Day 1: Ash Wednesday

Daily Devotional

Psalm 51:1-3;10-12

1 “Have mercy on me, O God,
    according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
    blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
    and cleanse me from my sin!

3 For I know my transgressions,
    and my sin is ever before me.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
    and renew a right spirit within me.

11 Cast me not away from your presence,
    and take not your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
    and uphold me with a willing spirit.”

Today marks the beginning of our 40 day journey through Lent. Let us remember that Lent is not only a sobering time of repentance, but also a time of spiritual renewal and restoration. David's threefold example in today's passage shows us how God is leading us to become a church of "new wineskins". First is to acknowledge who God is, trusting that He is a God of mercy and a God of forgiveness. Second is to acknowledge our sins and confess our need for a savior. And lastly we must ask for renewal, putting our expectations in the power and grace of God to restore our hearts. Only God can make this Lent journey worthwhile by giving us a desire to keep our eyes on Jesus. As God reveals to us the changes He desires in our hearts and in our church, let us begin with humility and courage, looking forward to the joy and glory of Easter day.