Thursday, 6^th March 2025

Andrews Ampomah 

TOPIC: Ash Wednesday: Return To The Lord

THEME SCRIPTURE:  “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster”– Joel 2:12-13

 PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. Have you been walking consciously in righteousness, or have you strayed?
2. Are you stubbornly living in sin or under the guilt of it?

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a period of reflection, repentance, and renewal. In biblical times, ashes symbolized mourning and repentance—a sign of humility before God. Today, as Christians across the globe are observing Ash Wednesday, we are reminded of our ephemeral nature and our need for God’s mercy.

Joel’s call to "rend your heart and not your garments" reminds us that God desires genuine repentance, not mere outward expressions of sorrow. True repentance is a turning of the heart, a sincere acknowledgment of our need for God’s mercy. Lent is not about empty rituals but about drawing closer to the Lord with a heart that seeks transformation.

As we begin this 40-day Lent journey, let us take time to look within. What are the things that keep us from fully being living sacrifices to God? What sins, distractions, or burdens do we need to lay down? The good news is that God is "gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in love." When we turn to Him, He welcomes us with open arms.

Beloved brethren in Christ Jesus,  John’s epistle to the church admonishes us that we should not sin. However, if we sin, we should not continue in the act or remain under the guilt of it.

These are the devil’s strategies to keep us in bondage. Rather, we are to remember this:  “We have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous " (1 John 2:1). This same Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

As we navigate today, it is imperative to humbly approach God if we are living in sin or are under the guilt of it, acknowledging and repenting of any sin and passionately beseeching Him for His mercies. This is what the Lord says,  “Come now and let's deliberate over the next steps to take together.  Though your sins stain you like scarlet, I will whiten them like bright, new-fallen snow! Even though they are deep red like crimson, they will be made white like wool!" (Isa 1:18).

 Your Lord calls:  “Come now!” So, come now with a humble heart. Come now with a broken and a contrite spirit, and your Lord will make you clean again.

 FURTHER READING – 1 John 1 and Joel 2:12-13

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

 QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. Do you believe that God is faithful and just enough to forgive you all your sins?

 PRAYER

Heavenly Father, by your Holy Spirit Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts. And see if there be any iniquity in me, and lead me in the way everlasting through Christ Jesus, my Lord. Amen.

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Numbers 1; Psalm 65; Luke 20