Lent Devotional Series
Dear Advent Life Ministries Church and School Family,
As we enter this sacred season of Lent together, Advent Church, Proclaim Church, our board members, staff, and school family, we pause to remember why we are here. LOVE is why we are here. As we move toward the cross, may these daily reflections prepare our hearts with humility, repentance, surrender, and renewed devotion.
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Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Ash Wednesday: Mortality and Mercy
“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
Genesis 3:19
“For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.”
Psalm 103:14
Ash Wednesday grounds us in truth: we are finite. The ashes are a visible confession that we are not self-sustaining. Everything we build, lead, teach, accumulate, or accomplish will one day fade. Mortality is not meant to frighten us; it is meant to free us. It frees us from the illusion of control and invites us into dependence. Yet Scripture pairs dust with mercy. “He remembers that we are dust.” God’s awareness of our fragility does not produce rejection; it produces compassion. For those carrying responsibility in our Advent Life family, this is deeply comforting. God does not expect infinite strength from finite people. For those grieving or aging, it offers dignity in weakness. For the young, it provides perspective. For all of us, it levels pride and nurtures humility.
Ash Wednesday whispers two truths at once: you are dust, and you are deeply known. Lent is the sacred space where both are held together.
Challenge:
Spend time in quiet reflection today. Consider where you are striving to appear strong instead of admitting dependence. Offer that striving to God.
SOARing Together,
Shahna Clark
Principal
Advent Elementary Middle School
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will SOAR on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31