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.

Devotional: Second week of Advent - Day 3

 DAY 3 — Baptized in Water, Spirit, and Fire

Scripture: Matthew 3:11–12

Reflection:

John’s baptism was radical—calling Jews to take the place of Gentile converts. It symbolized cleansing, humility, and readiness for the Messiah. But John knew that his baptism was only a shadow. Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit—bringing new birth, new power, and new identity—and with fire, symbolizing judgment for those who reject Him.

Through the cross, Christ exchanges our sin for His righteousness (2 Cor. 5:17–21). In Him we are made new, forgiven, reconciled, and sealed by the Holy Spirit. Advent reminds us that the King has come—and will come again—and that the Spirit prepares us for that glorious day.

Prayer:

Jesus, thank You for the cross, the Spirit, and the promise of new life. Keep my heart sensitive to Your leading as I wait for Your return. Amen.

Challenge:

Thank God today for one specific way the Holy Spirit has worked in your life—guiding, convicting, comforting, or empowering.

Devotional: Second week of Advent - Day 2

 DAY 2 — Repentance: A Change of Heart and Life

Scripture: Matthew 3:4–8

Reflection:

Repentance is not merely feeling bad—it is changing your mind and acting on that change. John’s message was bold and piercing: “Repent!” He called Israel to examine their hearts, mourn over sin, turn away from old patterns, and embrace God’s righteous ways.

Repentance prepares the soul the way someone might prepare their home for an honored guest. We clean, we adjust, we set things in order. Advent invites us to do this spiritually—not out of fear, but out of anticipation.

Prayer:

Father, soften my heart. Reveal any sin I have ignored or excused. Grant me the grace to turn from it and walk in Your ways. Amen.

Challenge:

Identify one area of life that needs realignment with Christ. Write it down. Confess it honestly to the Lord today.

Devotional: Second week of Advent - Day 1

 DAY 1 — The Call to Prepare

Scripture: Matthew 3:1–3

Reflection:

Advent is not noise, hurry, or sentimentality. It is a season of holy preparation—a time when God calls us to slow down, reflect, and make room in our hearts. Just as Israel waited centuries for the voice of a prophet, we too wait for the coming of our King. John the Baptist steps onto the stage as the “voice crying in the wilderness,” urging God’s people to prepare the way of the Lord.

Advent echoes that same call: prepare your heart. Not through busyness, but through quiet repentance, reflection, and expectation.

Prayer:

Lord, quiet my heart. Help me hear Your voice above the noise of this season. Prepare my heart to receive You anew. Amen.

Challenge:

Set aside 10 minutes today in silence—no phone, no distractions—and ask God, “What needs preparing in me?”