Ash Wednesday
The Dusty Start to Something Beautiful
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season of reflection, repentance, and preparing our hearts for Easter. It’s the day when many Christians worldwide walk around with smudges of ash on their foreheads, prompting curious coworkers to say, “Uh… you’ve got something on your face.”
But this tradition goes way back—like, way back. In the early church, ashes were a symbol of mourning and repentance, a physical reminder that we are dust and to dust we shall return (Genesis 3:19). By the 11th century, the church officially adopted Ash Wednesday as the kickoff to Lent, using ashes from the previous year’s Palm Sunday branches. Talk about recycling with a purpose!
Now, before you start feeling too gloomy about the whole "dust and ashes" thing, remember: Ash Wednesday isn’t about making us feel bad—it’s about waking us up. It’s a reminder to pause, reflect, and refocus on what truly matters. Life is short, and we don’t want to waste it on things that don’t last. Instead, we’re invited to turn our hearts back to God, to seek Him fully, and to walk into this season with purpose.
So, whether you receive ashes or not, take this day as an opportunity to slow down, pray, and ask God, What do You want to do in me this Lent? Because trust me, He’s got something good in store.
You’ll notice that Saturdays and Sundays are intentionally left open. That’s on purpose! Use the weekend to reflect, wrestle with what God is teaching you, and put it into action. Ask yourself, How is God calling me to love better? Who needs a neighbor right now? Then go and do something about it!
So, grab your Bible, your coffee (because let’s be honest, that’s essential), and let’s dive in. God has something powerful in store for us—let’s not miss it!
Week One: Getting a Good Start
✉️ Dear Friend,
As we begin this journey together, I pray that God will stir something in your heart. That He will open your eyes to the needs around you, soften your heart toward those who are hurting, and give you the courage to be the neighbor—not just in words, but in action.
This week, let’s start by asking a simple but powerful question: Who is my neighbor? And more importantly, how is God calling me to love them? I’m praying for you as we take this first step. Let’s do this together.
Ash Wednesday
Love the Lord Your God & Love Your Neighbor
📖 Scripture: Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40, NIV)
❤️ Reflection:
Jesus makes it clear—loving God is our first and greatest priority. This love isn’t just about words; it’s about devotion, obedience, and relationship. How’s your heart today? Are you giving God your full attention, or is life pulling you in a million directions? Pause today. Spend extra time with Him. Thank Him for His love, His grace, and His presence in your life.
Loving God naturally leads to loving others. Jesus says these two commands are connected—one cannot exist without the other; but let’s be real, loving people isn’t always easy. Some are difficult, some have hurt us, and sometimes, we’re the ones struggling to be loving. However Jesus didn’t say, “Love them if they deserve it.” He simply said, “Love them.” Who in your life needs to see God’s love through you today?
🔥 Challenge: Spend extra time in prayer today, thanking God for His love. Perform one intentional act of kindness today. Let someone experience Jesus through your love.