Ash Wednesday

Be Still:  Dear Father, as we begin this Lenten season, we ask you to be present with us.  Thank you for Jesus’ redeeming love.  Open our hearts and minds to these words of scripture.  In Jesus’ name, through the power of the Holy Spirit, Amen

Be Strengthened:  Matthew 16:13-20

¹³When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"

¹⁴They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."

¹⁵"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"

¹⁶Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

¹⁷Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. ¹⁸And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. ¹⁹I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." ²⁰Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.

Be Stretched:  As we begin this Lenten season, ponder the question Jesus asked Peter:  “Who do you say I am?”  This is one of the most important questions you will ever be asked.  Be honest with yourself and God.  Right now, who is Jesus to you?  Then, pray that through the power of the Holy Spirit you will be able to declare along with Peter that Jesus is the Christ.  Spend some time meditating on how this truth impacts your life.  Pray that God will show you how to live out of this truth today, and each day.