Week 6
Holy Week
This is the final week of Lent. That means our celebration of the crucifixion and resurrection is only a few days away. We celebrate the resurrection, as odd as it sounds to celebrate the brutal execution of the sinless son of God, because He became sin who knew no sin. We definitely celebrate the resurrection as we proclaim to one another, "He is risen!" Before we can get to either of those, we must continue to reflect on why God would do such a thing.
As you meditate on the passages below, consider how you have grown in holiness this Lenten season. How has the Holy Spirit made you aware of sin you have tried to harbor, ignore, and hide from even yourself? How has His grace enabled you to confess and repent, putting off that sin and putting on the image of Christ in its place? Next Sunday, when you proclaim that He is risen indeed, how will you be different?
This is the final week of Lent. That means our celebration of the crucifixion and resurrection is only a few days away. We celebrate the resurrection, as odd as it sounds to celebrate the brutal execution of the sinless son of God, because He became sin who knew no sin. We definitely celebrate the resurrection as we proclaim to one another, "He is risen!" Before we can get to either of those, we must continue to reflect on why God would do such a thing.
As you meditate on the passages below, consider how you have grown in holiness this Lenten season. How has the Holy Spirit made you aware of sin you have tried to harbor, ignore, and hide from even yourself? How has His grace enabled you to confess and repent, putting off that sin and putting on the image of Christ in its place? Next Sunday, when you proclaim that He is risen indeed, how will you be different?
- Zechariah 9:9-17
- Psalm 31
- Philippians 2:5-8
- Mark 14:1-9
Week 5
A New Creation that is Led by the Spirit
We are entering the fifth week of Lent journey. Together, we have meditated on Scripture, reflected on the sin it has exposed, then confessed and repented of that sin. Last week we were confronted with our inability to see our sin without the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This week, we continue that cycle of meditation, reflection, confrontation, confession and repentance. In our meditation and reflection, we will be reminded of another work of the Holy Spirit. This week's readings remind us that after we are saved, we are born again. We are new creations led by the power of the Holy Spirit. Reflect on this wonderful promise of grace as we move closer to the celebration of the Resurrection.
We are entering the fifth week of Lent journey. Together, we have meditated on Scripture, reflected on the sin it has exposed, then confessed and repented of that sin. Last week we were confronted with our inability to see our sin without the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This week, we continue that cycle of meditation, reflection, confrontation, confession and repentance. In our meditation and reflection, we will be reminded of another work of the Holy Spirit. This week's readings remind us that after we are saved, we are born again. We are new creations led by the power of the Holy Spirit. Reflect on this wonderful promise of grace as we move closer to the celebration of the Resurrection.
- Jeremiah 31:27-34
- Psalm 119:9-16
- Colossians 3:1-17
- John 14:15-26
Week 4
Our Inability to See Our Sin
Have you, like the psalmist, ever asked yourself, "Why are you so downcast, oh my soul?" Maybe your downcast spirit is a result of the weight of your sin. Maybe it's because you have forgotten the grace God has shown you in the gift of your salvation. Maybe you are so lost and trapped in the darkness that you cannot see a way out.
We are at the midpoint of our Lent observance. The closer we get to the crucifixion, the more you may begin to see how sin manifests itself in your life in ways you did not realize. Praise God our sins may be many, but his mercy is more. This week, meditate and pray on these Scripture passages that show us the sin we do not see and the grace we do not deserve.
Have you, like the psalmist, ever asked yourself, "Why are you so downcast, oh my soul?" Maybe your downcast spirit is a result of the weight of your sin. Maybe it's because you have forgotten the grace God has shown you in the gift of your salvation. Maybe you are so lost and trapped in the darkness that you cannot see a way out.
We are at the midpoint of our Lent observance. The closer we get to the crucifixion, the more you may begin to see how sin manifests itself in your life in ways you did not realize. Praise God our sins may be many, but his mercy is more. This week, meditate and pray on these Scripture passages that show us the sin we do not see and the grace we do not deserve.
- Numbers 21:4-9
- Psalm 107:1-22
- Ephesians 2:1-10
- John 3:14-21
Week 3
God's Faithfulness in the face of Our UNfaithfulness
Lent is a reminder to continually examine our lives so that we can confess the sins we commit AFTER we have received salvation and then practice the discipline to find victory over that sin. This week's Scripture readings affirm God's faithfulness to us, even though we are unable to be completely faithful. Reflect on these passages and the truth they proclaim about all the ways God demonstrates that faithfulness as you pray for Him to make you more like Him.
Lent is a reminder to continually examine our lives so that we can confess the sins we commit AFTER we have received salvation and then practice the discipline to find victory over that sin. This week's Scripture readings affirm God's faithfulness to us, even though we are unable to be completely faithful. Reflect on these passages and the truth they proclaim about all the ways God demonstrates that faithfulness as you pray for Him to make you more like Him.
- Isaiah 48
- Psalm 19
- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
- John 8:39-47
Week 2
Our Faith in Him
When you first heard the Gospel, how did you respond? Was it an immediate act of faith? Did you have doubt? Did you need more time to consider your options? What about now, AFTER you have received your salvation? How do you respond when you hear the Gospel proclaimed? This week's reading offers us two different responses to the truth of God's spoken word and the Living Word. Meditate on these passages and reflect on how you should respond as we move closer to celebrating the cross and the empty tomb.
When you first heard the Gospel, how did you respond? Was it an immediate act of faith? Did you have doubt? Did you need more time to consider your options? What about now, AFTER you have received your salvation? How do you respond when you hear the Gospel proclaimed? This week's reading offers us two different responses to the truth of God's spoken word and the Living Word. Meditate on these passages and reflect on how you should respond as we move closer to celebrating the cross and the empty tomb.
- Genesis 17:1 - 16
- Psalm 62
- Romans 4:13-25
- Mark 5:24b-34
Week 1
The Fall of Man and Salvation
As you prepare yourself for the celebration of the resurrection, reflect on the realities of the fall of man and the grace of salvation by reading and meditating on these passages this week.
As you prepare yourself for the celebration of the resurrection, reflect on the realities of the fall of man and the grace of salvation by reading and meditating on these passages this week.
- Genesis 9:1 - 17
- Psalm 25
- 1 Peter 3:10-22
- Mark 8:31-38
Ash Wednesday
Lent begins this Wednesday, February 14. As we begin our seven week journey to the cross and the empty tomb, let’s adopt a posture of repentance in preparation for celebrating these divine gifts. Reflect on passages from Scripture that call us to examine our lives and confess our sins. Begin your preparation this week by reflecting on these passages:
- Isaiah 58:1-12
- Psalm 51
- 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:10
- Mark 1:9-15