Try reciting 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 out loud to see if you have any of the passage set in your memory. Continue to work on reciting the verses as you drive, take a walk, wash dishes or work around your house or yard.

If you realize you have been living for yourself first, and if you feel stuck and want to make a change, the answer is not in trying harder. This devotional invites you into a place of learning to try softer, try different, and try together as we study how God is walking us through this world to know Him more in a love relationship. This love relationship begins with salvation.

Jesus knew His purpose on earth. He spent His time honoring His Father, and He went to the cross on our behalf.

Read John 12:27. Lent, which begins today, is a time to reflect on Jesus’ suffering and death. It is also a time to recognize our faith in Jesus is a response to God.

As we begin the season of Lent, first ask, “Have I truly submitted my life to Jesus as Lord?” God calls us to believe in Jesus, His life, death, burial, and resurrection. God accepts us not because of what we do, but because we humble ourselves before Him and receive the gift of salvation given in His Son.

If you realize today that you have not received the gift of salvation in Jesus, read Romans 3:21-26. All of us sin and fall short of the glory of God. Each of us needs God’s grace in Jesus because we are trapped in sin and need a Savior. We are rescued by God’s grace because He sent His Son Jesus to take the penalty of our sin by dying on the cross. When we recognize this truth, confess our sin, and ask Jesus to be Lord of our life, His Holy Spirit takes residence inside us, and we are given eternity with God. Romans 10: 9-10 says, “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes and is justified, and with the mouth, one confesses and is saved.”

If you realize you need to ask Jesus into your life, pray to Him now using Romans 10:9-10 as your guide. Let one of the church staff members know of your decision so that the church can celebrate with you!

If the decision to ask Jesus into your life is a decision previously made, complacency can settle in over time. This booklet is a tool to get back on track to run the race with purpose.

Remember, our own efforts, however sincere, cannot save us. As long as we think, even subconsciously, that it was possible to contribute to our salvation, we will not put God in the place we should. We will not worship Him with the humility, dependence, and thanksgiving He deserves.

Contemplate where you are on your journey with God in His gift of salvation in Jesus. Pray Psalm 13:5: “But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.” Pray the words of Psalm 70:4 over our congregation and all who have decided to participate in Renewal: "May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You! May those who love Your salvation say evermore, ‘God is great!’ “