinters digging into His shoulders—the weight of every lie, every betrayal, every dark thought pressing down on His bleeding, battered body. 

He wasn’t only bearing the sins of the jeering crows or the Roman soldiers. Christ bore the sins of all mankind—including our sins—yours and mine. That includes every piece of gossip we’ve listened to or spread, grudges we’ve nursed since Christmas, and the apathy that keeps us from loving like we should. 

The tree (the cross) was brutal—it wasn’t only an execution device. It was a transaction. Jesus paid our debt, right there, with His own flesh and blood. 

Dying to Sin: The Call

But why did Jesus take on our sins? “That we might die to sin and live in righteousness.” This is the foundation of the verse and Lent. Jesus didn’t drag our guilt to Calvary so we could wallow in it. He did it to set us free. “Die to sin” isn’t a poetic proclamation—it’s a call to action. 

Paul writes about this when he says, “Or do you know that as many of us were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:3-4 NKJV)

Sin’s like a parasite that latches onto us, whispering that we can’t change, that we’re stuck where we’re at. Lent says otherwise. When we fast from chocolate or social media, it’s not about the thing itself. It’s about breaking the hold it has over us. It’s dying to the idea that we need that comfort and distraction to survive. Christ’s death makes it possible, while our choices make it real. 

Lent as a Mirror

Consider how Lent mirrors that dying. We’re about halfway through to Easter. Maybe you’ve been fasting from something tangible: meat on certain days or a glass of wine each night. Or maybe it’s deeper: biting your tongue instead of snapping back or carving out ten minutes for prayer instead of watching your favorite program on Netflix. 

Each act is a little death—a rejection of sin’s claim on us. Take anger, for instance. You’re stuck in traffic, late again, and the guy in front cuts you off. The old you would have stewed, maybe muttered some bad words. But Lent’s teaching you to let it go—not because it doesn’t sting, but because Jesus already took that sting to the cross. You’re dying to that impulse and choosing to live in God’s righteousness instead. 

Living to Righteousness

That’s the thing—living to righteousness. This isn’t a vague, churchy goal. It’s more practical than that. It’s the coworker you forgive even when they don’t apologize or the extra dollar you drop in the collection plate on Sunday. Maybe it’s the patience you muster when your child spills juice for the third time today. 

Righteousness isn’t perfection. Instead, it’s a direction and a goal. Righteousness is aiming your life at something better, something God-shaped, because Jesus cleared the way. Lent’s 40 days are a boot camp for that life. Every time we say no to sin, we flex a muscle we didn’t know we had. It’s a muscle powered by the cross and our precious Lord’s sacrifice for our sins. “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV)

The Hard Truth

Let’s be honest: dying to sin isn’t a cozy and comfortable process. It’s not all warm and fuzzy. It feels like dying. That’s why Lent drags sometimes. We’re not just giving up habits; we’re giving up pieces of ourselves we’ve clung to for years. Pride’s a big sin—it’s harder to get rid of than caffeine. Maybe you’re the type that hates admitting you’re wrong. Instead, you double down in arguments, even when you know you’re not correct.

This is the mirror of Lent. It shows you that stubborn streak and dares you to let it go. Or fear—another quiet killer. You don’t pray because you’re scared God won’t answer. You hoard time and money because trusting feels risky. Jesus bore those sins, too. The cross says you don’t have to carry them any more. Jesus took our sins on Golgotha. 

Resurrection: The Victory Lap

Here’s where the resurrection overturns the script of sin. Lent’s not the endgame—it’s the road to the cross, with Easter and Christ’s resurrection as the victory. When Jesus walked out of the tomb, He didn’t just beat death; He beat sin! It’s done. Finished. The empty tomb proves that sin doesn’t own us unless we let it. That’s the win we’re working toward. 

Every Lenten sacrifice, every moment we choose to love is a down payment on Christ’s victory. We haven’t earned this victory. Jesus already did it for us. We’re living His victory, step by step, through Lent and beyond, through the choices we make every second of our lives. 

Why is Lent So Hard? 

Lent seems like such a massive challenge because of our innate human nature. Sin sticks to us like damp clothes after a rainstorm. We trip, backslide, and wonder if we’re making any progress. But 1 Peter 2:24 isn’t a pep talk; it’s a promise. “He Himself”—not us, not our willpower— Christ did the work on our behalf. 

Our job is to follow and trust the One who carried our sins to the tree. Only He has the strength to carry us through Lent. It’s not about being flawless by Holy Week; it’s about being faithful. One day, one choice, one death to sin at a time. 

We’re Not Alone on the Road

We’re not traveling Lent alone. Lent’s a communal journey—40 days modeled after Christ’s 40 days in the desert. He faced temptation and won; we can, too, with His help. Lean on your people. Tell a friend what you’re dying to this week—accountability sharpens the edge. Take confession if you’re Catholic. 

Confession is penitence; we show we’re sorry for our sins. Repentance shows God that we’ve changed our minds and behaviors. We acknowledge our sinfulness and ask for His forgiveness. We turn away from sin and toward the One who loves us with an eternal love.

A Challenge

We’re halfway to Easter! It’s coming, but the road’s still challenging. That’s OK. The resurrection’s victory isn’t just a future hope—it’s a present power. Every time you die to sin, you’re living proof it’s real.

Pick one thing this week—one habit, attitude--one habit you’ve let slide. Pray about this, and let our Lord know you want to stop this habit. Ask Him to forgive you and help you overcome this issue.  Don’t do this because you have to, but because you can and want to. Do this because you want to turn to our Lord. He is ready to offer forgiveness when we genuinely seek Him. 

Lent seems like a long process, but it’s leading somewhere glorious—Easter and the resurrection. Jesus bore our sins so we wouldn’t have to. Choose to step into victory, one rough “no” at a time. You won’t be disappointed, and you may be surprised to meet Jesus Christ in the process. 

God bless,

PS If you'd like to find apps for prayer, Bible study, digital Bibles, etc., head over to our Resources page!  

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Loving Your Enemies as a Lenten Sacrifice & Christian Discipline

 

We’re in the midst of Lent (as I write this) and am following my free Lenten Prayer Journal and Lenten devotions on Substack. Today’s scripture seems like a strange fit for Lent, but it’s the perfect verse once we take a deeper look at it. 

Luke 6:27-28 NKJV tells us, “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.” How does this verse hit you? I’m wondering if God’s asking us for something tougher than our usual practice of somewhat tolerating or ignoring our enemies. Loving our enemies? That’s probably not a sacrifice you’ve penciled into your Lenten plan, but maybe it’s one each of us needs. 

Love Your Enemies--Really? 

I don’t know about you, but this passage hits me like a brick. Jesus is preaching the Sermon on Plain (Luke 6:20-49), right after blessing the poor and calling out the comfortable. It’s not an easy, warm read. It’s core to His kingdom. Love your enemies? Do good when they hate you? What comes to mind? 

Do you think of the coworker who stabbed you in the back last year, the friend who ditched you when you needed them, the family member whose snide remark still rankles? What do you do when this happens? Do you shut down, stew, or them facing a similar situation? 

If so, you’re human—we’re all human and our natural inclination is to avoid, shut down, ignore those who hurt us. But Jesus says, “No—love them. Do good to them. Bless them.” We may become struck with shock, guilt, and other unpleasant emotions. How are we supposed to love those who hurt us so deeply? We need to look to Jesus’ example. 

Jesus’ Radical Call

Jesus’ call isn’t a gentle suggestion—it’s a seismic shift. He speaks these words in His Sermon on the Plain, just after blessing the poor and hungry and warning those who rest in their abundance (Luke 6:20-26). The context matters: He’s unveiling a kingdom where power and privilege do not dictate worth, where love defies logic. 

In His Time, this upended a culture steeped in retribution and honor. Back then, the prevailing code of justice, rooted in the Old Testament, was “eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot...”. (Exodus 21:24). But Jesus Himself reframes it elsewhere saying, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” (Matthew 5:38-39 NKJV). 

Jesus’ teaching is a radical pivot—moving from retribution to restoration. In a culture where an eye demanded an eye, His words were revolutionary. Today, it confronts our natural impulses. Our instinct is to retreat, protect ourselves with silence or justified anger. These are human instincts. Yet, Jesus demands more: love, action, blessing, and prayer. We may feel like protesting by saying, “Surely not now, Lord.” But His call doesn’t bend to our convenience. 

Sacrifice Redefined in Lent

Lent has always been about sacrifice, a season to strip away what distracts us from God. Whatever you’ve sacrificed in this season—sweets, late night TV—may help you feel a quiet growth that comes with giving things up for the Lord. But what if the sacrifice God seeks this year isn’t about what you give up, but what you offer? Think about that for a moment. 

To love an enemy requires more than abstaining from resentment. It’s an active step into the fray, a choice to do good when every fiber of our being wants to resist. This feels profoundly Lenten—it’s a fast from the comfort of bitterness, a surrender of our right to hold a grudge. It’s not passive endurance; it’s a deliberate act of the will. Yet that’s the point—sacrifice isn’t meant to be easy. It’s meant to refine us, to prepare us for something greater, as James says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:2-4 NKJV) 

Care for Your Enemy

We can’t escape the cross when we think of praying for those who abuse us. Jesus didn’t just sacrifice His life—He gave it for those who despised Him. As they mocked and crucified Him, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34 NKJV)  That wasn’t a show of weakness on Christ’s part; it was strength beyond comprehension. He showed a love that absorbed hatred and returned grace. 

Lent leads us to Easter, to the resurrection that declares victory over every wound. If we’re to embody that hope, we must start here, in the messy reality of loving those we’d rather dismiss. Scripture echoes this elsewhere—Romans 12:20 NKJV urges, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”  This is not a theoretical saying. It’s practical, tangible, and costly. Jesus lived it, and Lent calls us to follow even when our bodies and spirits balk. 

A Personal Reckoning

Many years ago, someone I trusted, someone very close to me, betrayed me and abused me emotionally and physically. Not only that, but people I thought were my friends spread rumors about me. They couldn’t believe this person had hurt me so badly. Instead, it was easier to believe I was the “bad person.” 

Deep anger became my companion. I developed a prickly personality to avoid being hurt again. Needless to say, I was not an easy or pleasant person to be around and I carried a weight of hurt, anger, and pain that spiritually weighed me down. I could have kept walking in this way—my hurt was definitely warranted. 

Instead, I began praying for all those who had hurt me, especially my betrayer and abuser. The process wasn’t easy by any means. It was like removing manner layers of onion. Each layer was painful, but it was necessary to give the hurt and pain to the Lord. This process took years. I kept praying for those who had hurt me. Over time, a release started to come with the process and prayers. 

The process didn’t erase the past, but it broke something open in me—a release, a handing over of the wound to God. It’s this that Jesus spoke of when He told us to be good to those who abuse us. This is not a forced affection, but freedom from the weight pain, hurt, and anger that I carried for too long. 

A Lenten Challenge for Us

So, here’s where this post has landed—for you and myself: let’s make this one of our Lenten sacrifices. Choose one person—not a faceless “enemy,” but someone specific who’s left a mark. Though they hurt you in the past, do something good for them. It’s doesn’t need to be elaborate. Pray for their peace and well-being each morning. Start right where you are and pray for this person throughout Lent. 

The Cost and the Promise

I know this is no light undertaking. Sacrifice demands something of us—time, energy, and pride. This is no ordinary task. To love in this way, when we’d rather withdraw, feels like too much. But Lent isn’t about feeling comfortable; it’s about what transforms us. 

Easter is ahead with the promise that hatred doesn’t win, that grace can redeem what’s broken. Like, you, I’m still learning this—there are some moments when I’d rather curse than bless. But we must try. We do this by taking one step at a time, trusting God to work where we falter. Will you join me? 

This Lent, let’s offer not just what we can spare (that expensive coffee habit, our favorite chocolate, or constant doomscrolling), but what we grip tightly. 

Let’s love, against the grain, and see how God shapes us through it and prepares us for the glory to come! 

Share how God’s working in you this Lent in the comments below! 

God bless,

PS If you'd like to find apps for prayer, Bible study, digital Bibles, etc., head over to our Resources page!  

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Self-Reflection During Lent: A Time to Draw Closer to God

 

As the season of Lent unfolds, many of us find ourselves stepping into a rhythm of intentional quietness and contemplation. Lent, the 40-day period leading up to Easter, is traditionally a time of fasting, prayer, and penance. The season is modeled after Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). But at its heart, Lent is also a sacred opportunity for self-reflection, a chance to pause, examine our lives, and realign our hearts with God’s will and His love. 

Self-Reflection During Lent

As the season of Lent begins, we’re called to slow down. For 40 days, we’re called to focus inwardly and examine our hearts while seated at the Lord’s feet. But what does self-reflection mean in the context of Lent, and how can we embrace it fully? 

What is Self-Reflection? 

Self-Reflection is the practice of looking inward and honestly assessing our thoughts, actions, and motives. It’s not about self-criticism, wallowing in shame, dwelling on guilt, or chasing perfection. It’s about seeking clarity and growth. Self-reflection is all about understanding who we are in light of who God calls us to be. 

During Lent, this process takes on a spiritual dimension as we invite God into the conversation, asking Him to illuminate areas of our hearts where we’ve strayed and to guide us toward renewal. Self-reflection becomes a spiritual discipline we can develop. We’re called to combine introspection with prayer, reading the Scriptures, and depending on God’s grace. 

The Bible encourages this kind of introspection. In Lamentations 3:40-41 NKJV, we read, “Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the Lord; let us lift our hearts and hands to God in heaven.” This verse captures the essence of self-reflection: it’s an active, purposeful examination that leads us back to God. We are not to judge ourselves harshly but see where we’ve drifted and where God’s light can bring healing.

Lent provides the perfect framework for this, offering a season to slow down and listen to what God might be speaking into our lives. Self-reflection is a gift—a chance to pause the rush of life and listen to the Lord. 

Why Self-Reflection Matters

In our fast-paced, screen-filled lives, self-reflection can feel foreign and uncomfortable. We’re conditioned to keep moving and to avoid silence. But Lent interrupts that rhythm. It’s a countercultural call to stop and consider: Where am I with God? Am I living out the faith I profess? 

Self-reflection during Lent also prepares us for Easter. The cross and the resurrection are the climax of God’s redemptive story. This means more when we’ve wrestled with our own need for the redemption He offers. Romans 3:23-24 NKJV reminds us, “...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus…”

Reflecting on our shortcomings isn’t meant to crush us—it’s meant to lift our eyes to the One who saves. 

Why Lent Calls Us to Reflect

Lent mirrors Jesus’ time of solitude and testing in the wilderness. Scripture tells us, “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” Before His public ministry began, Jesus withdrew to prepare His heart and spirit. Similarly, Lent invites us to step away from the noise of daily life—to fast from distractions, whether food, habits, or busyness—and to reflect on our dependence on God. 

This season reminds us of our human frailty and God’s infinite grace. Psalm 139:23-24 NKJV offers a beautiful prayer for this process: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” 

Self-reflection during Lent isn’t just about identifying and focusing on flaws; it’s about opening ourselves to God’s transformative love. 

How to Practice Self-Reflection During Lent-inspired

1. Set Aside Time for Silence

In a world that’s always “on,” silence can feel uncomfortable—but it’s powerful. Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16). Use Lent to carve out moments of stillness, asking God to reveal what’s in your heart. 

2. Examine Your Life with Scripture

The Bible is a mirror for our souls. Hebrews 4:12 NKJV says, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” We can reflect on passages like the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12) or the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:19-23) to measure our lives against God’s standards. 

3. Repent and Realign

Self-reflection often uncovers areas of sin or drift. That’s not a cause for despair but an invitation to return and receive forgiveness. As 1 John 1:9 NKJV assures us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Lent is a season to repent, realign our lives with the Lord, and trust in His mercy. 

4. Seek Community

While reflection is personal, it doesn’t have to be solitary. Share your journey with a trusted friend or join a Lenten study group. James 5:16 NKJV says, “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” As you reflect, others can offer perspective, support, prayers, and encouragement. 

The Fruit of Self-Reflection 

Self-reflection during Lent isn’t an end in itself—it’s a means to transformation. It strips away illusions, revealing our need for God and His power to change us. 

Ultimately, Lent prepares us for Easter. The joy of Christ's resurrection hits deeper when we’ve spent 40 days reflecting on our sin and God’s grace. We celebrate not as spectators but as participants in the story of redemption. Self-reflection is a step toward Christ, and He meets us every time. 

An Invitation

So, as you journey through Lent this year, take time to pause. Ask yourself: Where have I wandered? Where is God calling me closer? Let the words of James 4:8a encourage you: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…” 

As you walk through Lent, embrace self-reflection as a holy habit. It’s not about perfection; it’s about presence. Ask God to search your heart, to show you where He’s working, and to draw you closer to Him. Self-reflection isn’t just a discipline—it’s a doorway to intimacy with the One who knows and loves us fully. 

God bless,

Can you take self-reflection too far? Find out by reading: Lent's Lesson: Self-Examination or Navel-Gazing? 

PS If you'd like to find apps for prayer, Bible study, etc., head over to our Resources page!  

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Find Refuge in Scripture: Psalm 91 Floral & Coloring Pages

I created this collection to bring a sense of peace and beauty to your daily life. The powerful words of Psalm 91, combined with delicate floral designs and a relaxing coloring page, offer a moment of calm in a busy world. It's fast and easy to download this collection from my Gumroad shop! 

This download includes:

• Four visually stunning images of Psalm 91 with colorful flowers.

• One intricate coloring page featuring the same comforting scripture.

Use them in your digital notebook (perfect for GoodNotes!), print them for your home, or enjoy a moment of mindful coloring. Download your set today and let the words of Psalm 91 bring you the Lord’s comfort and peace.

Free Lenten Prayer Journal

Be sure to check out my free Lenten Prayer Journal, too!

What is Lent?

Maybe you’ve heard of Lent, but you aren’t sure what it’s all about. You’re not alone—it’s one of those “churchy” words you hear about this time of year. So, what is it? Lent is a 40-day season (Sundays aren’t included) in the Christian calendar leading up to Easter. It’s a time to “hit pause,” reflect, repent, and get ready to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. 

Those 40 days? They’re to remember that Jesus spent 40 days fasting and praying in the wilderness before starting His earthly ministry. (Matthew 4:1-2). Lent’s a journey that starts with ashes and ends with the blazing glory and joy of Easter Sunday. 

How It Starts & What It Looks Like

Lent starts off on Ash Wednesday—March 5th this year—when Christians head to church and get ashes on their foreheads. It’s a gritty reminder of our mortality and a call to turn back to God. Like Joel 2:12 NKJV says, “Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” From there, the season goes through 40 days of spiritual disciplines. Here’s what that looks like: 

Prayer: is the foundation of Lent. It’s intentional time with God—maybe a quick morning prayer or a deep confession. Philippians 4:6 NKJV puts it this way, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Lent’s a great time to sit in quiet with God, getting honest and listening to what He has to say. 

Fasting: “giving something up” is a phrase you hear during Lent. Here, people are referring to fasting or giving up something that keeps them from focusing on God. Some stop chocolate or coffee, while others may give up doomscrolling through the news on their phones. They choose to give up something that they rely on too much. Others prefer to fast during these days. Some may refrain from all animal products, others may give up meat, eating fish and veggies during this time. Fasting’s all about sacrifice and making room for God. Matthew 4:4 NKJV says, “But He answered and said, ‘It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Fasting is about leaning on the truth and opening your heart to the Lord’s love. 

Almsgiving or Acts of charity: Lent also includes almsgiving or acts of charity. Here, again, it’s about sacrifice. Some give cash to the needy, volunteer at a soup kitchen, mow a neighbor’s lawn, and more. It’s faith with “boots on.” Matthew 6:3-4 NKJV says, “But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” It’s quiet love—like Jesus gave. 

Repentance and reflection: Lent is also a time to look at your life. Where have you messed up? Ask forgiveness, then recommit to Christ. 1 John 1:9 NKJV promises, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 

There aren’t any rules to check off; these are tools to wake up your spirit. Lent wraps up in Holy Week: Palm Sunday (Jesus rides into Jerusalem), Maundy Thursday (the Last Supper), Good Friday (the crucifixion), and Easter Sunday (the empty tomb). Lent can feel like a rollercoaster from it’s start with tears and moving to triumph on Easter! 

Who Practices Lent & Why? 

Lent’s big across Christian sects—Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians, along with plenty of Protestants (like Anglicans, Lutherans, and Methodists) join in. It’s not an exclusive club; it’s for anyone wanting to prep their heart for Easter. 

The point of Lent? To spiritually gear up for celebrating Christ’s win over sin and death. Romans 6:4 NKJV says, “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Lent’s not about earning God’s favor—you can’t—but about leaning into what He’s done. 

Why Humility’s the Key

Lent doesn’t work without humility. It’s the “glue” that holds it all together. Why? Because humility lets you see yourself straight—your limits, your mess-ups, your need for grace. Philippians 2:3 NKJV says, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” 

Think about Jesus in the wilderness—hungry, alone, tempted. He didn’t flex. He leaned on God. Luke 14:11 NKJV warns, “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Lent asks us to do the same. It’s not a shame game—sure, you might feel a sting facing your sins, and that’s normal. But the devil loves twisting shame into a spotlight on you. Lent says, “Eyes on God.” Focus on His love, Jesus’s sacrifice. John 3:16 NKJV reminds us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” That the story and the entire foundation of Easter—God’s love for us. 

A humble spirit cuts through the noise. Have you ever tried praying when you’re “full of yourself?” It’s like talking to a brick wall. Humility cracks you open and lets you admit where you’ve fallen short and turned away. James 4:10 NJKV says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” 

Free Lenten Prayer Journal

I've created a free Lenten prayer journal--Daily Steps with God--which you can find on my Gumroad shop! It's free and easy to use. I made it to go with my new Substack for Lent! This is a newsletter that's free--you sign up and receive a new devotion in your inbox, which includes a Bible verse, a short devotion, and reflection questions for each day through Lent (except Sundays). 

Lent’s Real Benefits

Lent isn’t about slogging through 40 days to feel shame or to feel extra holy. It’s about clearing out the junk—whether it’s a bad habit, a cold heart, or a distracted mind—so God can move in. With humility, you see your strengths and weaknesses clear as day. You’re not too proud to say, “I need You.” That’s when it happens: fasting sharpens you, prayer steadies you, giving softens you, refection realigns you. 

By the time Easter comes, you’re not just glad the coffee or chocolate is back! You’re different—lighter, closer to Jesus, and ready to celebrate His victory with a heart that gets it. Lent’s a reset, a chance to turn back to God and find His hope waiting. It’s tough, sure, but it’s good. Really good. Psalm 51:10 NKJV sums it up this way, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” 

So, what about you? Will you give Lent a shot this year—not just skipping snacks, but chasing something deeper? Jesus walked in the wilderness first. He’s walking it with you now. 

I’d love to hear about your Lenten experiences in the comments! Let us know how you’re practicing Lent! 

And if you'd like to learn more about Lent, check out my article on Substack: Lent: Is It More Than Giving Up Chocolate? 

Also check out: Lent: Finding Joy in Psalm 65 & the Stirring of Spring on Substack! 

God bless,

PS If you'd like to find apps for prayer, Bible study, etc., head over to our Resources page!  

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Repentance: The First Step to Joy

Happy Ash Wednesday! Today, we step into the sacred season of Lent—a 40-day journey that stretches from the ashes on our foreheads to the empty tomb of Easter Sunday on April 20, 2025. 

Lent is a time of reflection, repentance, and preparation, and I’m happy to share this journey with you through my new 40-day prayer journal, Daily Steps with God, and my Lenten devotions on my new Substack. You can find the prayer journal by clicking this link! It’s free on my Gumroad shop. 

Today, as we begin, I want to start on Day 1 of the Lenten devotions—repentance. Repentance might sound like a heavy way to start, but it’s the first step to joy. It’s not only a somber duty or burden. Read on to learn what it means, why it matters, and how it sets us up for a transformative Lent. 

A Call to Turn Back 

The Bible verse for today is Joel 2:12-13 NKJV, which says, “’Now, therefore,’ says the Lord, ‘Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.’ So rend your heart and not your garments; return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness; and He relents from doing harm.”

These words hit like a gentle thunderclap. God isn’t only asking for a quick “I’m sorry, Lord.” He’s inviting us into something deeper. He’s saying, “Come back to Me.” 

In Joel’s time, God’s people had drifted away from Him. They chased idols and ignored His voice. The prophet’s call came amid looming judgment, yet it wasn’t scolding. It was a plea wrapped in hope and love. “Even now,” He says—despite the mess, despite the distance—there’s a way back. That’s where Lent starts for us, too. Ash Wednesday reminds us of our mortality (“dust you are, and to dust you shall return,” Genesis 3:19). But it’s not the end of the story. It’s the beginning of a return—a turn toward a God who’s ready to meet us where we are with His grace and mercy. 

Rending Our Hearts, Not Just our Garments

In today’s study on my Substack, you’ll find a question that asks, “What does it mean to ‘rend your heart’ instead of just ‘rend your garment’?” In ancient Israel, tearing your clothes was a public sign of grief or repentance. But God tells Joel’s people—and us—that He’s not impressed with outward shows. He wants our hearts broken open before Him as we repent.

In Psalm 51:17 NKJV, David writes, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise.” After his sinning with Bathsheba, David didn’t just put on a sad face—he poured out his soul. He begged God to “create in me a clean heart” (Psalm 51:10). That’s rending your heart—letting Go see the raw, messy truth and trusting Him to heal it. Repentance isn’t about beating ourselves up; it’s about breaking open our hearts so God’s light can flood in. 

Contrast that with the Pharisees Jesus called out in Matthew 23:27-28 NKJV: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are all like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleaness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are fully of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” They were all about the externals—perfect prayers, long robes—but their hearts were far from God. 

Lent’s not a performance; it’s a heart-shirt. What’s one area you’ve been “rending your garments”—putting on a good face—when God’s asking for your heart? 

The Joy of Returning 

Here’s where the joy comes in: repentance isn’t a dead end—it’s a doorway. Joel 2:12 doesn’t stop at “return to me.” It keeps going: “for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.” This isn’t a God who’s waiting to punish; it’s a Father who’s running to meet us, like the prodigal son’s father in Luke 15:20: “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” That’s the heart of Ash Wednesday—we have a Father who longs to meet us where we are, and for us to return to Him. 

Exodus 34:6-7 NKJV echoes Joel, “And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and sin…” This is who we’re running to—a God whose character is mercy, whose default is love. Each time we turn back, we see a glimpse of God’s response. Repentance isn’t drudgery—it’s the first step to joy because it brings us home. 

A Lenten Invitation

So, what does this mean for our 40 days of Lent? In our Substack Lenten devotions, another of Day 1’s questions is, “What is one specific area of your life where you need to seek God’s forgivness and make a change during Lent? How has His grace already begun to meet you there?” Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress, one step at a time toward Easter. 

Scripture backs this up. James 4:8-10 NKJV says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” Repentance is humbling—but it’s followed by exaltation, by joy. And 2 Corinthians 7:10 NKJV adds, “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” Lent’s “weeping and mourning” isn’t wallowing—it’s a godly sorry that leads to change and new life. Every tear we shed over our sin is met with God’s smile, every turn back with His embrace. 

Practical Steps for Lent

Repentance isn’t just a feeling—it’s action. Here are three ways to live out Joel 2:12-13 this Lent, supported by God’s Word: 

Fast with purpose: Joel mentions fasting—it’s a Lenten practice for a reason. Jesus fasted 40 days (Matthew 4:2), not to punish Himself, but to draw near to God. Choose something to give up—social media, sweets, that expensive coffee habit—and let it remind you to turn to our Lord. When you have the urge to slip, pray about it and He will be faithful and help you through. 

Pray honestly: Psalm 139:23-24 NKJV says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Use Lent to talk to God about what’s really going on inside. Write it down if that helps—you can use the Grace and Mercy prayer journal for this. 

Act on it: Repentance brings about change. If you’re seeking forgiveness for anger, apologize to someone you’ve hurt. If it’s selfishness, share something this week—time, money, a kind word. Matthew 3:8 NKJV says, “Therefore, bear fruits worthy of repentance.” God’s grace meets us when we take action to come back to Him. 

I've created a free Lenten prayer journal--Daily Steps with God--which you can find on my Gumroad shop! It's free and easy to use. I made it to go with my new Substack for Lent! This is a newsletter that's free--you sign up and receive a new devotion in your inbox, which includes a Bible verse, a short devotion, and reflection questions for each day through Lent (except Sundays). 

The Road to Easter

Lent’s 40 days mirror Jesus’ time in the wilderness—testing, yes, but leading to triumph. Hebrews 12:2 NKJV tells us, “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Every step of repentance we take is a step toward that joy—the joy of Easter, where grace wins. The Daily Steps with God devotion on Substack is here to help us day-by-day, taking us from ashes to glory.

So, what’s your first step this Lent? What’s God calling you to turn from, and how has His grace already met you there? Drop a comment—I’d love to pray for you as we start this together. Let’s take this journey with hope, knowing that every turn back to God is a turn toward joy. Happy Lent, and here’s looking forward to Easter’s promise! 

God bless,

PS If you'd like to find apps for prayer, Bible study, etc., head over to our Resources page!  

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