Lent Devotional

Ash Wednesday

1. Why is it so easy to get caught up in earthly validation? What are the finite treasures that you often store in search of that validation?

   It's easy to seek earthly validation because it's immediate and visible, like likes on social media or getting good grades. These are finite treasures I chase for validation.

2. What does authentic faith look like to you? In what ways are we like the hypocrites that Christ rebukes in Matthew 6? How can we take steps toward contentment and authenticity during Lent as we wait for the Easter event?

   Authentic faith to me looks like genuinely caring and helping others, not just showing off at church or youth group. We're like the hypocrites when we do things just to be seen as "good" without truly believing or understanding why. During Lent, I guess we can try to be more real with ourselves about why we do what we do, maybe spend a little time thinking about our actions and their reasons beyond just looking good to others.

Friday, February 16, 2024

1. Have you ever tried meditation and thinking about the presence of God on your own and in what ways is he guiding you?

   I've tried meditation a couple of times, mostly because my friends said it was cool. I guess thinking about God's presence is kind of calming, but it's hard to see how He's guiding me when I'm so busy with school and everything.

2. How has seeking God's guidance and meditating on His Word brought clarity and peace to our life during challenging times?

   When I actually take a moment to seek God's guidance or think about what I've heard in church, it does make things feel less chaotic. It's like having a moment of quiet in the middle of a storm, even if I don't do it as often as I probably should.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

1. How can reflecting on God's attributes help you get through moments of doubt or despair in your life?

   Reflecting on God's attributes, like His kindness, strength, and understanding, reminds me that I'm not alone in my struggles. It helps me trust that there's someone bigger than my doubts and despair, guiding and supporting me, even when I don't always see it or make time to acknowledge it.

2. How has God been faithful in your life?

   Even though I don't always notice it at the moment, looking back, I can see times when things just worked out when they shouldn't have, like doing well on a test I didn't think I was prepared for or getting through tough times with friends and family. It makes me think maybe that's God being faithful, making sure I'm okay even when I'm too busy to pay attention.

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

1. When was the last time you were tempted?

   The last time I was tempted was probably just yesterday, scrolling through my phone instead of studying for a big test coming up. It's like every time I know I have a lot to do, my phone becomes the most interesting thing in the world.

2. How did you respond to this temptation? If you were tempted, do you regret giving in?

   I ended up giving in to the temptation and wasted a bit of time watching videos and checking social media. Yeah, I do regret it because it made me even more stressed about the test. It's a constant battle to not let distractions take over when I really need to focus.

Friday, February 23, 2024

1. How has God's responsiveness in times of trouble help to shape your relationship with God?

   It's hard to see sometimes, but when I'm really stressed or upset and I remember to ask for help, things often start to feel a bit better. It makes me think maybe God is listening, which is kind of comforting and makes me curious about getting to know Him a bit more, when I can find the time.

2. What ways are you able to participate in worshipping God with other believers in your community?

   I don't get to participate in worship as much as I'd like because of my schedule, but sometimes I join online services or listen to worship music while studying. It's not much, but it helps me feel a bit connected to my faith and community.

Monday, February 26, 2024

1. How do we continue to make sure that there is less evil and antagonism in this fallen world and continue to strive for a world promised by God?

   As a high schooler with limited time, I think small acts of kindness and understanding can go a long way. We can't fix everything, but being nicer to people around us, standing up against bullying, and helping out where we can might make our little corner of the world better. It's about doing our part, no matter how small it seems, to spread more good and less evil.

2. How do we continue to have faith in God in times of hardship fear and turmoil?

   Keeping faith in God during tough times is really hard, especially when you're overwhelmed with school, friends, and everything else. For me, it's about trying to remember the times things turned out okay in the end and believing there's a bigger plan. Sometimes, just talking to someone who understands or praying in my own way helps me feel a bit more hopeful, even if it doesn't solve everything right away.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

1. Is there ever a moment where you think Go dwas not providing? If so, when?

   There have definitely been times when I've felt unsupported, not necessarily looking to a higher power for provision but more so in terms of not seeing the outcomes I've hoped for in life's challenges, like academic or personal setbacks.

2. How are you able to overcome feelings of doubt in your faith?

   Dealing with doubt, for me, isn't so much about faith in a religious sense but more about finding inner strength and resilience. I overcome these feelings by focusing on what I can control, like my effort and attitude, and by seeking support and advice from people I trust, who understand my viewpoint and struggles.

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

1. In what ways do you see yourself improving, whether it is mentally or spiritually, so that you can proudly embrace Jesus Lent? What obstacles do you think you will encounter?

   I'm working on being more patient and understanding, but finding the time and staying motivated are big challenges for me.

2. Do you think that peer pressure or friends of other faiths will dishearten you to behave or actin a away that is unlike what Jesus teachers you? How will you overcome them? Are you personally more likely to concede to their side or will you stand your ground?

   Peer pressure is tough, but I try to stick to my values while respecting others'. It's all about balancing my beliefs with the surrounding influences.

Friday, March 1, 2024

1. How did contemplating the vastness of creation deepen your appreciation for God's creation in your life?

   Even though I don't spend much time on religion, thinking about the vastness of the universe does make me appreciate the complexity and beauty of the world around us. It's pretty awe-inspiring and makes me wonder about the bigger picture.

2. How can you actively align your choices with God's commandments to experience the joy mentioned in Psalm 19:8?

   By trying to make choices that are kind and fair to others, I guess I'm aligning with the spirit of many teachings, which could bring a sense of joy and peace, similar to what's mentioned in Psalm 19:8, even if I'm not actively practicing religion.

Monday, March 4, 2024

1. Everyone is busy nowadays, but do you think we truly don't have enough time to connect with God, or are we merely distracted by other aspects of our daily lives that take away the time we could've spent with Him?

   It might be more about priorities and distractions than not having enough time. There's a lot competing for our attention every day, and it's easy to lose sight of what we could be making time for, including connecting with God for those who believe.

2. What could you start doing to show God that you're willing to give up a part of your day to worship Him?

   Even with my tight schedule, I could probably find moments for quiet reflection or gratitude, which could be a form of worship. It doesn't have to be a big chunk of time; just consistent, small moments could show a willingness to connect.

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

1. What is an injustice in our world that you feel particularly called to serve in/have a heart for?

   Climate change and environmental injustice stand out to me. Seeing how pollution and climate issues disproportionately affect the poorest communities globally makes me want to contribute to solutions, even in small ways.

2. How can we grasp the complexity of God's compassionate and understanding character in tandem with his hatred towards sin and strong desire for justice? Is this a difficult concept for us to understand at times? Why?

   Balancing the idea of a compassionate God with His disdain for sin and yearning for justice can be complex, especially from a perspective that doesn't deeply engage with religious texts. It might be difficult because human emotions and morality are nuanced, and we often see compassion and anger or justice as opposite ends of a spectrum, not traits that can coexist harmoniously within a single entity.

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

1. How can we enact righteous anger?

   Righteous anger can be enacted by channeling feelings of anger into positive actions, like advocating for change or helping those who are wronged, instead of resorting to harm or negativity. It's about standing up for what's right in a constructive way.

2. How and when can we repent the sins we commit in our anger?

   Repentance for sins committed in anger can happen as soon as we recognize our wrongdoing. It involves taking responsibility for our actions, apologizing to those affected, and making a sincere effort to change our behavior to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Friday, March 8, 2024

1. For Christians, what are some of the ways we can show others the love of God?

   Christians can show the love of God to others by practicing kindness, compassion, and forgiveness in their daily interactions. Acts of service, such as volunteering to help those in need or simply being a supportive friend, can also reflect God's love.

2. How do we show love to all people?

   Showing love to all people involves treating everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their background, beliefs, or circumstances. Listening, offering help without judgment, and striving to understand others' perspectives are ways to demonstrate love universally.

Monday, March 11, 2024

1. Have you ever faced a time when you felt hopeless and were in desperate need of something you didn’t have? If so, describe the situation.

   I felt hopeless last year when I couldn't see any improvement in my grades despite studying hard. It felt like no matter what I did, I couldn't achieve the results I wanted.

2. Did you ask God to provide for you, or did you try to solve the issue by yourself?

   I didn't ask God for help; instead, I tried to solve it myself by changing my study habits and seeking help from teachers and friends.

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

1. Where in your life are you most vulnerable to temptation?

   I'm most vulnerable to temptation when I'm stressed or bored, especially with procrastination.

2. How do you refrain from giving in to temptation? What role does God have in this escape?

   I try to set limits for myself and find healthier ways to deal with stress, like exercising. I haven't really thought about God's role in helping me avoid temptation.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

1. How can you distinguish what is the "light" to your "darkness" in troubling situations?

   The "light" in troubling situations for me is usually the support from friends and family, reminding me I'm not alone.

2. In what ways can you continue to seek God when you are in the darkness?

   Seeking God isn't something I typically consider, but in tough times, finding quiet moments for reflection can be a form of seeking peace or guidance, even if not directly attributed to God.

Friday, March 15, 2024

1. In what parts of your life do you feel that you need forgiveness, not by others, but from God?

   I feel I need forgiveness for times when I've been selfish or hurt others, even if unintentionally.

2. What part of forgiveness do you fear? Why?

   I fear the part of forgiveness that requires admitting I was wrong because it makes me feel vulnerable and exposed.

Monday, March 18, 2024

1. How does recognizing your dependence on God's grace affect your confidence in navigating life's challenges?

   Recognizing a need for grace (even more generally, for support and kindness from others) helps me feel less alone in facing challenges.

2. In what ways can you actively embrace the life-giving nature of the Spirit and the freedom of the new covenant?

   Embracing life's positives and finding joy in small things can be my way of accepting and spreading positive energy, akin to embracing the spirit.

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

1. Can you pinpoint a time when you felt spiritually parched, and how did God's grace unexpectedly brought renewal?

   I felt spiritually parched during a family crisis, and unexpected support from friends felt like a renewal of hope and strength.

2. How can you be a source of God's refreshing streams for someone in your life during this Lenten season?

   Being there for someone else, offering a listening ear or practical help, could be a way to bring them a sense of renewal and support.

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

1. In what aspect of your life do you think you need to incorporate God in more?

   Incorporating more mindfulness and gratitude into my daily life could help me appreciate the present more and possibly open up a space for spiritual growth.

2. What values do you need to instill in yourself so that you can be godlier in your life?

   Instilling values like patience, empathy, and open-mindedness would help me be a kinder and more understanding person.

Friday, March 22, 2024

1. For Christians, in what ways do you feel this "peace and security" from God around you?

   My sense of peace and security comes from knowing I have a supportive family and friends, along with a clear plan for my future.

2. If not religious, what gives you your sense of peace and security?

   This sense of security is reinforced by routines, healthy habits, and pursuing passions that make me feel fulfilled and grounded.