Lent Day 11, Saturday, February 28, 2026

"Pay Attention to Dental Health"



Our Lenten theme this year is Dream Again. The goal is to remind ourselves that we are still allowed to imagine, pursue goals, and reach for purpose. Dreaming invites us to look beyond our current reality toward something greater.

With that in mind, here is something you may not have known: Today is one of two annual days dedicated to the Tooth Fairy, February 28 and August 22. I suspect dentists may have had a hand in that, but, of course, I’m only speculating. 

The Tooth Fairy legend has been around for generations. A child places a lost tooth under a pillow and, during the night, a small gift appears in its place. According to folklore, the collected teeth are used to build a magical kingdom, while the imperfect ones are turned into fairy dust. I am not sure about all of that, but if the story helps us remember to care for our teeth, perhaps it serves a purpose.

Whether or not we subscribe to the mythology, one thing is certain: Dental health matters. The older we get, the more we understand that caring for our teeth is not optional.

Today’s Lenten challenge is simple: Pay attention to your dental health. Brush after meals if possible. Floss. Use mouthwash if you have it. Make the appointment you have been postponing.

Taking care of our bodies is an act of gratitude. Even small disciplines reflect a larger awareness that we are stewards of what God has given us.

Dreaming about the future includes caring for the present. Even our teeth deserve attention!

“Your teeth are like a flock of sheep just shorn coming up from the washing. Each has its twin; not one of them is alone.” (Song of Solomon 4:2, NIV)

 Lent Day 10, Friday, February 27, 2026

“No Caffeine”



Today’s Lenten challenge is simple:  No caffeine for twenty-four hours.

If you are reading this with a warm cup of coffee in your hand, you may want to savor that last sip. Once you set it down, the clock begins. By this time tomorrow, you are free to return to your favorite brew. See? Easy! Well, maybe not.

I am not fooling anyone, especially myself. Those who know me understand that caffeine and I are well acquainted. So yes, part of today’s challenge is personal. Moderation is easier to preach than to practice.

Of course, God created coffee beans and all the other delightful sources of caffeine. But that is not the point. God created many good things. The challenge is not the existence of good gifts. The challenge is our tendency to overindulge.

Will this be difficult? Probably. But remember, these daily Lenten challenges are not designed to set us up for failure. They are meant to offer small, attainable victories. This is not a year-long resolution. It is not even a six-week vow. It is one day.

Twenty-four hours to practice self-control. This is not about proving how strong we are. It is about discovering that we are capable of more discipline than we think. It is about remembering that we are not controlled by every craving. It is about giving God a little something to show our appreciation for the “Big somethings” the LORD gives us every day.  

Let's start with our last sip. Then, let the challenge begin. We can do this.

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, because you created all things. It is by your will that they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:11, CEB)

 Lent Day 9, Thursday, February 26, 2026

“Read a Fairy Tale”

Today’s Lenten challenge may surprise you. Read a fairy tale.

It happens to be National Tell a Fairy Tale Day, and considering our Lenten theme is Dream Again, this fits beautifully, especially if you are feeling stuck or discouraged.

What is a fairy tale? At its core, it is a story that carries a moral lesson. As the plot unfolds, tension builds, characters struggle, and by the end, a deeper truth becomes clear.

If you think fairy tales are only for children, think again. Some of the earliest known fairy tales date back thousands of years. One ancient story often referenced is “The Smith and the Devil,” a tale about a blacksmith who makes a deal with the devil and then cleverly outwits him to save his soul. That is not exactly a light bedtime story.

Fairy tales endure because they engage the imagination. They place us inside the story. We become the hero climbing the beanstalk. We feel the fear of the dark forest. We experience the triumph at the end. In doing so, we remember that struggle and hope often live side by side.

Thinking about some options?  “Jack and the Beanstalk” connects with the Chapel’s 2026 Lenten theme, “Dream Again.”   A tiny seed grows into something unexpected and towering. Growth begins small, but it does not remain small.  Other great ones include “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Snow White,” and “The Ugly Duckling.”  But I’m sure you have your own favorites from which to choose.

When was the last time you read a fairy tale?  Today, give yourself permission to enter a story. Let your imagination stretch a bit. Allow a simple narrative to remind you that challenges can be overcome and that good can emerge from difficulty.

If your week has been heavy, this might be just what you need.

Read a fairy tale. Dream a little.

“Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!  And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.  If you prize wisdom, she will make you great.  Embrace her, and she will honor you.”  (Proverbs 4:7-8, NLT)

 Lent Day 8, Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Read the Bible for 15 Minutes

Today’s Lenten challenge is simple: Read the Bible for fifteen minutes.

Any book counts. You can read three segments of five minutes each or sit down and read all at once. You may use a printed Bible or an online version. It also counts if you attend a Bible study, including Angels Among Us, today at 10:00 am in person at the Chapel or at 5:30 pm both in person and online via Zoom (www.https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86198529963).

Why read the Bible?  For starters, it is good for the heart, mind, and soul. Scripture slows us down. It reminds us that our story is part of a much bigger one.

This week, we have been talking about what to do when we feel weak or discouraged. When life does not go the way we hoped, turning to God’s Word can anchor us.

But let us be clear about something:  The Bible is not a Magic 8 Ball. It is not designed to confirm our opinions or give instant answers to every decision. If we open it expecting automatic validation of our own ideas, we may be disappointed.

Scripture does not exist to justify us. It exists to shape us.   The Bible is a living testimony of God’s love, mercy, and faithfulness throughout history. It comforts. It challenges. It corrects. It encourages. It reminds us that we are not alone.

So can you do it? Fifteen minutes.  Not to check a box. Not to win a prize. Simply to listen.

Give it a try and see what God might place on your heart.

...Jesus answered, “It is written,  ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”  (Matthew 4:4, NRSVce)

 Lent Day 7, Tuesday, February 24, 2026

“Encourage Someone!”

Can you encourage someone today?

Unless you are living on a deserted island somewhere, you are going to cross paths with another human being each day. Whether you are surrounded by friends, strangers, coworkers, or a room full of knuckleheads, you will have an opportunity to influence someone’s day.

Why does this matter?

Because today might be harder for folks than you realize, a quiet word of encouragement can go a long way. The way we speak, the way we respond, and the tone we choose all carry weight. We either build up or tear down.

Sometimes we think we are building up when we are actually pushing someone down. Sarcasm can sting. A dry wit may work among close friends but fall flat with others. Tough love has its place, but it is rarely needed in a passing conversation. Even the last word we insist on having should be one that lifts rather than wounds.

Does this sound easy? It is not, especially if you are having a rough day yourself.

If your day feels heavy, you may be tempted to look for someone to lift you up. That is understandable. But here is today’s challenge: Offer encouragement to others anyway. There is something powerful about choosing kindness when you least feel like it. Often the quickest way to shift our own mood is to brighten someone else’s.

Make someone’s day a little lighter today. Speak life. Notice effort. Offer gratitude. Give a sincere compliment. Send a message of appreciation.

Encourage someone today. You might be surprised at what it does for both of you.

“Only say what is helpful when it is needed for building up the community so that it benefits those who hear what you say.”  (Ephesians 4:29b, CEB)

Lent Day 6, Monday, Feb 23, 2026

“Smile, No Matter What!”

“Smile, No Matter What!”

Smile, No Matter What!

Yikes! The first Monday of Lent brings us to a familiar challenge: Smile, no matter what.

For many people, Monday is not the easiest day of the week. Perhaps the weekend was full. Perhaps you stayed up too late. Perhaps work is calling your name louder than you would like. Mondays can test even the most cheerful among us.

Smiling all the time is difficult. I will not say it is impossible, because I have met people who seem to carry joy wherever they go. Much of their happiness is genuine. Some of it is the quiet discipline of choosing to smile even when life feels heavy.

Is that you? Maybe. If so, thank you. You remind the rest of us that joy is not only a feeling. Sometimes it is a decision. Today, the rest of us will try to follow your example.

Smiling in challenging moments is not easy. Smiling when we are tired takes effort. Smiling when we are in pain can feel almost impossible. For those facing deep suffering, even one small smile today is a victory.

Many of us have more reasons to smile than we realize. We are simply distracted from smiling. Others struggle to smile because their burdens are far greater than ours. That awareness alone should soften our hearts.

Today’s challenge is simple. Smile... Not in denial, and not in pretense, but in gratitude.  Pay attention to the blessings in front of you. Thank God for the people who have shown you that joy can exist alongside struggle.  We have many reasons to smile, beginning with this truth: We are wonderfully made by a God who understands both our laughter and our tears.

So today, even if it is small, let your smile be an act of faith.

Smile, it’s Monday!

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”  (Psalm 139:14, NIV)

Lent Day 5, Sunday, February 22, 2026

“Commit When Weak”

Lent Day 5, Sunday, February 22, 2026

“Commit When Weak”

We arrive at the first Sunday in Lent. For many Christians, this feels like the true starting point of the season. Others began on Ash Wednesday and already have a few days behind them. Either way, we are stepping into the first full week of Lent together.

Lent is a season of reflection, preparation, and focus as we move toward Easter. It is not meant to push us down. It is meant to lift us up. Unfortunately, some carry a negative view of Lent, shaped by past experiences or misunderstandings. That is understandable.  But today is a new day! 

These daily devotions and challenges are not about setting ourselves up for failure. They are about building small successes. Each challenge lasts only twenty-four hours. If today does not go as planned, tomorrow offers another opportunity to begin again.  For those carrying heavy burdens, that matters. Small steps of hope can make a meaningful difference.

Today’s Lenten Challenge is to commit when you are weak.  That may sound unusual, as most of us prefer to commit when we feel strong, motivated, and confident. When things become difficult, we often retreat. We postpone. We give up.

But consider Jesus in the wilderness. During forty days of temptation, he did not walk away from his calling. He leaned into his relationship with the LORD. He responded with Scripture. He stayed rooted.

We are not being asked to replicate forty days of fasting in the desert, but we are invited to practice perseverance in our own lives.  If you are feeling weak today, commit yourself to the LORD. Pray with honesty. Open Scripture and read. Take one faithful step. If you are feeling strong today, prepare your heart. Strength today does not guarantee your own human strength tomorrow.

Commit, not because you are confident in yourself, but because you trust the One who holds you.  Today, commit when weak. Let your faith be anchored not in your energy, but in God’s faithfulness.

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  (Joshua 1:9, NLT)

 Lent Day 4, Saturday, February 21, 2026

15 Minutes of Exercise

Do you know anyone who does not need at least fifteen minutes of exercise today? The only candidates I can think of are Olympic athletes who have just finished their events. If anyone has earned a rest day, it is them.  The rest of us probably need fifteen minutes.

Exercise today does not have to be dramatic. Your exercise could be a walk along the beach,  a bike ride around the neighborhood, or fifteen minutes of stretching in your living room. No one needs to witness your heroic effort. This is not about impressing anyone. It is about caring for what God has entrusted to you.

Some who exercise regularly may wonder why this appears as a Lenten challenge. They might assume everyone wants to exercise, but that is not always the case. Many people fall out of the habit. Some are busy. Some are distracted. Some are simply tired.

Still, fifteen minutes is manageable. Even with good reasons, we can carve out a small window of time. Try to do it today. If today is impossible, schedule it for tomorrow. Put it on the calendar. Make it intentional.

This challenge is not about vanity. It is about gratitude. Scripture reminds us that we are wonderfully made.  Show God that you are thankful for the life and body you have been given.  Your body is not an afterthought. God paid attention to every detail when creating you. 

If you are not thrilled with how you feel physically, today is not about shame. It is about action. Fifteen minutes. Move. Stretch. Breathe deeply. 

Get some exercise today!  Enjoy the life that God has given you!

“Don’t you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don’t you see that you can’t live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body.”  (1 Corinthians 16:19-20, The Message)

 Lent Day 3, Friday, February 20, 2026

“No Meat Today”

Today’s 24-hour Lenten challenge is simple: No meat today.

For many Christians, refraining from meat on Fridays during Lent is a long-standing tradition. Restaurants already anticipate it: Fish specials appear. Salad options expand. No one is surprised.

Where does this practice come from?  It is rooted in the remembrance that Jesus was crucified on a Friday. As a sign of respect and reflection, believers chose to avoid the meat of land animals on that day. In earlier centuries, meat was often associated with celebration and wealth. Fish, on the other hand, was considered simpler and more accessible. Avoiding meat became a modest but meaningful way to mark the day.

Over time, the tradition remained, not because fish is magical or because steak is sinful, but because the act of restraint helps focus the heart. It is a reminder that something greater than appetite shapes our lives.

Do not worry. You will not be struck by lightning if you already consumed a slab of bacon. Lent is not about fear. It is about intention.  If you have already eaten meat, simply begin your sacrifice now. Let the next twenty-four hours be your practice. The goal is not perfection; the goal is awareness.

For one day, choose restraint. Let a small sacrifice point you toward a greater love. Let your meal remind you that God means more than an indulgence that’s easily avoided.

No meat for twenty-four hours. You can do this!

 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive… So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:23, 31, NIV)

 Lent Day 2, Thursday, Feb 19, 2026

“Pray at Least Three Times Today”

Our second day of Lent brings another simple task. Pray at least three times today.

When you pray, where you pray, and how you pray are completely up to you. Each prayer can be as short as three words, such as “Thank you, God.” Or it can be longer and more detailed. The only goal is to pause three times during the day and acknowledge God’s presence.

Yes, you could technically say all three prayers within the same five minutes. You can make that call. The point is not to master time management. The point is to carve out three moments and remember that God is here.

If we are truly honest with ourselves, how often do we intentionally pause and recognize God’s presence? Do we bless our food before eating? Do we pray before bed or when we wake up? Maybe we do. Maybe we do not. There is no guilt attached to this challenge.

Today is not about turning you into a professional prayer warrior. It is about awareness. Three small pauses. Three brief acknowledgments. Three reminders that you are not alone in this world.

And if today happens to be a difficult day, God is not waiting for polished words. If you have nothing cheerful to offer, that is fine. God can handle honesty! God is not looking for perfection;  God is looking for a relationship.

Take three moments today. Whisper something simple. Offer gratitude. Ask for help. Sit in silence.  Get ‘er done!

Give God a little attention today. Pray three times.

“Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!  You have given me relief when I was in distress.  Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!”  (Psalm 4:1, ESV)

 Lent Day 1, Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026

“Get or Be Ashed!”

What a thrilling way to begin the 2026 Lenten Season. Get or be ashed.

That was my attempt at sarcasm. But honestly, Lent is not so bad. Somewhere along the way, we gave it a gloomy reputation, and that is unfortunate. These forty-plus days leading to Easter can be deeply meaningful if we allow them to be.

First, Lent is not really about us. It is about God. It is about remembering that God gave what was most precious, Himself, so that we might share in life, redemption, and the heavenly chorus of grace. Lent gently reorients our focus.

Second, Lent gives us the opportunity to offer something back to God. Sometimes that means giving up a habit that is not serving us well. Sometimes it means adding a habit that strengthens our faith, such as daily prayer, intentional kindness, or time in Scripture. Often, the personal benefits experienced are simply a byproduct of spiritual intention. Whether anyone else notices or not, that doesn’t matter.  God does.

Third, Lent has a clear time frame. It is not an endless resolution that fades by February. It is a focused season with a beginning and an end. Six weeks of intentional living feels different than staring at a mirror or scale for an entire year. The goal is not self-improvement alone. The goal is spiritual attention.

Fourth, Lent can be quiet. You do not have to announce your sacrifice. You do not need applause. Jesus spoke often about doing meaningful things without broadcasting them. God sees what is done in secret.

And yet, Lent is also widely respected. Even those who do not observe it tend to understand that it represents something serious and sincere. If your practice becomes known, you may find more encouragement than criticism. People are often inspired by quiet conviction.

So what will you do? Will you participate?

This year, each daily devotion will include a twenty-four-hour challenge. This is not a six-week burden, but simply one day at a time. This approach makes faithfulness realistic. If a challenge asks you to set aside something for one day, you know exactly how long you are committing. Tomorrow is another decision.

Today’s Lenten Challenge is simple: get or be ashed.

Many churches in your area will be offering the imposition of ashes. At the Chapel, ashes will be available from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at both the Chapel and the Lord’s Warehouse Thrift Store.  I’ll also be available to offer ashes at the Chapel following this evening’s Bible Study, 6:30-7:00 pm.

If you can’t make it to a church or chapel, do it yourself.  Draw a small cross somewhere on your body as a reminder that you belong to God. Take a quiet moment to pray. Remember that from dust we came and to dust we return, and in between, we are loved.

Get or Be Ashed Today!  Let the journey begin!

“As a father has compassion for his children, so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him.  For he knows how we were made; he remembers that we are dust.”  (Psalm 103:13-14, NRSVce)