The Season of Lent

2/18/2026

Dear Friends,
The Lenten season is upon us! In the church calendar, today is Ash Wednesday, the formal beginning of Lent. This season leading up to Holy Week culminates on Resurrection Sunday. At this point in the year, Christmas is a memory and it can be easy to become weary, discouraged or cynical. We find ourselves in the midst of uncertainty in the world- people of wealth and positional power getting away with evil actions and all sorts of other worldly craziness on the increase. Jesus anticipated this. He even affirmed this about the world: “In this world you will have trouble.” But that’s not all He said! He went on to say, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV) Let us take heart indeed, looking to the Resurrection of Jesus, knowing that He has indeed overcome the world.

What does this have to do with Lent? Lent is the a special time of remembrance. During this season we give up something or take on a new spiritual discipline to prompt our hearts to be mindful of Jesus. I had a friend who said he was giving up chocolate for Lent so he could lose weight. That’s not the point! I would encourage you to prayerfully examine if Jesus wants you to give up something that would give you more time with Him, such as social media, doom scrolling, fasting from food, or something else. Or perhaps you could take up reading a devotional in this season for your spiritual encouragement. Whatever you do, make this about Jesus and not you (Col. 3:17). As we walk into this season of Lent, may Jesus impact our hearts so that we can be impact makers for Him along all of our life’s paths!

Seeking His Face with you,
Pastor Andy

Please read Phil. 3:1-16 for Sunday.

Questions for reflection or discussion: