Lent Day 46, Saturday, April 4, 2026

“30 Minutes Alone in Silence.”

On this final day of Lent 2026, our challenge is to spend at least 30 minutes alone in silence. No television. No streaming. No distractions. Just you and God, wherever you may be.

The purpose of today’s challenge is to reflect on God’s work in your life. What have you experienced over the past 46 days? What have you learned about yourself? What have you learned about God?

Our theme this Lenten season has been “Dream Again.” We have focused on letting go of what holds us back, nurturing what is good within us, while paying attention to God’s work around us. Has anything begun to change? Have you started to see your future with renewed hope?  If not, do not worry. This is not a perfect formula for instant transformation. 

If you have participated at all, even in small ways, it is likely that something has shifted within you. When we make space for God, it is difficult to avoid growth.  This is the interesting part: In the day-to-day moments, we may not always feel anything is shifting, but days or weeks later, we look back and begin to recognize that God was at work all along.  This is not us doing something extraordinary. Rather, this is God moving in our lives! 

Like you, I am simply trying to follow where God leads. Sometimes the blessings are immediate, but more often they reveal themselves over time.  Take time with the Lord today. Sit in silence for at least thirty minutes. You can be inside or outside, but remain present. 

Today is Holy Saturday, the final day of Lent. In the story of Jesus, the tomb is closed. It is quiet. It is still… But not for long.  The stone will be rolled away, and the world will be invited to receive God’s greatest gift.

“Be still, and know that I am God.”  (Psalm 46:10a, NIV)

 Lent Day 45, Good Friday, April 3, 2026

“24-Hour Fast”

It’s back! The 24-hour fast returns!  It’s fitting for Good Friday, the day we remember Jesus’ death on the cross.

We call this day “Good Friday” because of what Jesus accomplished for us. But for Jesus, and for those who loved Him, this day was anything but good. It was a day of suffering, grief, and loss. For the next two days, His followers would witness the reality of His death and the silence of the tomb. And yet, through that suffering comes something extraordinary.  

Jesus’ sacrifice is a one-time act that opens the door for reconciliation between God and humanity. Because of Him, we are offered forgiveness. Because of Him, we are not left to carry the full weight of our sin alone. Jesus takes on that burden for us. This is a profound and humbling truth.  

Today, as we honor Good Friday and reach the final Friday of Lent, the challenge is to fast for 24 hours.  If you completed this challenge last week, do it again.  You know how powerful it was.  If you tried and didn’t make it, today is another opportunity.

The guideline is simple. Refrain from food for 24 hours. Drink fluids as needed and be wise in how you approach it. If you have any medical reason not to fast, please do not attempt it. Instead, read Matthew chapters 26 and 27, and spend ten minutes in prayer.

Today is Good Friday. Pause. Reflect. Give thanks.

And if you are able, join us at the Chapel for our Good Friday service at 6:00 pm EDT, in person or online with me, Alyssa, Brian, and a special three-piece string trio.  Be a part as we gather, remember, and worship together.  

https://longboatislandchapel.org/streaming/

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”  (Isaiah 53:5, NIV)

 Lent Day 44, Thursday, April 2, 2026

“Focus on Humility”

Today is Maundy Thursday, a day that recalls two important moments in the life of the Church.

First, Maundy Thursday marks the Last Supper, when Jesus shared a final meal with His disciples. Since that moment, the Church continues to celebrate Holy Communion, also known as the Eucharist and the Lord’s Supper. This is a pivotal event that remains central to Christian worship around the world.

Second, Maundy Thursday also reminds us of the moment when Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. At one of the most vulnerable points in His ministry, Jesus chose to focus not on Himself, but on others. Though He is Lord, He humbled Himself and served in one of the most personal and unexpected ways. Because of this, many churches remember the day by participating in foot washing as part of their worship.  

You may find yourself drawn more to one of these moments than the other, but both point to the same essential truth: humility.  Holy Week calls us to focus on humility because these are not events we could create or accomplish on our own. These are moments in which God enters the world in powerful and personal ways.

Just as we began Lent with Ash Wednesday, where the ashes remind us of our humility before God, Maundy Thursday brings us back to that same truth. God is great, and we are called to approach Him with humble hearts.

What does that look like today?  Take time to practice humility in whatever setting you find yourself. If you are in a position to lead, lead with humility. If you are in a position to serve, serve with joy. If you are given the opportunity to put someone else first, take it.  It may not always be the easiest path, but it is the way of Christ.

“Don't be jealous or proud, but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves.  Care about them as much as you care about yourselves.”  (Philippians 2:3-4, CEV)

 Lent Day 43, Wednesday, April 1, 2026

“Clean Your Beach, Street, or Park”

No, this is not an April Fool’s joke. Today’s Lenten challenge is to clean up your outdoor environment, whatever that may be.

For those of us who live in the tropics, the beach is a great place to start. Our community depends on visitors, and we want our beaches to reflect the beauty we are blessed to enjoy.

If you do not live near the coast, no problem. Your street is a great place to begin, and your local parks can always use a little extra care. Even apartment complexes and parking areas offer opportunities to make a difference.

Here on Longboat Key, Gulf of Mexico Drive is always in need of attention. In fact, in a couple of weeks, local churches will be working together to clean a two-mile stretch of the roadway. If you would like to join us, we will gather on Saturday, April 18, at 8:30 am at Temple Beth Israel on Bay Isles Road.  That may sound like a bit of a commercial plug, but it is a meaningful opportunity. We are blessed to live in this country, and taking care of our communities is one small way we can give back.

If you have physical limitations that prevent you from picking up trash, that is completely fine. Instead, take a few minutes to quietly reflect on the many ways God has blessed you. Giving thanks for those blessings is just as meaningful.

What will you do today?  There are plenty of opportunities around you. Choose one, step outside, and make a difference.

“The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.”  Genesis 2:15, NLT)

 Lent Day 42, Tuesday, March 31, 2026

“Pray Three Times for Five Minutes Each Prayer”

It is probably fair to say that most of us do not pray as much as we could. Some people pray often. Others rarely pray at all. Most of us fall somewhere in between.

Today’s challenge is to pray three times for five minutes each time.

It sounds easy, but it may be more difficult than we expect. This challenge comes early in Holy Week to allow multiple opportunities in the days ahead to try again if today does not go as planned. That may sound a bit pessimistic, but it also reveals something important. Why does it feel difficult to set aside fifteen minutes for prayer?

How will you approach it? Prayer is simply a conversation with God. It can be structured, such as the Lord’s Prayer, the Rosary, or the Prayer of St. Francis. It can also be quiet and personal, a moment of stillness where you speak honestly and listen carefully.

What will you pray about today?  Three times.  Five minutes each time.  Fifteen minutes. About one percent of your day is devoted to God. That is not too much to ask. And who knows? You may discover that once you begin, you do not want to stop.

Your prayers matter. Your prayers are treasured by God.

“Never stop praying.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NIV)

 Lent Day 41, Monday, March 30, 2026

“Read John, Chapters 18 and 19”

Today’s challenge for Lent is another simple one: read chapters 18 and 19 of John’s Gospel. The purpose of this challenge is clear. It is meant to help us remember and better understand God’s work.

Holy Week, the week leading to Easter, has begun. We have six days to prepare, and during this time, we are called to remember one of the most difficult moments in the life of Jesus. Unlike Christmas, the traffic is no worse, and the stores are not overflowing with last-minute shoppers.

Instead, many people treat Easter as just another day off from work, or perhaps an excuse to enjoy a big meal with friends and family. In our area, Easter weekend often feels like the perfect beach weekend, and many people will head from inland homes to the barrier islands. Plans are being made for free time, but not always for time with the Lord.

Today’s challenge is meant to help us prepare our hearts by reading the story of Jesus’ betrayal, suffering, and death. Given to us in all four Gospels, the story is essential because it reveals God’s incredible and unconditional love for humanity.

God does not endure this suffering so that we can simply enjoy another holiday or another day at the beach. While God is certainly glad to give us beautiful gifts and joyful days, God is even more committed to giving eternal life to His people. That is what Easter is about.

No matter how much or how little we have done during Lent so far, each one of us still has six days left to focus, reflect, contemplate, and give thanks.

Begin this week by reading John, chapters 18 and 19. Try to read them straight through without interruption. It will likely take about ten minutes, perhaps a little more. Most importantly, do not let yourself be distracted. Find a quiet moment, open your heart and mind, and pay attention to what God may be saying to you.

“...It is finished...” (John 19:30, NRSVue)

 Lent Day 40, Sunday, March 29, 2026

“When Dreams Go Sideways”

Have all of your childhood dreams come true? No? Mine neither.

Over the course of life, things change. We set goals, but how often do we actually reach them? Even when we do, the path that gets us there is rarely what we expected.

Some of our childhood dreams may have come true, but often the journey has been anything but straightforward. It is usually a winding road filled with detours, setbacks, and surprises along the way.

I am often amused when I hear young success stories in sports, music, or acting. Sometimes, as they talk about years of hard work and long days, I cannot help but smile. Many of us have worked long and hard for decades and still have not reached some of the dreams we once held.

That is an easy observation to make because most of us can relate. We have worked hard. We have pushed forward. And yet, some dreams, aspirations, and goals have not unfolded the way we imagined. Somewhere along the way, life went sideways, and our dreams seemed to follow.

What do we do when our dreams are put on hold?  How do we respond when our plans change? How do we recover, reorganize, and keep moving forward?

God is not surprised by sideways dreams. In fact, God is very good at working through them. What feels like a detour to us may be part of a much larger plan. What feels like a setback may be preparing us for something we could not have imagined.

Dreaming is not just for children. Dreaming is for all of us. Our dreams may become more grounded and realistic over time, but that does not mean they are finished. There is still more ahead.

Today, give God your attention. Talk honestly about where you are and what you are facing. Offer an open heart and mind to whatever God may be doing next.  The answer may not come immediately, but God is listening, and God’s way forward may be surprisingly different from your own.

Listen closely. Pay attention.  God is still at work in your life!

“The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps.”  (Proverbs 16:9, NRSVue)

 Lent Day 39, Saturday, March 28, 2026

“Plant a Seed or Flower”

Today’s Lenten challenge is a simple one, but it carries great meaning: plant a seed or a flower.

If you have been following along this Lenten season with the Chapel, you know that our theme is “Dream Again.” This theme invites participation in several ways, including these daily devotions and challenges. Another way many of you have participated is by growing a plant that was provided earlier in the season and preparing to bring it back to the Chapel to be planted in our garden.

Today’s challenge builds on that idea. When we plant a seed or care for a flower, we are demonstrating faith. We trust that something small and hidden will grow into something visible and meaningful.

Of course, growth does not happen on its own. A seed needs water and sunlight, but not too much. It needs attention and care. Without it, the plant may never fully develop.

Our dreams are much the same. We cannot simply toss a dream into the air and expect it to take shape on its own. We are called to participate. We must be attentive. We must nurture what God has placed within us, allowing space for God to work in our hearts and minds.

If we ignore our dreams, they will not grow. If we neglect them, they may fade before they ever take root.

So today, plant something. It can be a seed, a flower, an herb, or even a small plant from a store. But whatever you choose, commit to caring for it.

And as you do, take a moment to thank God for the beauty of creation and for the gift of growth, both in the world around us and within us.

“Then Jesus said, “God’s kingdom is like seed thrown on a field by a man who then goes to bed and forgets about it. The seed sprouts and grows—he has no idea how it happens.”  (Mark 4:26-27, The Message)

 Lent Day 38, Friday, March 27, 2026

“24-Hour Fast”

Wait!  Don’t hang up!  You can do this.

Fasting from food for 24 hours is not as difficult as you might think. First, remember that part of that time will be spent sleeping. Second, if today does not work for you, choose another day and give it a try.

The goal of this Lenten challenge is to refrain from food for one full day. One helpful approach is to eat an early dinner on Thursday and then avoid food throughout Friday until you reach the 24-hour mark. I do this often. If I eat at 5:00 pm on Thursday, I can complete my fast by 5:00 pm on Friday. Done.

What about the rules?  Drinks are allowed, but be wise. Loading up on sugary or empty-calorie drinks will not help. Alcohol without food is not a good idea. Water is best, and fruit or vegetable juices can also be helpful since they provide nutrients and can take the edge off hunger.

The purpose of fasting is to give glory to God. We step away from something we depend on in order to remember what matters most. Food is important, and most of us have plenty of it. But it is the Lord who provides it. Fasting gives us an opportunity to pause, give thanks, and place God first.

Today, you may feel like you are choosing between a cheeseburger and God. If so, choose God. The cheeseburger will still be there later.

You may be surprised by what you can do with a little planning, a little discipline, and a focused heart.

“Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’”  (Matthew 4:4, NIV)

 Lent Day 37, Thursday, March 26, 2026

“Complete A Procrastinated Task”

We’ve made it! Well, almost.

We are just ten days away from Easter. For some, that means the finish line is in sight, and a few long-avoided things are about to return. For others, it means final preparations are underway for Easter celebrations. Yes, Easter is almost here, but it only matters if we choose to let it matter.

The world keeps moving forward whether we act or not. The calendar turns, the days pass, and life continues. Today’s devotion is meant to encourage us to take action.  Your challenge is simple: complete a task you have been putting off.

There is something sitting on your list right now. Organizing your desk. Finishing the laundry. Cleaning out a space in your home. Sending a message to someone you have been meaning to contact. Maybe even finishing your taxes.

We all have something we have delayed. While these tasks may seem small, completing them can bring a surprising sense of clarity, relief, and even peace.

When God created Easter, the world was changed in a powerful and lasting way. We take part in that ongoing work by doing good, helping others, and caring for the world around us. But often, it begins with something simple right in front of us.

What is that one thing you have been putting off?

Find the time. Take a breath. Start it. Finish it.  You might be surprised how much lighter you feel when it is done.

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.”  (Ecclesiastes 9:10a, ESV)

 Lent Day 36, Wednesday, March 25, 2026

“Eliminate One Bad Habit for 24 Hours”

It is hard to believe, but after today, we begin the ten-day countdown to Easter. Why not celebrate by taking on another challenge and eliminating one bad habit for 24 hours?

As before, these daily Lenten challenges are meant to build momentum through small successes. If you have participated in even a few of them, you have likely experienced some victories along the way. Have you been perfect through all thirty-five challenges? Probably not. Like your NCAA tournament bracket, perfection is unlikely this season.

Life is not about being perfect. If you have completed every challenge, that is wonderful. But for most of us, this season has reminded us that perfection, even in small things, is difficult to maintain.

Perfection is not the goal; The goal is to try. The goal is to offer our effort to the Lord. When we fall short, we try again. When we succeed, we are reminded that growth is possible.

Today’s challenge is to eliminate one bad habit for 24 hours. If you are like me, you have several to choose from.

So be bold!  Take on one that is not easy. When the temptation shows up, recognize it and overcome it.

Do something intentional for God today. Choose one habit. Set it aside for 24 hours. Then, give thanks for the strength and courage to do what you thought you could not.

It is time to dream again!

“Christ gives me the strength to face anything.”  (Philippians 4:13, CEV)

 Lent Day 35, Tuesday, March 24, 2026

“Handwrite and Send a Letter”

When was the last time you received a handwritten letter? It always feels special because we recognize the time and care someone took to write it and send it. It is a simple act, but it carries a lot of meaning. Today is a great day to help someone else feel that same sense of care.f

With the rise of technology and instant communication, handwritten letters have become rare. Some people still write them, but many of us wonder about the generations that follow. Will they know how to write and send a letter? Most likely, they will, but it still makes you think. Will the mail system look the same in twenty years? Will a simple letter still be something we value?

There are many reasons to send a letter, and today is not really about the future of the mail system. Sometimes we write to thank someone for something meaningful they have done. Sometimes we write to encourage someone going through a difficult time. Sometimes we write to celebrate a special moment.

Whatever the reason, a simple handwritten note can make a lasting impact. It reminds someone that they are remembered, respected, and cared for.

We can do this! Think of someone who would be encouraged by a note. Write it today. Mail it.  Sometime later this week, your words may bring a smile to their face.

“Kind words are like honey-sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”  (Proverbs 16:24, NLT)

 Lent Day 34, Monday, March 23, 2026

“Clean and Organize Today”

Today’s Lenten challenge is aimed directly at those of us who need to clean out our closets. Yes, this can be taken metaphorically, but today the focus is very much on the literal. There is something that needs to be cleaned out.

This week, we are paying attention to things we often overlook. Junk drawers, overfilled closets, and items stuffed under the bed all qualify. So do the things hiding in our car trunks, the leftovers in the refrigerator that have been there a little too long, and the buildup we would rather not think about in our kitchens and bathrooms.

Why does this matter? If we have to ask that question, we may not be as aware of our surroundings as we should be. What would someone think if they opened a closet and a deflated basketball fell on their head? Or if they reached into the refrigerator for cheese and discovered that it had turned a suspicious shade of green?

Yes, today’s challenge is a simple one, but it can make a real difference. Do the air conditioner filters need to be changed? Have we checked under the recliner or between the couch cushions for that missing item? Take care of it today. You might even be rewarded by finding your lost keys or a handful of spare change.

Clean and organize today. If you cannot do everything, start somewhere and make it a personal goal to finish by Easter.

You will be glad when you are done.

“Everything should be done with dignity and in proper order.”  (1 Corinthians 14:40, CEB)

 Lent Day 33, Sunday, March 22, 2026

“Let Go”

Am I holding on too tightly? That is a tough question to ask. The answer depends on what I am holding on to. If it is a bad habit, then yes, I am holding on too tightly. If it is work or responsibility, perhaps I am carrying more than I should.

The season of Lent invites us to pause and reflect on God’s work in our lives. When we take time to notice God’s movement, protection, and blessings, something begins to shift within us. We become less focused on ourselves and more open to what God is doing in and around us.

It may sound simple, but it is true. If our lives are already filled with everything we think we need, we may not leave any room for God to do something new. We may feel capable of handling whatever comes our way, but without space for God, we may miss what God is trying to do next.

God does not force us to make good decisions, and God does not always remove the consequences of poor ones. Instead, God gives us the freedom to choose. In that freedom, we see the depth of God’s love and respect for us.

And here is the remarkable part. God has hope for us. In fact, God often has more hope for us than we have for ourselves. Because of that, God continues to place opportunities before us to grow, to change, and to become more fully who we are meant to be.

Are you ready to move forward?

Today, take some time to consider what might be holding you back in your relationship with God. My guess is that we have something we need to release to move ahead.

What is it? What are we holding on to?

Whatever it is, it may be time to let it go so that God can be God and we can grow into a more faithful and complete version of ourselves.

“Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you.  He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.”  (Psalm 55:22, NLT)

Lent Day 32, Saturday, March 21, 2026
“Thank a Military Service Member”

Today’s challenge is to thank someone who is serving or has served in the military. You may have someone in your own home, which makes this easy. Others of us will need to be more intentional and keep our eyes open. Many people are currently in uniform. Many others once wore the uniform and now serve in different ways. Their service still matters in every way, and our veterans absolutely deserve our sincere thanks.

I am not the one putting my life on the line to protect the freedoms I enjoy, including the freedom to gather for worship. Nor is my family waiting through the night, hoping for a call from a loved one serving far from home in a different time zone.

In that sense, I consider myself blessed. God did not place a call to military service on my heart. Instead, God called me to serve as a pastor to many who have served in the military and the Coast Guard. From time to time, I am asked to lead services at national cemeteries for a service member or a spouse. In those moments, I often feel humbled by what they have given, yet I am grateful for the opportunity to offer something in return.

Today, take a moment to thank a service member or a veteran. If you do not encounter one today, stay attentive in the days ahead. They are all around us. Sometimes, a simple conversation with a stranger can become a meaningful moment of gratitude.

A sincere “thank you” can go a long way.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”  (John 15:13, NIV)