Text: Genesis 3:8-21, Luke 12:13-21, Ecclesiastes 12:7, 1 Corinthians 15:42-49
Observing Ash Wednesday is not a biblical command. We are free to observe it and we are free not to. So what is it? Why have Christians around the world, for over ten centuries, attended Ash Wednesday service as a way to begin the liturgical season of Lent?
Ash Wednesday is a day of repentance. It is a day where we take a page from the Book of Job and repent in dust and ashes (Job 42:6). We remember that we are mortal.
During an Ash Wednesday service, people make their way to the front of the church as a minister moves down the line holding a bowl of ashes made from the palm fronds of the previous year’s Palm Sunday celebration. The minister might whisper into the worshipper’s ear as he smears ash in the shape of a cross onto the worshipper’s forehead: “Remember, mortal, that from the dust you were made, and to the dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19).
Some ministers put it more plainly, saying simply, “Remember that you have to die.”
Without Christ, these are hard words. With Christ, they are a reminder that, though our bodies will one day return to dust, we have the hope of the resurrection. Still, even for those in Christ, these words are a sober reminder that only Jesus’ death and resurrection could pay the wage of our sin and reconcile us to our Maker.
The ashen cross is an outward sign of both repentance and hope. It is a way to repent of our rebellion against God and “confess our sins one to another” (James 5:16). It is appropriate to enter into a season of celebrating the finished work of Christ by assuming a posture of repentance, confessing our need for a Savior.
On Ash Wednesday we admit our limits and acknowledge the brevity of this life. Whether in a formal Ash Wednesday service or privately in our homes, let’s use the first day of the Lenten season to remember that from the dust we were made and to the dust we shall return.
Russ Ramsey is one of the local pastors who serves She Reads Truth & He Reads Truth by providing theological oversight and pastoral counsel. Russ the author of Behold the Lamb of God: An Advent Narrative and Behold the King of Glory: A Narrative of the Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. He writes and pastors in Nashville, Tennessee. He and his wife Lisa have four amazing kids.
Leave a Reply
322 thoughts on "Ash Wednesday"
Paganism. Worship God in Spirit and Truth not according to the traditions of man.
Me Tooooo!
Me, too! It has been my favorite study on Lent!
Doing this plan again for Lent 2019
Awesome, Andi! Me too!
Yes! I am too. It stuck out as my favorite of the lent plans I’ve ever done.
Same!!!!!
I’m so excited to start this! Although I know we are months away from celebrating Lent, I wanted to begin here. A reminder of my humanity and how great God is could do me well. I’m currently in school and have found myself in a strange place spiritually, without a community that I could both ask difficult questions of and search for answers in Christ–it seems at my school the choices are either one or the other. I don’t care to have a faith that never grows in understanding, and I am hoping that this will be one avenue to help me continue my search in a community that can add to the conversation and tell me if I’m going way too far with my ideas. Thank you for creating this space for us to learn more and find community.
I am super behind in posting, but I am loving this series. When I grew up, I didn’t celebrate this in the atmosphere I was in,but it’s been awesome so far for my first tine
I love that even after Adam and Eve sinned gravely against God, He still lovingly met them where they were at (and their current concerns) and clothed them. It’s a beautiful first picture of grace.
I’ve never observed Ash Wednesday but I now have a clearer understanding of what it means . I’m so great-full that God chooses to make something beautiful out of the dirt and dust of this world. Because of Him I am clean!
Beautiful explanation of Ash Wednesday
I love these so much! They make me grow stronger through Christ
I do go to church but lately I am struggling talking to God on a daily basis. I am confident this will get me on the track that I want to be- both a happier and more God-loving women.
Find some good Christian girl friends! Being involved in Christian community is so important! ❤️
Thats so true, life is hard for me that I need to be surrounded and influenced by the image of God’s people… I feel so blessed
Thanks for this scripture, I believe God is really helping me to repent from all my sins, he is constantly helping me find these good inspirations for enthusiasm.. And i know its because i have never really repented before..
”Always look at the cross”, that is what one of my good friends once told me. Why should we do that? Because everything points back to the cross. God deserves all the honor, through what He did by sending his son to die on the cross, to make us clean from our sins. We did not deserve it, but he did it anyway, because He loves us.
This is my first devotional so I’m not sure what to expect. I have been struggling with understanding God and I am excited to see how this will help strengthen my relationship with Him. My favorite part of this devotional was that we will return to Gods Kingdom one day and be with Him. I also really liked how it broke down the meaning of Lent because I never truly understood the meaning of it. Really looking forward to this app!!
I’m feeling far from God; after becoming a follower 6 years ago, I was really poured into and raised up as a leader, too quickly! Now I feel like out of failing to meet expectations & not getting my life as a Christian leader all together (I still had to finish university), I’ve slowly, blindly walked away from Jesus. This reminder of mortality & repentance is a blessing as I’m turning around my steps to come running back to God. Prayers appreciated.
Thank you for sharing. I am on a similar boat, although a bit different. I have two small children and lately I feel that making time for God has become more and more challenging. My children are meant to bring me closer to God and not take
me far away from Him. Even though in my mind I am aware of this, I struggle to find the strength to pray or ready my bible. I am constantly tired and drained from everything. I will be praying starting tonight for your journey and for God to strengthen your faith. I ask for your prayer as well.:)
Motherhood has shown me very similar struggles. As a mother of four, I too find it difficult to sit down and have quiet times without being disturbed. Sometimes it’s difficult to get up earlier than my family to get that uninterrupted time- I need (and want!) sleep to function too! But I think God knows our limitations, our struggles, and our hearts desire to be closer to Him and blesses each attempt we make at trying to reach Him. Keep up the good work. Every attempt is a move closer to success ;)
Cool
I really like Kristen’s idea that in lieu of giving something up to instead add a journal rejoices. for
d
I had the same problem. Go under “settings” and click on restore app purchased at the bottom!
I purchased Lent, but cannot figure out how to open it. Any help?
I’m having the same problem :/ I can only read the sample day 1
Hi friend! If it’s not showing up in your plans list, click ‘settings’ then ‘Restore in-app purchases.” Email [email protected] if that doesn’t work!
xoxo-Kaitlin
All the GLORY to the Lord I was once blind a pile of dust and now into a new life I am a little ball of joy because of this!!!I I AM NEW!!
I was once a pile of dust now resurrection and I AM NEW I am change saved and set free!!!
Such s good reminder of our mortality and focusing our eyes on Jesus
I’ve taken some time to get back to my Lord Jesus – I still have one foot in the world and I’m hoping to let this go I know that without him I am nothing and I need him in my life to de discern
What a good place to be! In our weakness He is made strong
Amen, I have fallen back some. And through Him, I will only get stronger!
I am in the same spot. But I look forward to what He has in store for my life as I am placing Him back to first priority. I put Him on back burner for way too long!
o what a friend we have in Jesus
I also feel that the reminder of our mortality during Ash Wednesday, is also a reminder of our call to life in Christ. Yes, we will die, but more than that we must die to ourselves if we are to live in Christ during our mortal existence.
What an enlightening devotion – Jesus please forgive me for my rebellion against you – thank you for teaching me about the lEnt season I learned something new today – I always need Gods help in my life – I cannot do my life on my own – Jesus please forgive me when I think I can and I forget to submit to you daily – I thank you Jesus for your love that never fails
I’m a college student and keeping up with my time with God is hard when life gets busy. Praying I keep it up.
I understand a busy life! I don’t know if you are into social media but I am making a new rule I can’t get on Facebook until I have done my bible study! media but
I started this 2 years ago. No phone, email, Facebook, news etc, until I have spent time in Gods word. What a difference it has made in my life. You go girl!
Something that has helped me is remembering that when I forget a day (or a week) that I can always come back and finish where I left off, that the lord doesn’t make you start from the beginning and start all over again not only on the app but I was meaning spiritually. We get busy and God understands that. Just do your best and press forward and it gets easier!
I’m starting on this last, however, may the Holy Spirit use it to allow me and others to grow. May we repent, have peace, fervently listen to the Holy Spirit, and allow for change to happen in us. My heart is heavy with anger and past hurt. The Lord knows, but may this Lent Season bring revival for myself and others. Thank you pastor for preparing this #shereadstruth.
Late not last*
Praying for spiritual revival in your life, friend! I am late joining this study also :)
Beginning this late with you! I pray the same in my life! Praying for your heart as well as you start this journey!
I’ve always wondered what Lent was and what Ash Wednesday was about. I’m Pentecostal so I’ve never celebrated this or partook in it, so it’s going to be an interesting study!
It’s crazy, for me, to realize what I wish I knew when I was younger. I was raised Southern Baptist & Southern Baptist was all I knew. The traditions, the standards, and I felt that I was in that certain “bubble” perhaps.
I left the church at 16 and was searching for someplace where God and I could become closer. Long story short – 1 week later i found the home church I attend now and could not be anymore happy for how God has blessed me.
When I think of Ash Wednesday now, I am one to participate in this season because it is a way for me to become closer with God and to remember that no matter what – my body is going back to which it came and my spirit is going to be with Him up in heaven one day.
I was raised and still attend a “Pentecostal” church. Not sure why our denomination does not bring attention to Lent. I had never heard of it until a few years ago, so when I see someone in public wearing the ash cross on their forehead, it actually makes me feel guilty for taking my salvation “for granted”. Lord I thank you for bearing my sins on the cross! I too am looking forward to studying and responding to this Lent bible study.
This was great insight for me since I never truly understood Ash Wednesday. Thank you
From dust I was made and to the dust I shall return… But thanks be to God for the resurrection. Thank you Lord for saving this wandering, wretchedly sinful soul. Lord, center my heart upon you. Energize my soul early in the morning so I can spend my time with you before my day begins. Very excited about this study. xoxo
Christ frees men from this sinful “need”.
Yes! “The man ruling” is his curse and his temptation
It’s the curse. Just think of how hard marriage is- even the best are hard work and if you’re honest, full of discouragements. We have to constantly adjust our expectations- that is how I think of that part. The part about the bruising is looking forward to the ANSWER to the curse- Christ was bruised by Satan, but ultimately will crush him. One day, we will be free from it. Does that help?
I am having a really hard time with the part about the man ruling over the woman. It’s really upsetting me and taking away from the meaning of this passage. I also don’t under stand the verse about bruising each Other
All scriptures that pointed to a man having power over a woman use to make me upset, because I had a feminist mindset and didn’t like the word “submission” in terms of relationships due to the way society talked it down, but the more I read the Word of God and got to know God, the more I understood what He meant. I believe the man ruling over the woman is equal to when Ephesians 5:22-25 tells us women to be submissive towards our husbands as the church is submissive towards Christ. These kinds of scriptures aren’t there to give men an excuse to treat women as doormats and slaves, but rather to train men to love and treat their wives as Christ loves and treats the church as well to be a leader to their wives as Christ is to the church and that’s what I believe “the man ruling” part is about.
I have really been in need of a revival lately. I have been too focused on myself and my performance and have thought much too highly of myself. Instead of focusing on what I can give up and turn everything on me, I want to focus more on spending time with God and developing a deeper relationship with Him. I want to have a heart like David’s, to please God because I love Him.
I’m glad to have found this in time to join for Lent. I can already tell this is going to be something I needed.
Here, a haiku inspired by Genesis 3:19…
I am dust and breath,
fragile, infinitesimal,
yet, We move mountains
Beautiful!
Excited about this!
I am so constantly taking for granted the need I have for God’s grace. I appreciate this reminder that we are just mortals, and our God is so great and so glorious we cannot even comprehend what it really means, and his grace is an amazing gift.
I am very excited to begin this study.
I have deleted the Facebook and Instagram apps from my phone this lent as I reach for them first and last thing each day. I want to spend the time I usually spend on the them with God through this app,,journaling and praying.
Sorry for the typos, my phone isn’t displaying the commenting box properly and I’m guessing most of what I’ve written!
I also gave up social media for Lent!
I was reading in 1 Corinthians yesterday and came across verses 42-49, and wrote a short message about being a man of dust, BEFORE I read this post. What an amazing timing of God :)
U
I constantly battle every year during lent what I will “give up” as a sacrifice during this season. I also say, I will give up meat or sugars or carbs etc. This year, being a nursing mom dietary restriction isn’t ideal for the oblivious reason but, something kept telling me to dig deeper. So, I decided to just draw near the lord. I yearn for a deeper relationship with my god everyday. I want to walk and talk in ways that is acceptable to him. For when that day I separate from this earth, I know he will pleased with me and embrace me with open arms. My heart is filled with joy just thinking about it. At the same time my eyes water with tears praying hoping that I don’t let him down. After reading the assigned text Genesis 3:8-21, I know that even when I go against his words he will still cover me and embrace me.
Amen!!! I am so glad you put those desires into words because I was trying to think of a way to put what I wanted out of Lent. So thank you!
I actually just wrote a blog post about this. I’d love to share with you all. https://maggielowe.wordpress.com/dirty/
God created us in His image and although we are made in this world we are eternal made in heaven
While reading Genesis in this morning I had one of those moments when God just allows you to see something in a different light. Verse 21 says “the Lord God made them clothing.
It was a reminder to me that no matter what we do, God still loves us and looks out for us even when we make mistakes. We serve and awesome God.
Amen
Love that. Thank you for bringing that to light. Ive I’ve ne
I’ve never thought of it that way. :)
Without Christ death is scary but with Him there is no fear. Love this. It inspires me to keep seeking Him
Thank you and I loved your read on Ash Wednesday . I did attend church this evening .
I’m ready to start reading your Lent Book .
I love that the Bible tells us God called out to them. He was seeking them, asking them questions to show them their sin wanting confession and repentance. Giving them grace by providing the very first blood sacrifice because “the wages of sin is death ” . A substitute at the beginning which pointed to Jesus at the end. What hope we have that He didn’t leave us in that corrupted state but loves us ! Hallelujah that we get to remember the grace and love He has for us.
Thanks to my wonderful sister for bringing my mom and I to this wonderful study. As with others my favorite part of this was how the scripture was simply put to: “Remember that you have to die.” Sometimes I feel that we move through this world thinking that there’s always more time and take for granted waking up in the morning or hearing the giggle of a child. I definitely appreciated the reminder of not getting too caught up in my work and embrace the simple pleasures of being with family and friends. I am looking forward to what God is going to show me through this study.
Do many Protestants also partake in Lent? I’ve never partaken in Lent.
I had never partaken in lent or participated in an Ash Wednesday service, but I did it for the first time today at a Protestant church
Yep, lots of Protestant traditions enjoy the rich goodness of the liturgical calendar, which can be such a useful tool in deepening our understanding of Scripture and our relationship with God overall.
Looking forward to this study
Without Christ we wouldn’t have hope. Thank God for sending Him to us.
Amen <3
I really loved the reminder that this is a day of both repentance and hope. I had always grown up knowing what Ash Wednesday and Lent were, but my church never held services really addressing the Lenten season or Ash Wednesday.
I attended my first Ash Wednesday service today and it truly was a sobering time for me. I was able to reflect on who I am constantly seeking worldly approval from in my life, what things I need to break free from, and pray that God opens my heart this upcoming season to allow new life to grow within me so that I might follow His plan for my life.
If you think about ashes, how small and minute the particles are, how when you try to wipe it away, it will smear. This thought about how it represents our sins, how small, and yet the mess and then Christ washing away our sins. It always blows my mind.
That’s awesome.
This is such an awesome way to think about it! I love this!
That was an excellent read, I’m excited for this lent season!
I loved reading the explanation of the importance of today! Growing up we always went to church on ash Wednesday now I go to a church that doesn’t celebrate it. Therefore I enjoyed the reminder :)
Very excited to be celebrating Lent for the first time!
We will not fully appreciate the sweetness of Jesus’ sacrifice for us until we come to terms with the bitterness of our own sins. Thankful, we don’t have to dwell on our past mistakes & sulk in our sin because of our new life in Christ, but it is important to remember where we came from so we can truly reflect on the greatness of Jesus’ rescue! Looking forward to treasuring Christ through this Lenten season.
When I was a little girl in Catholic school, I remember getting ashes placed on my forehead. I remember some of them falling onto my face and when I wiped them they left streaks behind. I remember feeling embarrassed and ashamed because my face was dirty, I couldn’t wait to get home and wash them off. I didn’t fully understand. Now as an adult some parts of that are still true, we are in fact unclean, we are sinners and by getting these ashes on our foreheads we make it known to all. But there is hope! Because Christ took upon the cross and died for our sins we became clean, he washed all of our ‘dirt’ away and I am so thankful for that. It shows me Gods great grace, he sent his only son to die on the cross, for me? A little Catholic girl who was once ashamed and embarrassed to expose the black streaks on her face, but now embraces those streaks because I know what Christ went through to make me clean, to offer me eternity with him. What a gracious and merciful God we have. Who could ever love me that much, to give his only son…
What a great “visual” and perfect understanding & explanation. Thank you for sharing!
So excited about this :)
I loved the 1 Cor 15 passage & the picture it painted of how our image changed & changes & will change because of Jesus… From dust to glory ❤️
To die to Christ. To believe, to live, to have faith, that we are not our own. We live for HIM. He lives in us. This is HIS life. How dare I try to live in this flesh without the guidance of my Father who has given me ALL. And I have. This is a season in my life, where I know God is refining me in His fire. I’m rejoicing His mercy, praising Him through this storm, and believing His spirit that lives inside of me. I repent of my sins, and am forever grateful in His love.
First SRT Bible study. Looking forward learning more & growing more as well.
Welcome, confident you will be richly blessed by your time in His Word!
You are going to die. I like it said so plainly. Truth should be pain. Good start.
I’ve just connected the idea of planting a seed with interring a body. Planting. Burial. Old me new me. Duh. But so beautiful.
That was helpful for me – thank you!
A great reminder at the start of this Lenten season – I’ve never attended an Ash Wednesday service and now my soul longs to. Due to some financial issues I’m working through the verses about storing up for yourself really spoke to me….I’ve been in a season where I want to store up so that I have stuff for he future but God is calling me to trust Him…..He knows my days and He is my provider.
This is a great start to the Lenten season! Ilook forward.
“and to dust you shall return” oh what humbling words. This is my first SRT bible study and I am so looking forward to growing closer to God. wwejwjathumblingwordsthwhaw
This is my first time celebrating this Lenten season, so thanks for the devotional and help along the way! God bless you all!
“Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” This verse is powerful. We are sinful because of the first Adam, but because of God and the second Adam we are saved from that sinful nature. ❤️ As I read this passage I felt my heart was at peace. I am excited to travel through Lent, continuing to make room for Jesus in my heart
Totally missed that point about Adam.. You’re so right though! I’m looking forward to studying with other women who share a desire for a deeper stronger relationship with Jesus!rirightthoughthough
And I obviously have not figure out how to edit! Lol
“from the dust you were made, and to the dust you shall return”. Such a great reminder, and further reason to fully live our lives now toward God’s glory. I was particularly struck by the pull-out quote used in the image “We have borne the image of the man made of dust, we will also bear the image of the heavenly man.” 1 Corin. 15:49. I have read Corinthians, but have no recollection of ever reading this verse. I’m going to keep that close to my heart for awhile. Thank you.
How incredibly beautiful was that 1 Corinthians passage!! What a gift that in the midst of death, perishable things, dishonor, and weakness in our natural state we have been given the opportunity of a resurrection through Christ. A resurrection that is IMPERISHABLE. That we will be raised in GLORY and POWER. That we will have a SPIRITUAL BODY. That we will not only bear the image of the man of dust. It that WE SHALL ALSO BEAR THE IMAGE OF THE MAN OF HEAVEN!!
What a gift! Thank you, Jesus! I had a professor in college who often prayed that he would never get over the death and resurrection of Jesus. That it would never fail to move him deeply. That is my prayer this season too.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfected of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
Michelle and Tarisai,
How did you upload a profile pic?
Yes I was wondering this too?
It’s amazing how strong the pull is in this world away from God and what he clearly commands.
But it is so amazing his love to prepare a place for us even with all the filth we have in our lives!
Not really looking forward to dying but so glad that when I do I will be with my Father in his loving arms!
I so agree Anya!
Amen. Not ready but looking forward to that day, don’t want to live without Him and definitely don’t want to live without Him in my life.
Beautiful Grace!
Praise the Lord that he is a good, good Father!
It ALL
I am dust and my only hope lays in Jesus. What a blessing to remember on this Ash Wednesday that He paid
I LOVE that after God doled out his punishments at the Fall, His very next action was “He clothed them.” My heart blew up when I read that. What an awesome way to begin Lent: with a reminder that yes, we are sinners and we deserve death, BUT GOD is merciful and because of that we are blessed beyond measure. His response to Adam and Eve was not to punish them and then walk away. He punished them, but then he BLESSED them! That’s grace, y’all! He is a good, good Father, and I am so excited about this season of my faith. As I type this from a hospital bed with white counts that have bottomed out and my hair falling out, I am all too aware of my morality; that I will one day return to ashes. But I also loved the reminder that while our bodies waste away, our SPIRITS WILL return to the God who made them. I’m so glad to be moving through this season with you guys!
Amen, Jessie!!!
Jessie, thank you for your story! And it’s really amazing how God clothed Adam and Eve after punishing them. What Grace,what mercy!
How did you upload a profile pic?
Praying for you Jessie :) I’m glad to do this study with you as well, and am so thankful that despite your sickness and physical ailments you can find comfort in our amazing, loving, and merciful God!!!
Praying for you Jessie! I’m in a hard place too but God is so faithful to us! He is right here holding us up. I admire your faith and strength!
This is SO wonderful, Jessie! That verse struck me as well. I thought it to be absolutely beautiful because He could have just left them to fend for themselves. Praying blessings your way!
Thank you for your comment, Jessie!! He is an amazing and loving God! Praying for you!
Thank you for sharing your contagious excitement! I was in a similar place recently, a month in a hospital bed and yes watching my hair fall out and barely enough strength to get out of bed… . But we do not lose heart! Though our outward bodies are wasting away, our Spirits are being renewed day by day (2 Cor 4:16) and will eventually experience this ultimate renewal! Praying for your endurance — the best is yet to come!
Praying for God’s healing and blessings for you, Jessie. Thankful to be studying through Lent with you. :)
Hello, I would like to participate in this blessing to study the scriptures, I need to delve into the Word of God.Blessings
Ash Wednesday has always been a sobering reminder of my deep need for my Savior. It is so easy to get caught up in daily life, to think I can make it on my own, and to take for granted the Truth of the Gospel as I gloss over it year after year. Yet, today I am reminded that I am dust…that I am literally worth nothing without the grace, mercy, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is my prayer today that we more fully grasp our need for our Savior, and that we would cling to Him in every moment.
God has been working on my heart the past couple of months and I feel so blessed to have found this study! I feel that the Lent season is a time of reflection and realization that our earthly desires and worries are so temporary! I am so proud to wear my ashes today that I pray that I become just as proud to wear my cross!
It has been awhile since I have joined in a study here with the She Reads Truth! What a fitting time to join back in for the start of Lent. I haven’t really fasted during the Lent season for a couple of years and I am deciding to limit my screen time (facebook, social media, tablet, and tv) and read. I will be reading books and reading more in my Bible. I love quote “enter into this season with a posture of repentance.” So fitting after being apart of the IF Gathering 2016, and one of the speakers asked us, “What is your posture?” Well I have a need for repentance and a will to surrender to God.
I know I just join the group but could some one tell me what page we are on or where I can keep up with everyone .
Thanks,
Marina
page
Excited for this study. Stoked to learn more about lent and grow closer to the cross :)
“Remember that you have to die”……such powerful words! John 12:24 states “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” I can’t wait to learn more about Lent, growing up I too thought that this was only observed in Catholic church…..much to learn!
Much to learn! That’s why I’m @ she reads truth.
SShereadstruth!SheReadsTruth
YES! I got chills reading those words. I imagine Jesus hearing those words.
ive never done a lent series, truth be told i dont know what lent is. Im thankful i have found this study today x
So excited you’re linking arms with us and working through this study/season! Blessings!
“The ashen cross is an outward sign of both repentance and hope.”
Lent 2016 is going to be about my journey in faith – ‘ of repentance & hope’. Repentance of my sins & failings as a person. Hope about the future – through exploring my faith with God. I am hopefu this Lent; I feel & have seen a small change in me since I started exploring my faith through the scriptures & most recently since joining SRT.
This Lent it is about my inner change as I seek to repent my sins & hope to be a better Christian believer.
How did you upload a profile pic?
I also thought Lent was a thing of the Cathlolics, never really heard of it in a southern baptist family. I’m wondering why, “remember that you have to die”, is such a powerful reminder. I’m so moved to be in this study in the next weeks and see what self discovery and enlightenment to my own life it may bring.
Growing up in a Southern Baptist home, I heard about Lent from friends at school and saw their ashes on their foreheads; but I never really understood what it was. I thought it was just a thing for Catholics and Methodists; but just from this first day, I can finally see how special and almost necessary this season is. I can’t wait to learn more behind this beautiful season!
I completely agree!
I first found SRT through this study last year. It was the first time I had ever participated in lent though I have been a follower of Christ since I was a teenager. I really appreciated the mindfulness that it gave me as we got closer to Easter. I have enjoyed several of the studies since then. Thank you!
I’m so glad a friend referred me to SRT for a Lenten Study!
This reading ties in with a lesson from my “Sacred Parenting” class. I am reminded that not only is my earthly life short, but my earthly legacy will be, too. If I can’t tell you much about my great-great-grandparents (aside from maybe their names), how can I expect that my great-great grandchildren will remember much more about me? Our footprints on this earth are so tiny. Time to turn and face our Heavenly Father where I can rest in Him and His legacy, love, and forgiveness.
Lovely thoughts!
I love that book and remember that thought soecifically! specifically
Lent is not mentioned nearly at all in the church I have grown up in, so I know very little about it. But after just one day, I am excited to experience what He has ito show me and teach I me in the coming weeks.
Today I am struck by the phrase, “remember, you have to die.” Not because that is a novel idea to me, but because it has stirred a reminder in my heart: I need to remember that I have to die daily. I am easily distracted from the Truth by the idols around me, the greatest one being my own selfishness. Today I am powerfully reminded that I am called to die daily to myself. Yes, my flesh will one day give out, and to dust I will return. But more importantly, when my flesh returns to dust, my spirit returns Home, and I want to live my life in light of that grace daily.
I love this thought… “when my flesh returns to dust, my spirit returns Home, and I want to live my life in the light of that grace daily”. Me too!!
So grateful to have discovered this Lenten Study. It was suggested on Sunday, to find a way to fast/remove something from our daily life to replace with a turning inward towards God…either through studying his word and/or prayer each day during this season of Lent. To use this time to learn more as a disciple of God. This study is one of the ways I plan to do this during Lent.
Thank you and God’s Peace,
Lisa
Heavenly Father thank you for the reminder of our need for a Savior. Thank you that through the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ, all who believe may be forgiven and have eternal life. I confess my own self-centeredness, Lord, and ask that you would change me and move me into a place of Christ-centeredness this Lenten season, that you may be glorified. Thank you, that our belief in Jesus Christ alone is enough. Amen!
Amen! Thanks for joining us today, Tiari!
xoxo-Kaitlin
I grew up in a religious household. One where my parents encouraged free thought and exploration of ideas and other beliefs. I never saw myself falling away from these basic teachings I held so dear when I was younger, but I definitely have strayed. I’m eager to follow this plan over Lenten season as I acknowledge my sins but also the great love and forgiveness my God has for me, even when I’ve turned my back.
Peace! Today is my first day finding this wonderful group and it couldn’t come on a more important day. I was raised in a Catholic home so faith has always been front and center in my life, but only up until my mid-life, has it become the most important. I love Our Lord more than my soul can express and I know that doesn’t even come close to how much He loves me! I also love Our Blessed Mother, because without Her, we would not have Him. I look forward to the Lenten season because it’s a time we become closer with Our Lord. Yes, it’s a time we must see our sins before us, and repent, but it also draws us closer to Him and that’s right where I want to be!! Thank you for having such a wonderful group that I can go to throughout the day. Peace and blessings to you all!
Reading this was such a great reminder of God’s grace and Jesus’ love for us. I’ve been struggling a lot lately and sometimes I forget that I can give it all to God; trusting in Him makes this entire life easier and worthwhile.
I so agree! God is so faithful and a life of trusting him is a life of PEACE!
“On Ash Wednesday we admit our limits and acknowledge the brevity of this life. “
This is the second time ever doing Lent. So I am still learning the meaning of traditions.
I grew up going through the motions of Lent, but my heart was never really behind it. Last year I was going through a spiritual crisis of sorts and I didn’t observe Lent at all. I’m still rebuilding my faith, but I want to get closer to the Word of God this Lenten season. Looking forward to this study!
For many years, I admittedly had not acknowledged or celebrated the Lenten season. It was something that I was aware of, but never really knew the full purpose of the season. Most recently, I’ve begun to dig deeper into my spiritual practice and have learned much more about Lent- it is a season of hope and repentance. My heart is heavy and overwhelmed by the thought of Gods abiding love and presence in my life- looking back over the past year (2015) which was the most difficult year of my adulthood to date. God carried me through. I am excited to continue walking in Gods grace and growing in my faith through these devotionals.
So thankful God carried you through that difficult season! Praying blessings over you as we work our way through Lent! I’m thinking it’s gonna be awesome… and maybe a tad hard ;)
Our time on Earth is fleeting. It is fragile and precious and a gift from God. From this day forward I want to commot my life to being a trye disciple of Christ. May fellow sinners see my redemption as testimony that Jesus our Christ is alive and living in us. He is our strenght and the only way to our everlasting salvation.
I accept the invitation. This is my first year with SRT, and so far it has been a tremendous blessing. I am excited to continue with Lent season and continue to hear what God is saying in His word.
So glad you are here, Arleisha! Praying for you today, friend!
xoxo-Kaitlin
I love the somber reminder that Lent gives to me every season. It gives hope amidst some of the most difficult times, almost every year! It overwhelms me with Christ’s love & I look forward to the rest of this season’s devotionals.
I have heard good things about She reads truth. This is my first day here. I haven’t been apart of a bible study for a long time. But I am in a season of life where I could use the extra support of community. So I just wanted to jump in and say hi! Commit myself to joining you in this season of lent :)
You will LOVE this study & the community. Found SRT last year and I’ve been following their studies ever since. So thought provoking!
This is my first time here as well, also my first time doing a bible study for lent. I am looking forward to it!!
Great! Looking forward to sharing the experience with you as a fellow newcomer:)
Thank you:)
Thanks for the insight! I have never done a study for lent before. I am excited for this one!
I have been reading them on and off for the past year or so. You will enjoy it! I first started actually for their lent study, too. Wonderful reading of truth! Glad you are following the small still voice that is leading you here. :) God bless!
Thank you :)
It serves as such a great hope when we are caught in the weariness of this world … that it is all temporal, everything, all but God and Spirit. That when we are overwhelmed with all that lies on our plates we can look to Christ and know that He freed us, that any slavery to this world is washed away by His blood and that we can know peace because THIS is a not all we have and that eternity is a hope worth holding onto.
I just love the reminder that we are in our “first phase.” We are in mortal bodies but after the Lord finishes His work through us, our mortal bodies are given back to the dust and we can begin again in our spiritual bodies of Heaven! It helps put things in perspective for me. The best is yet to come for us all!
Is there a way to sign up to have these sent to you as a daily email? Thanks!
http://shereadstruth.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=04efe6aef13fba462601c9f65&id=f40ecd3f14
My go-to poet (really my only go-to poet) whose book Kneeling in Jerusalem is Ann Weems and she writes:
Ash Wednesday…And we are on our way to Your Way.
O Lamb of God, have mercy upon us and keep us from all the smallness of our lives that old take precedence over kneeling in Jerusalem.
I find myself wallowing in the “smallness” of my life, putting it in a pedestal, elevating its importance. This is what I call a Hard Stop that brings into sharper focus the unimportance of my life without Christ. Yes, I will surely have to die, the question is where does my hope lie? Eccl. 12:6 says life, lovely while it lasts, is soon over. Life, as we know it, precious and beautiful, ends. Ash Wednesday brings me into a posture of repentance, clinging to the anchor of hope sunk deep into the bedrock of faith.
Thanks so much for sharing!
instead of giving up something for lent, I am adding in something: I’ll be keeping a gratitude journal to remind me to “rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS” :) and adding this study seemed like an awesome way to focus my mind on this season. I grew up in a church that didn’t celebrate lent so it still feels new to me. that’s what learning and growing looks like though!
I also grew up in a denomination that didn’t recognize Lent, and I discovered the power and beauty of this season of the church year while attending a Catholic college. Now I always look forward to the special time of preparation for Easter.
Like you, I too grew up in a church that did not celebrate lent. I always knew people gave up things for lent. But what? I’m waiting to HEAR what I am to give up, if anything! I want to do this for the right reasons not just as an ACTION of lent. Know what I mean? I had not thought of adding something. My commitment at this time is to study my SRT Lent book daily. Just take some time to really BE QUIET before the Lord and see what HE wants to show me. I am trusting Him to be with me and show me HIM during this time!
People tend to give up something luxurious they enjoy as a reflection on the solemnity of the season while they reflect on Christs sacrifice. So it might be chocolate or coffee or buying things that aren’t just basics. I have not really done that but last year at church it was suggested for lent each day you did an act of service for someone … So my family did baking for people, wrote letters or emails to encourage people etc. it was a great way to celebrate lent. I live in New Zealand and this study wasn’t ready in the morning when I read my bible so now I’m running a bit behind!
I love the gratitude journal. My fiance keeps one. Every day he writes down one sentence of what he is thankful for. It’s a really beautiful idea and a great way to keep track of God’s blessings!
Because I know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I am not earth – bound. Though I will die and my physical dusty body be placed in the ground, I will still live. Indeed I will be more fully alive than ever before! Today I remember my dusty roots AND my eternal destiny. I am dust, yet I will one day sparkle in heavenly glory in the presence of my Creator. Oh glorious day!!
My grandmother died this morning, and your words brought tears of joy to my eyes! May I always have the proper perspective of dusty roots and eternal destiny.
Bonnie, I’m praying for comfort & peace for you and your family at this time!
Oh Bonnie, my prayers for you and your family as you grieve your grandmother’s death and celebrate her life. Blessings to you, dear sister in Christ
Praying for God’s peace for you Bonnie *hugs*
Wow so beautifully said ❤️
Thank you for such a great resource during this season.
Thank you Jesus for taking my sin. I am undeserving and deserve death, but you give me grace!
I’ve decided to give up make-up this lent, so I can focus on finding my beauty and identity in Christ and remember that I don’t always need make-up and perfect hair to be beautiful. I’m focusing on my heart, because that’s what God looks at. I don’t have enough to get this full plan, but I would like to encourage you all as well, to know that I’m praying for you and wish you luck!
Love this idea! Very sweet.
Maddie – would love to find a way to gift the full plan to you. If you feel comfortable commenting back with your email address maybe I can email you an App Store/iTunes gift card.
Really? That’s very sweet! It’s: [email protected]
This brought to my mind a prayer from the book “The Valley of Vision”. It is my prayer for today and every day during Lent:
“O God of Grace, I need to repent of my repentance; I need my tears to be washed; I have no robe to bring to cover my sins, no loom to weave my own righteousness; I am always standing clothed in filthy garments, and by grace am always receiving change of raiment, for thou dost always justify the ungodly; I am always returning home as a prodigal, always saying, Father, forgive me, and thou art always bringing forth the best robe…Grant me never to lose sigh of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, the exceeding righteousness of salvation, the exceeding glory of Christ, the exceeding beauty of holiness, the exceeding wonder of grace.”
Have a blessed day!
Thanks for sharing this, Kathy! Grateful to spend Lent with you!
xoxo-Kaitlin
Time for repentance. I am so grateful to see how God has been gently working in my heart to finally reveal my sin against Him yesterday. It was as clear as water and I could not deny it any longer. I cried and cried feeling disappointed, angry and sad. I cried seeing the pain my sin caused to my beloved Lord and myself. But even in the midst of my grief for what I did against Him, my heart was full of hope because my sin was revealed in his loving presence. A presence that did not condem me but gently exhorted me, led me to repentance and encouraged me to re-direct my path towards Him, the lover of my soul. He helped me to process how the little desicions I made lead me astray but also showed me the commitment necessary to overcome it. Today I praised Jesus for revealing the real condition of my heart, my limited existence and his steadfast love and mercy over each one of us.
beautiful, thank you for sharing
Cora, in this season, I am so thankful for your comments. God is working in my heart, and how shameful and selfish I have been these past few years..if not further. I have cried my heart out to God, and he hears. I’m so thankful for this season, the trials, and the burning conviction of God to redirect my path. That He loves me that much. Praying for you, and the rest of us that may be in seasoning in HIS fire.
As i enter into this 2016 Lent season, i will be fasting from all forms of social media, i will only drink water, no meats, no sweets! Please pray for me! I will stop focusing on my own selfish needs, learn to be grateful and stop complaining about everything little thing. I will put my emotions in my back pocket and sit on them and stop leading my life emotionally driven. I am nothing without Him and I need to get back to that place where I was before I allowed, these worldly things to consume my mind andd squander my thoughts of my loving Father who cares for me.
Praying for you sister!
Praying for you Tonya!
I accept the invitation this year! This will be my first year of lent to understand, dedicate, and study the word. I’m excited! I gave up facebook. I look forward to turning my extra time towards Him instead of wasting if on emptiness. Thank you for this study session!
I also gave up Facebook/Instagram. I want to spend the extra time in the word or with my family.
So grateful to spend time in God’s Word together, Emily! Praying for you during this Lenten season.
xoxo-Kaitlin
Love what you said here!! This is my first year as well.
We have an aged, dilapidated, rust-invading blue truck we have duly dubbed ‘Blue’. Blue cost us $1.00. Fairly old by today’s standards, Blue has served us well for almost 15 years and our hope, once our sons finally drive, they will see Blue for what it is – a vehicle that will get you from point A to point B. Isn’t that the purpose of all vehicles? On the tailgate of Blue is a bumper sticker, “Don’t let the car fool you. My treasure is in heaven.” It is a reminder that we do not store up treasures on earth but, instead, are rich toward God (Luke 12:21). Our life is temporal. Any treasures I shore up must be treasures of eternal value, treasures for Kingdom purposes. The latest shiny new vehicle that was purchased to compete with the neighbors has zero eternal value. But eternal treasures such as the relationship developed with those same neighbors and the truth spoken into their lives, the truth of repentance and forgiveness only available in Christ. It is our choice whether we will make decisions, choices every day for kingdom glory and eternal value or we’ll lay up treasures on earth. Without Christ, the last Adam, a life-giving Spirit (1 Corinthians 15:45) what we sow in corruption will be found corrupt. What we sow in dishonor will be judged dishonorable and not be raised in glory. What is sown in weakness will not be raised in power? But, with Christ, the last Adam, the life-giving Spirit, the healing power of the Resurrection offers incorruptibly, glory, and power (1 Cor. 5: 42-43). Within John 5: 19-29 says, without Jesus ‘unto judgement’ and with Jesus ‘unto eternal life.’ That beat up Blue truck that sits in my driveway and needs close-personal attention each time I drive it, is a reminder for me to sow treasures of eternal value, lay up treasures for heaven.
I’ve never done anything for lent before. I’m excited to start this year!
So glad you’re joining us, Suz! We love having you in our community!
xoxo-Kaitlin
Beautiful devotional
I am equal parts excited and nervous as I begin observing the Lenten season for the first time. I pray that in this darkness and time of reflection that Jesus would draw me close to His side and open up a space in my heart to dwell more richly than before.
It’s my first time too! I am praying for similar things, I pray that God brings me closer to Him and can help me accomplish the duties He put me here on Earth for. Best of luck to you as you are repenting!
Me three! I completely understand your divided feelings. I am so thankful of this time to draw closer to Him, but it is a scary thing to clean out your soul and face past sins. I will be praying for us all.
At the cross , redemption for our sins . How can we not praise and worship him everyday.Thank you Lord.
I am more than my body. I am my soul. I have known this logically but today… what a revelation! Like a spritz of perfume, my soul floats in and out of the lives of others. Sometimes I am pleasant and often, I am not. I need to think of my words as perfume. Are my words pleasant or noxious?
This is so beautiful! And what a convicting question to use when examining the words we use with others! Thank you.
This! Might I use it as a reminder for myself? Thank you for sharing your heart.
Love your imagery. So true.
I am so overcome with His goodness. It was such an image to think of when I read that we bear both images. How beautiful! I think I need to adopt a spirit of freedom. There is such freedom in Christ. I want to live for Him every day that I have. We are so very human and we will die. I am not afraid of death, I am afraid that I will die without having done what God has asked of me. I pray that everyone reading through the lent series hears what God is asking of them and obeys. His desires are good.
Amber, I’m so with you!
Some days I get so busy with life and get so frustrated. If life is all about pursuing God, then why does “life” always get in the way off that? I get my answer when I read Genesis. Man’s sole purpose purpo. was to commune daily with God, to enjoy and worship their Creator. But doubt, ego, and disobedience cursed that blissful existence. Things that had been easily obtainable like food and clothing options or lack thereof (women understand the curse of wardrobe decisions), suddenly became painstakingly difficult. Sin cursed all creation and separate God and man. Life became work-focused instead of God-focused. We are still daily fighting the same battle Adam and Eve fought in the Garden. We struggle daily with choices that either give ourselves or God top priority. I want to live a life of worship and not work. God, teach me to draw close to you daily. Amen.
Let us carve out something distracting or fast-worthy from our lives and turn our attention to God. Lord, fill our lives with your presence during this Lenten season! I pray for us to reflect on the truths of Him daily.season!
*during the season!
Amen.
I am excited to follow along with this and deepen my knowledge of these traditions and grow closer to God through the process. Growing up, I only learned the motions of lent but not the motives behind them. I have grown so much in my faith these last few years and my connection with God deepens everyday. Thank you for this opportunity to shift my focus, I am looking forward to this!
So glad you’re joining us, friend! Praying for your time in God’s Word today!
xoxo-Kaitlin
I will take any day to repent. Thank you for the reminder for what the day is all about. http://www.in-due-time.com
I have been in a dry season with my devotionals for about 7 months now. Last night I decided to look into this app and what the Lentin season would look like. This morning was the first time that I have felt His presence in my quiet mornings with Him. I am so humbled to “confess our sins to one another” and begin this season with sisters in Christ.
So glad you’re joining us, Brittany! Grateful to spend time in God’s Word together.
xoxo-Kaitlin
without HIM we are empty❤️
“We admit our limits” so much power in that admission of humility.
He tore the veil for us to come close.
Listening to this song today, God is so amazing: Out of Hiding by Steffany Frizzell Gretzinger of Bethel Music https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XFkDqQtfs0w
Thank you for sharing. What a beautiful song!
Breathing as I start this Lent study. We don’t normally celebrate and this year I am doing it to grow closer to the Lord. Sometimes Anxiety over takes my thoughts with the what if and death. It heightens when me, my husbands or kids are separated. I am in need of remembering that this Earthy life is not my forever home. My heart is ready to release anxiety and allow Gods grace to cover me with peace. This comes at the perfect time because several business trips are planned this month.
Wow. I’m reminded not only that we will physically die, but also that we choose to die to be raised in the spiritual likeness of Christ.
Why does God sat that Eve’s husband should rule over her? Isnt that something that God says, that all his children are equal under his eyes?
Aubrey, that is a great question. However, a little misplaced. Our status before God never changes – we are equal. What sin brought was a change not only in our relationship to God, in our relationship to others. Adam and Eve were no longer going to function as a perfect unit: Him loving Her perfectly and her respecting him perfectly. Now there would be a constant battle: Her fighting for control. Him fighting against passivity. It may be hard to accept, but God makes it very clear that Adam is to lead and Eve is to be his helpmate. Only through Christ can we hope to live this marriage relationship as close to what God intended before sin entered the world. Ephesians 5 gives a husband a TALL order! I’m happy (although it’s a fight in my mind) to learn to submit, as there is much freedom when I do. With leadership comes MUCH responsibility. And our men deserve our respect.
Thanks for this great insight, Monica! Prayerful that we seek to emulate Christ in our marriages and can experience the freedom that comes from respectful submission <3
So very THANKFUL to God for His kindness and to SheReadsTruth for helping us stay focused and full of understanding.❤️
This is my first season doing the She Reads Truth app. My hope is to do this daily and stay off of all social media. Instead, I will spend time reading this.
So glad you’re joining us, Ana! We love having you in our community!
xoxo-Kaitlin
Thank you jesus lead me too the cross I surrender
Growing up in a Baptist church, I have never observed Ash Wednesday or the Lenten season. However, I find myself in place where I longing to grow closer to Christ, to spend more time in His word and to focus on Him. This study has come at the exactly right time for me.
The thought that we shall all return to dust is a sobering – especially in light of recent events in our church (we lost a 14 year old young man). But the true beauty is seen in the passage of 1 Corinthians 15, that we will one day be spiritual beings because of Christ.
Couldn’t agree with you more!
This lent season I want to challenge myself to turn away from worldly possessions, desires and habits. I want to turn to God instead, in the times I struggle so that I will be reminded of his greatness. HeIt’sformeascaught. her flight
I love this explanation! I go to our Ash Wednesday service but never knew the full meaning. I look forward to this study as I have learned so much on the first day!! ❤️
Along with many of you this will be my first season of celebrating and studying through Lent. Over the past few years my struggle with the fear and anxiety related to death has been overwhelming at times. As the Lord has begun to work in me to free me of this fear as he teaches me to focus more on his purpose for my life rather than perhaps the brevity of my life. I pray that during this Lent season I will be able to know of his power over death as such an act of love for me. I am only dust without Him and His saving power and love. This truth I want to incorporate into my daily thoughts, actions, and purposes.
This is truly beautiful Ivey! I relate to your struggle and so appreciate your words! Isn’t it amazing to watch Him answer our prayers and renew ourminds in these ways!
Ivey, I have and still do feel this anxiety related to death. You are not alone. This study is such a wonderful reminder to channel my fear into the Lord and his power over death.
Luke 12:15-21 parable of the rich farmer, as I read I think of the moments in life that I find myself wanting more, envying those I see who have enough to not work, who can use there possessions freely. None of our possessions make us rich, none of these desires will suffice in the search for our happiness, and none of these things will secure my spot in the Kingdom of Heaven. Instead they will detour me from finding salvation, having so much that the need of thanking God leaves me, the thought of unselfishly helping others completely fades from my thoughts, and then I am caught up in the fight to make more.
Now I am questioning those prayers I make, asking God to use my husband an I, asking for opportunity to bless people who are in need, and to bring others to Christ. I wonder what if God has already blessed us with an opportunity to reach others. He has blessed us both with the ability to work, with jobs that provide an income, income that mostly goes to bills, but still a portion that goes to Michael and I when we are too tired to cook, when we feel like not making a cup of coffee in the morning so we drive to Starbucks and pay $12 for two cups of sugar, or when I feel like I need to have my nails done by a professional. Maybe God has given is plenty of opportunities daily to give to those in need and to bless others, and maybe we are too blinded and in too much of a hurry to notice all those opportunities that we have been asking for.
Lord I thank you for your word this morning, as I start this day I ask that you continue changing this heart of mine, his heart that is weak, this heart that fails me daily. Lord I ask that you help my husband and I as we search for a home to buy, that we both remember that you God are the one who sustains us, we need only you in this life. I ask Lord that you open my eyes so that I can see those in need of a blessing, I ask that you make room in my heart for those in need, while you remove my selfishness and desired for more.
I ask these thing in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Nicole I echo your beautiful prayer this morning, for God to open my eyes and make room in my heart for those in need. I have been thinking on similar lines lately. Thanks for sharing!
This is also my prayer. May I realise that we can give, with what we have, that He doesnt needs to give us more (money, situations, time…) , before we can give.
This Lenten season I will adopt an attitude of gratitude. Gratitude to be able to freely participate in this study. Gratitude for God’s mercy in the garden and then after, sending His son so we may know Him. I truly need to re-focus my days on choosing Him over myself and my own comforts and imagined needs. It is time to get out of my comfort zone, kick the box open and truly look to Jesus. It is time for me to live what I preach to others and practice trusting Him. It is time to be authentic, to stop going through the motions of faith, but to act on faith. As Christian woman we try to keep the “good” face. Whilst inside us we struggle with things that are less than Christ-like, and feelings of being unworthy. I go back to gratitude that He loves me even when I feel so unworthy of Him. I lay the things that separate me from Him in the ashes today.
Amen Sister! Lord use me and place me where you need me…to be comfortable with the uncomfortable
It’s funny, this morning I hadn’t read this devo yet and I was driving home from my early barre class. The clouds were bright pink as they were reflecting the sun rising on the horizon. Jesus plainly said to me, “As the clouds reflect the sun, so you should reflect me.” I thought about how the clouds are dust and I am also dust. The clouds capture the light of the sun and let it illuminate and reflect outward. I pray that we can all be like the dust of the clouds rather than the dust of our dirty book shelves.
This was such a beautiful reminder. I love it that our God speaks to us. I love that we can hear his loving words. Anytime I have heard his voice it has been the purest sound of love and discernment. Never harsh. Always tender.
I am one of the “Shes” that didn’t grow up in a church that celebrated the Christian calendar. Just discovered the beauty of it on my own a few years ago.Looking forward to walking the lent journey with you all.
Welcome!! It is a beautiful way to move through the year and follow Christ.
This morning I woke up dreaming about this guy I used to crave. immediately texted how he was doing. the word says “your desire shall be for your husband and he shall rule over u. and I’m like I need to get it that God is my bridegroom and He cherishes me
As I turned to Genesis I was eager to start this, and as I came upon the scripture my heart sank as I remembered which one it was. Oh yes, our sin, our failure, our frailty. But it was a good sinking into this truth about my sin nature, lest I forget what God has saved me from so that I never live for building bigger barns of my own desires. It is God who gives me breath and Christ’s Spirit who sustains me and brings me out of darkness every morning and makes me more like him and less and less like the first Adam. Praise you Lord, you are a good good Father, you discipline those You love but you also make the way to Yourself free of fear and condemnation!
Amen!
Too often I find myself concerned with my worldly accumulations. These accumulations will not get me into heaven. Today, I repent for the sinner in me. I repent for the girl who sometimes loses her way and focuses on the things that do not get me to Heaven. Today, I ask myself: “And those things that you have prepared – whose will they be?” I will use this as a gentle reminder to channel my thoughts to Him and less on my material possessions.
Oh how I needed this reminder this morning. Ash Wednesday is something that this ex-Catholic misses. My current church does not have an Ash Wednesday service. I miss the solidarity of seeing fellow Christ followers with ash crosses on their foreheads. There is something so comforting about Ash Wednesday. I think it’s the humility, and the acceptance, that from dust we are born and from dust we will return.
I’m really looking forward to this study with you ladies. I’m praying for everyone as we prepare our hearts for His coming! Hallelujah!
I just turned 17 and this is actually my first time celebrating lent as I not only want to embark on a new journey with God but I wanted to make a new commitment to him such as studying the bible everyday like all of you wonderful women do . I have given up a psychical item but I want it to only inspire and remind me to pray when I am longing for this item. This is all very new to me and it just fills me with so much joy to be able to devote myself to God and form a more powerful relationship with him and I absolutely love reading all of your wonderful advice, prayers, and thoughts so thank you so much.
As a Roman Catholic, I have typically felt ‘obligated’ to attend services, but the older I get and closer to God I become I am able to appreciate these beautiful traditions and their meaning. To me, there is something comforting about ashes. Returning to what we were made from…and sitting with our Father.
In previous years I’ve “given up” many things for Lent: alcohol, sweets, even social media (sadly, that might have been harder than all of them) but this year I want to focus on giving up what isn’t bringing me closer to Christ. Negative thoughts, impatient words. Because if this one man can accept death for all of humanity, I can certainly succeed in small ways that allow me to live more like him.
Praise God.
Amen, sister!
I too will not give up anything physical this Lenten season and focus on channeling my thoughts towards Christ. Prayers for you this season!
I, too, have given up some of the things you mentioned, but it didn’t really change me. I love the thought of giving up things that keep me from Christ. Thank you!!
I’m giving up about thirty minutes of extra sleep every morning to do these devotionals with my husband, and offer my time more intentionally to God. : )
Giving up sleep to spend time with God is a fantastic thought. :)
Amen!
Amen. I feel like lately my head has been completely clouded with negative thoughts. Especially towards one of my coworkers. This person just plagues me and I can’t get away from him. Praying that this Lent season, instead of thinking angry negative thoughts, that God remind me that I’m working alongside this person for a reason and greater purpose. It’s so hard to do when you really dislike and even despise someone!
Wow I love this. Giving up the things which aren’t bringing you closer to God! Love this idea.
“A posture of repentance ”
The lifestyle of the Christian who knows that it is through Christ Jesus that we have been saved from death to life, we live confessing our sins daily and believing that He who began a good work in us will complete that work until the day we see Him face to face! Thanking God today for sending His Son to condemn sin in the flesh so that we who believe will have eternal life!
Love going back this morning to Genesis to see our sin that brings death and then to Corinthians the last Adam brings life to our spirit!
Hallelujah what a Savior!
Thank you for this explanation of what Ash Wednesday means. Beautiful thoughts.
Having grown up in a non-denominational church all my life, we never observed Lent but I find it to be a beautiful reminder of my humanity and just how much I need my Savior. I’m excited to learn more for the first time and delve into this study!
Really struck by Ecc 12:7 this morning…7 and the dust returns to the ground it came from,
and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
Me too!
I repent for living for myself and for living as though my works could save me. Your gift of salvation is perfect and your blood cleanses me from all of my sin, guilt and shame. I turn back to you Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith. Please shine your light into the darkness of my heart, that I may repent of my sin and return to the path you have called me . I desire to daily live in your presence and in your will for me. This life is not my own, I was bought for a price by the One who is ravished by my beauty and is preparing a place for me. You give beautify for ashes and clothe me in righteousness. I love you Jesus. My heart overflows with love and thankfulness.
This is a beautiful prayer- thank you for sharing it! God Bless You
What a beautiful prayer. I am praying your words for myself this morning.
Such a beautiful prayer. Thank you for sharing it. sharing
Amen. ❤️
Thank you for this. Those are beautiful words.
Beautifully said…
Beautiful prayer, thank you so much for sharing!! I am praying this as well.
Amen, amen and amen!! Thank you for sharing such a beautifully, heart felt prayer!
Beautiful prayer! Thank you for sharing <3
I’m grateful for this study. This is a topic that I’ve always been curious about, but never experienced.
So why do people give up things for lent?
It’s a form of fasting, to allow God to reveal what is more precious to you than He is and have Him strip it away to bring you closer to Him.
Also – when you feel the “tug” or pain or longing for what you’ve given up, it’s a call to pray instead of taking up that “thing” – whatever it is – and a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice.
Your comment helped me with a question I had this morning. There is a relationship I needed to distance myself from. I used fasting as a way to gain perspective on it. This morning I wondered if praying they were well was making the longing for them more (if it was the right thing to do). I haven’t reached out to them for a month, only prayed for them. It seems like it the best way to find guidance is in prayer.
Thank you for sharing this.
I am grateful for this explanation. I grew up in a church where lent was observed, but it was so legalistic and I never fully understood why I was doing this, I was just told to make a sacrifice for Christ because He sacrificed for us. I see now that is only a part of the true meaning of lent, I choose to focus on the repentance and the hope in this season. Thank you.
I liked this explanation of the Ash Wednesday traditions. As I’m not in a church that does that it’s helpful to understand. It sounds like a powerful way to remember that our lives are temporary and that our only hope is in Christ. I’m grateful for the hope of new life in Him.
Me too Carly!
I have the same sentiments, Carly. I only know a little about Ash Wednesday. This is a great explanation.
Look for a Roman Catholic
Look for a Roman Catholic, Anglican or Episcopal church & attend a service today. My church has one at noon and again in the evening–anyone can attend, and it’s a sobering reminder of our mortality. . The service is very brief, but very somber.
Don’t forget the Lutheran church. We observe Ash Wednesday as well as the season of Lent. Wonderful time to reflect on how desperately we need Jesus.
What a sobering reminder of Love, Grace, forgiveness , that only Jesus’ death and resurrection could pay the wage of our sin and reconcile us to our Maker….
Thank you Lord God for giving us Jesus your son through whom we have the hope of knowing that though we are dust, and shall return as so, there is much more, much more, with You Lord God to come…
Thank you Lord God, thank you…Amen.
Greetings and love from across the pond, and closer to home, this fine crisp day the Lord has made…Praying you are blessed abundantly…xxx
You too, Tina!!!
Hugs and blessings to you as well Tina!
Greetings Tina! Praying for you as well this morning.
Praying for you today, sweet Tina! Grateful to spend another plan reading God’s Word with you!
xoxo-Kaitlin
Amen, Tina!!
Such an insightful piece. I bless God for His ❣that I am most u deserving of. Thank God for the hope of a better life….The BEST life.
So thankful for Christ’s love❤️
So thankful that even though I know that this earthly body will return to dust, I have the hope o through my Jesus