From Dust to Grace (Ash Wednesday 2026)

"Ash Wednesday is full of joy...The source of all sorrow is the illusion that of ourselves we are anything but dust."  - Thomas Merton, an American Trappist monk, theologian, mystic, poet, and social activist (1915-1968)

Ash Wednesday serves as the formal commencement of Lent, a 40-day period of spiritual discipline—consisting of prayer, fasting, and charity—that concludes with the celebration of Easter.

Opening Reflection: How does this day challenge us to “return to the Lord”?

Below is a guide to help explain the meaning and purpose of Lent and Ash Wednesday.

• During the imposition (application) of ashes, the words “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19) are spoken. This phrase acts as a sobering reminder of human mortality and our temporary nature.
• The season of Lent is a time to hit the reset button—turning away from distractions to focus on our relationship with God and personal growth..
• Drawing inspiration from Jesus' forty days of prayer and testing in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1, 2; Mark 1:12, 13; Luke 4:1, 2), Christians engage in this period of reflection to ready themselves for the joy of Easter morning. 

Where did Ash Wednesday come from? Even without a direct biblical basis, the traditions behind it go back a very long way in history.

• In the Old Testament, using ashes (on the head or sitting in them) was a common, visible sign of deep mourning, humility, and repentance. This acts as an outward expression of inner sorrow or a desire to turn away from sin.
• Established in 325 AD at the Council of Nicaea, the 40-day Lenten fast became a standard tradition. By the 8th–11th centuries, marking foreheads with ashes became a widely adopted practice in the Western Church.
• These ashes are traditionally made by burning blessed palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday.

Who observes Ash Wednesday? The observance of Ash Wednesday is most common in Western Christianity. For Roman Catholics, it is a major day of fasting and abstinence (refraining from meat).

Ash Wednesday services are typical for many Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, and Presbyterians, but it is not observed by Eastern Orthodox Christians—who start with Clean Monday—or many Baptist and Evangelical churches.

Ultimately, while Ash Wednesday carries a somber tone, its purpose is hope, not guilt or fear. It serves as a reminder that our Savior meets us in our brokenness, bringing new life out of death through the cross.

Putting Intentions Into Action:

• Which habits or routines are stealing my focus, and how can I let them go?
• Which spiritual discipline—prayer, fasting, or giving—do you plan to practice?

Closing Prayer: "Lord, thank You for the grace of this new season. During these forty days, help us to repent and believe the Gospel, embodying Your peace and love in our daily lives. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." 

May God bless you always,

Liana

Hope When Life Doesn't Go As Planned

"When God brings all things to light, you will discover just how significant you've been in God's plan." - Aiden Wilson Tozer, American Christian pastor and author (1897-1963)

Scripture Focus: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Feeling lost? Jeremiah 29:11 says your life isn't an accident; it's a divine design. No matter how hard things seem right now God is right there with you, actively directing every step toward a future of hope.

Opening Reflection: How does it change your perspective on a difficult season to know that God has a “blueprint” or divine design for that time, too?

When building a house, a builder does not simply throw bricks together and hope for a good result. They follow a blueprint—a detailed plan designed to ensure the entire structure is safe, functional, and beautiful. 

Many people live their lives without a clear sense of direction, but Jeremiah 29:11 reveals that God is the divine Architect. He has already designed a “blueprint” for your life.

Around 597 B.C., during the early years of the 70-year Babylonian exile, the prophet Jeremiah sent a letter from Jerusalem to Jewish exiles in Babylon. This message, containing the promise in Jeremiah 29:11, encouraged the captives to settle in and trust God's long-term plan for their future.

What this illustrates is that God’s plan is not a guarantee of an easy life or immediate freedom. It is a guarantee of His presence and purposeful direction, even when things are going wrong.

Jeremiah 29:11 also highlights that God is all-knowing and has personal plans for each individual. The word “prosper” used in this verse is shalom (שָׁלוֹם), which encompasses peace, wholeness, safety, and well-being, rather than solely material wealth. God’s plan is ultimately aimed at providing a hopeful and secure future, rooted in eternity.

The “blueprint”, however, is not a passive promise; it requires active pursuit. The following verses offer guidance on how to live within God’s plan:

• Thrive in Exile: Active Faithfulness (Jeremiah 29:5-7): The command to settle down, build homes, and cultivate gardens in Babylon calls us to invest deeply in our current, uncomfortable circumstances rather than just waiting for a change in scenery.
• Waiting Faithfully (Jeremiah 29:10): The Israelites endured a 70-year exile, teaching us to trust in God’s perfect timing rather than our own.
• Pursue God with All Your Being (Jeremiah 29:12-13): To truly encounter God, you must seek Him with total, undivided dedication.

Closing Question: When we think of “prosper,” we often think of financial or physical comfort. Based on the situation of the exiles, what does “prosperity” mean from God’s perspective?

In conclusion, God has a design for your life, intended for your ultimate well-being (Shalom) and peace. You can trust that He is working all things together for your good (Romans 8:28), even amidst difficulties.

Prayer: "Lord, thank You for Your good plans for me. Even when life is hard, I trust that You are building a hopeful future for my good. In Jesus’ name, Amen."

Grace be unto you,

Charlotte

Weekend Message | What Now? | Part 1 | Beth Moore

Welcome to the Weekend Message! 

It's always our pleasure to bring you quality presentations from some of the best Christian teachers in the world! Each video presentation can vary, but whatever the topic, you can be certain that it will be informative and Bible-based.

In "What Now? Part 1 of 3," American evangelist and author Beth Moore addresses the common human experience of finding oneself in a season of uncertainty and transition, standing between a past phase of life and an unknown future.

Drawing primarily from the biblical accounts surrounding Jesus' ascension, she encourages listeners not to panic but to anchor their hope in the reigning Lordship of Christ.

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

Key Themes:

The message focuses on trusting God's control during times of transition and uncertainty, using key biblical passages to illustrate how believers can remain faithful when facing a "what now?" moment. 

• Jesus' Exaltation: Moore lifts up the image of Jesus highly exalted, seated at the right hand of God, above every earthly authority. The ascension is presented as the culmination of Christ's earthly life and the foundation for faithful living today.
• Trust in God's Control: A central theme is the importance of believing that God is in control, regardless of the uncertainty of personal circumstances. Every new season of life depends on where one places their belief and trust.
• Faithful Obedience: Rather than a call to passive waiting, the message emphasizes that the ascension of Jesus was a launching point for active, faithful obedience in the life of the believer.
• Biblical Foundations: The teaching is rooted in specific scriptural references, including Acts 1:1-12, Luke 24:44-53, Colossians 1:23, Ephesians 1-3, and Acts 2:32-36, which provide the framework for understanding Christ's ongoing work and authority. 

Start your weekend right with a dose of inspiration and knowledge!

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

The Heart of the Matter: Love God, Love Others

"If God should have no more mercy on us than we have charity to one another, what would become of us?"   - Thomas Fuller, English churchman and historian (1608-1661)

Opening Prompt: Which is easier for you to focus on: loving God or loving your neighbor? Why?

Jesus was once asked to identify the “greatest” commandment. His answer wasn’t a list of dos and don’ts, but a call to a lifestyle of love.

In Matthew 22:34-40 (NIV), Jesus keeps it simple: love God with everything you've got and love others just as much as yourself. He basically says if you get these two right, everything else in the Bible falls into place.

Let’s explore this passage component by component, starting with the trap laid in Matthew 22:34-36. The Pharisees, having heard that Jesus silenced the Sadducees, gathered to test Him. A legal expert among them asked “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”. 

The religious leaders, preoccupied with 613 legalistic rules, sought to provoke Jesus into a debate, hoping to catch Him in a mistake regarding their doctrines.

Consider This: Why do we often try to turn our faith into a “checklist” of do’s and don'ts rather than a relationship? 

Jesus answered their inquiry by quoting the first and greatest commandment from Deuteronomy 6:5: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37-38).

This verse demands 100% devotion—total intellectual and emotional commitment. It highlights that loving God is foundational; without this, love for others remains limited and selfish. 

Jesus then provides the second commandment in Matthew 22:39: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This quote from Leviticus 19:18 connects our relationship with God to our relationship with people. If we truly love God, it will overflow into love for others. 

It is worth noting that in this verse, "neighbor" refers to anyone you encounter in daily life, rather than being restricted to those who live in your immediate neighborhood. 

Ultimately, Matthew 22:40 synthesizes Jesus's teachings, highlighting love as the summation of all God's requirements. By sincerely loving God and our neighbor, we fulfill the core purpose of every other commandment.

Check Your Understanding: 

• Why was the question in verse 36 a “test” for Jesus?
• What does it mean to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind?
• Why did Jesus pick these two specific commandments out of hundreds of others?
• What does it mean that all the Law and Prophets “hang” on these two? (v. 40)

True love is a choice, not just an emotion. Let's choose to act in love for our neighbors, just as God has shown love to us.

Prayer: “Lord, help us to love You with all our being and to see our neighbors through Your eyes. May our lives reflect the love You have shown us. Amen.”

With love and prayers,

Deshane

The Architect of Grace: Building a Life Within God's Love

"There is no one insignificant in the purposes of God."  - Alistair Begg, American pastor of Scottish birth (1952-Present)

God is not a distant architect; He is a loving Father. Every detail of our lives—the joys, delays, and the challenges—is filtered through His heart of love. He is intentionally shaping us to fit within His divine purposes, ensuring that His work is completed in our lives for our ultimate good.

Jeremiah 31:3 reveals that God’s love is eternal and His kindness unfailing. Therefore, His actions are not random or cold, but purposeful, intentional, and driven by a desire to compassionately draw, restore, and protect His people. God’s motive is His heart of love.

Stop and Think: What is the difference between believing God is “acting loving” versus believing God is love? How does this change your view of difficult seasons?

Ephesians 2:10 tells us that God designed us for a reason. We aren't just watching from the sidelines; we are His partners, created to carry out the good work He planned for us long ago. God’s own purpose is what guides us as we do this.

Stop and Think: Why is it often harder to trust God’s process than His promises? What is one area of your life you are currently finding difficult to “hand over” to His plan?

Romans 8:28 offers profound comfort, assuring us that God harmonizes His divine purpose with our personal welfare, regardless of how painful life becomes; resulting in our ultimate well-being.

Stop and Think: Look back at a past trial, can you see how God used a “closed door” to protect or prepare you for something better?

When we know God is working for our good, we can respond with trust rather than panic. This boils down to our trust in and obedience of Him. We can:

• Trust His Timing: Wait patiently, knowing He is growing us in hidden places.
• Submit to His Will: Align our goals with His purpose rather than fighting our plans.
• Surrender Cares: Cast our anxieties on Him because He cares for us.

Let's embrace the promise that God wastes nothing, using all things for our good and His purpose out of deep love for us. Trust His hands to guide our lives, today and forever.

Prayer: "Father, I thank You that Your love protects us and Your purpose guides us. Thank You for Your unseen work in our lives. Teach us to rest in Your care, confident that You are on our side. Amen."

Blessings always,

Vaunda

Guided by the Light: From Darkness to Life

“Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness.”         - Mother Teresa, Albanian-Indian Catholic nun, founder of the Missionaries of Charity and a Catholic saint (1910-1997)

Key Scripture Passages: Exodus 14:19-20; John 8:12 NIV

In times clouded by uncertainty, a deep promise remains. We are exploring the sharp difference between living in darkness and embracing the "light of life" promised by Jesus.

A Starting Perspective: Have you ever been in total darkness? It is disorienting and scary. Spiritually, this is the state of the world without Christ.

First, let's confront the reality of this darkness. In the Bible, “darkness” is rarely just the absence of sunlight. It symbolizes spiritual blindness, ignorance, sin, suffering, and separation from God.

The prophet Isaiah described humanity as a “people walking in darkness” (Isaiah 9:2), lost and disoriented. Without God, the world gropes in uncertainty, fear, and moral confusion.

In the wilderness (Exodus 14:19-20), the Israelites faced a hopeless situation: the Red Sea in front and Pharaoh’s army behind. God intervened by moving the pillar of cloud from the front of the camp to the rear, standing between the two armies.

This single cloud created two opposite realities. To the Egyptians, it brought thick darkness, stalling their pursuit. To the Israelites, it provided light at night, illuminating their path to freedom.

This Old Testament illustration shows that God’s presence serves as a protection from enemies and a guide for believers, causing confusion for the world while providing clarity to the faithful.

In the example above, the pillar of cloud is a "type" or a foreshadow of something or someone greater. In this case, it was a visible manifestation of God (a "theophany") dwelling with His people.

In John 8:12, Jesus fulfills the foreshadowing of the Old Testament by proclaiming Himself as the "light of the world." He promises that those who follow Him will avoid walking in darkness and will instead possess the light of life.

Walking in His light doesn't exempt us from trouble or sin; it simply means we are no longer lost. This light guides our steps, protecting us from the wandering, destructive nature of a world without direction.

Following Jesus goes beyond mere intellectual agreement; it requires active, consistent obedience by submitting to Him as Lord. Embracing Jesus as the source of eternal life allows believers to experience the guiding light of hope and joy.

Wrap-Up Questions: 

• What are some examples of “darkness” (sin, confusion, fear) that you can see in the world today?
• How did the pillar of fire (Exodus 14) serve as both a guide and protector? How does Jesus do this for us today?
• How can we, as believers, let our light shine in our workplaces, schools, or homes?

In conclusion, while darkness may seem to increase, it can never overcome the light of God. Through Christ, we have been ushered from the shadows of death into a truly wonderful, brilliant light.

Prayer: “Lord, thank you for guiding us through the darkness just as you did in the past. Help us trust your light and protection today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Blessings and joy to you,

Nataly

Weekend Message | Your Story is Not Over! Find HOPE after Heartbreak | FULL EPISODE | Better Together on TBN

Welcome to the Weekend Message! 

It's always our pleasure to bring you quality presentations from some of the best Christian teachers in the world! Each video presentation can vary, but whatever the topic, you can be certain that it will be informative and Bible-based.

What do you do when facing the unimaginable? We look to our Savior! 

This week on "Your Story is Not Over! Find HOPE after Heartbreak| Better Together on TBN, writer, speaker, and influencer Elyse Mahan (formerly Elyse Murphy) shares how remembering God’s faithfulness in the past gave her HOPE while walking through a divorce. 

Other guests Christine Caine, Hosanna Wong, Blynda Lane, and Inés Franklin also share personal stories of God’s sustaining power and strength in the midst of life’s hardest seasons.

© Better Together on TBN

Key Takeaways & Themes:

• Finding Hope in the Valley: Hold on during difficult seasons—know that God is not distant from your pain, but close by to mend your heart and provide tranquility.
• Redemption After Divorce: Elyse Mahan shares her personal journey of navigating divorce and experiencing God's restoration.
• Processing Emotions: Instead of suppressing emotional pain, embracing it and bringing it to God in vulnerability allows Him to transform our suffering into a more resilient faith.
• God’s Faithfulness: God is the ultimate comforter, holding the power to bring beauty out of our deepest pain, abandonment, or loss.

Our God is FAITHFUL, and He will carry you through the pain you’re facing today!

Prioritize yourself this weekend—come get encouraged with us.

May God richly bless you,

~Eve