22 Feb 26 Devotional for Lent - Treasure

 Day 4 – Treasure

’Scripture: Matthew 6:21 Reflection:

Jesus reminds us that our hearts follow what we value most. Treasure is not just money or possessions—it includes your time, attention, and affection. Whatever you consistently invest in will shape your thoughts, your habits, and ultimately your character. If your treasure is comfort, you will pursue ease. If your treasure is approval, you will chase people’s opinions. But when your treasure is Christ, your heart grows steady, hopeful, and anchored in eternity.

This is why spiritual disciplines matter. They are not about earning God’s love but about redirecting your loves. In a world filled with noise, distraction, and constant stimulation, your heart can slowly drift without you even realizing it. Fasting—whether from food, media, or another distraction—creates space to notice what has captured your attention and to return your focus to God.

Lent is an invitation to examine your heart. Ask yourself: What do I think about most? What do I run to when I’m stressed? What excites me more than time with God? These questions are not meant to bring guilt but clarity. God desires your heart because He knows only He can truly satisfy it. When your treasure is secure in Him, your identity and peace become secure as well.

Challenge:

Fast today from something that competes for your attention—social media, entertainment, unnecessary snacking, or even constant busyness. Use the time or energy you gain to pray, read Scripture, or sit quietly with God. Notice what this reveals about your heart.

Prayer:

Lord, You see what I treasure. Search my heart and show me where my loves have become disordered. Reorder my desires so that I want You more than anything else. Teach me to invest my life in what lasts forever. Amen.

21 FEB 26 - Devotional for Lent - Secret Devotion

 Day 3 – Secret Devotion

Scripture: Matthew 6:6 

Reflection:

Jesus invites us into a quiet, hidden life with God. In a world that celebrates what is public, visible, and praised, the Lord calls us to something deeper—secret devotion. He reminds us that the Father sees what no one else sees. He notices the whispered prayers, the tears shed alone, the moments of surrender when no one is watching.

Faith is not built primarily in the spotlight. It is formed in stillness, in honest conversation with God, in the unseen obedience of the heart. The hidden place is where pride is stripped away, and authenticity grows. It is where we are not performing, but simply being known and loved.

For those who serve others—whether in ministry, leadership, or daily life—it is easy to give out without first receiving. Yet secret devotion fills the soul. The strength to lead, care, and endure comes from the quiet presence of God. When you meet with Him in secret, He shapes your character, renews your strength, and anchors your identity beyond performance or approval.

Challenge:

Set aside five uninterrupted minutes today. Go somewhere private. Turn off distractions. Speak honestly with God. Listen in silence. Let this be the beginning of a deeper, hidden life with Him.

Prayer:

Lord, draw me into the secret place with You. Form my heart when no one else is watching. Teach me to love Your presence more than recognition. Grow my faith in the hidden moments of life. Amen

20 FEB 26 Devotional for Lent -Dust & Hope

 Day 2 – Dust and Hope

Scripture: Genesis 3:19

Reflection:

From the very beginning, Scripture reminds us of a sobering truth: we are dust. After sin entered the world, God told Adam that humanity would return to the ground from which it was formed. These words confront our pride, our illusions of control, and our attempts to build a life apart from God. Lent calls us to remember this reality—not to discourage us, but to reorient our hearts.

Yet this is not a message of despair. The same God who formed us from dust also breathes life into us. Our frailty does not repel Him; it draws His compassion. He knows our limits. He sees our weakness. He remembers that we are dust, and still He loves us deeply. In fact, our weakness becomes the very place where grace meets us. When we acknowledge our need, we open the door for God’s mercy.

At the cross, Jesus entered our dust. He took on human frailty, suffering, and death so that we might receive eternal life. Because of Him, dust is not the end of our story. Resurrection is. Lent reminds us that humility and hope walk together. We bow low before God, but we rise in confidence because of His love.

Today, let your weakness lead you to grace. Instead of hiding your struggles or striving for perfection, bring your honest heart before the Lord. He is near to the humble and gives strength to the weary.

Challenge:

Take a moment today to thank God for His mercy in specific ways. Write down three areas where you have experienced His forgiveness or patience. Let gratitude replace shame and remind you that His grace is greater than your failures.

Prayer:

Lord, I confess that I often forget my need for You. Teach me humility and remind me that I am dust, yet loved beyond measure. Thank You for Your mercy that meets me in my weakness. Help me walk in hope, trusting that Your grace is enough for today and for all my tomorrows. Amen.

19 Feb 26 Devotional for Lent- Return

 Day 1 Return

Scripture: Joel 2:12

Lent begins not with guilt or pressure, but with an invitation. The Lord says, “Return to Me with all your heart.” These words remind us that God is not distant or cold. He is a Father calling His children home. No matter how far we feel we’ve drifted—through busyness, stress, disappointment, or sin—His desire is always restoration.

In the military, it’s easy to lose focus. Long hours, demanding missions, and constant change can slowly pull our attention away from what matters most. We may still show up, perform well, and look steady on the outside, yet inside we feel numb or disconnected. Lent gives us space to pause and honestly ask: Where has my heart wandered? God is not waiting to shame you. He is ready to receive you with grace.

Returning to God is not about dramatic gestures. It often begins with small steps—turning toward Him in prayer, opening His Word again, or simply telling Him the truth about where we are. Every step back toward Him is met with mercy.

Challenge: Identify one specific area where you’ve drifted—your prayer life, your trust, your relationships, or your sense of identity beyond your role or rank. Take one small step today to move toward God in that area.

Prayer:

Lord, You know my heart and where I have wandered. Thank You that You are patient and full of mercy. Draw me back to You. Renew my love, restore my joy, and help me walk closely with You again. Amen.

Devotional: Second week of Advent - Day 4

 DAY 4 — Ready for His Return

Scripture: Matthew 24:42–44

Reflection:

We celebrate Christ’s first coming, but Advent also points forward. When Jesus returns, it won’t be as an infant in a manger. He will come as King and Judge, gathering those who belong to Him. John called Israel to prepare for the Messiah’s arrival. Today Christ calls His church to prepare for His return.

Are you ready? Are you excited? Advent is not simply looking back with nostalgia but looking forward with confidence. The Savior who came in humility will return in glory—and He is excited to see you.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, fix my eyes on Your return. Help me live each day in readiness, with joy and expectation. Amen.

Challenge:

Ask yourself honestly: “If Jesus returned today, would He find my heart prepared?” Write one change you want to make.