nto the Wilderness Lent sermon series at Coker Methodist Church

Lenten Devotions and Scripture, Week 1

Pick three days this week to dive deeper into scripture using the prompts below.
Note: Devotions from MinistryPass.com

Day 1:

Matthew 3:8 (ESV), Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.

We begin Lent by remembering John the Baptist’s proclamation in the wilderness: “Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Matthew 3:8) John didn’t preach mere regret over sin, but urged a decisive turning from sin to God resulting in visible transformation. Genuine repentance goes beyond feeling sorry; it’s an active choice to forsake old patterns and walk in newness of life, surrendering to God’s will. The religious leaders who came to John relied on ancestry and appearance, but John called for reality—a change so deep it could be seen. This is the invitation of Lent: to honestly confess sin, seek forgiveness, and allow the Holy Spirit to cultivate spiritual fruit in us. God desires that His redeemed children display the evidence of His grace, demonstrating humility, love, and transformed living. Repentance opens the way for deeper intimacy with God, aligning us more closely to His character and mission.

Questions to Consider

  1. In what specific area of your life is God calling you to repentance right now?
  2. How can you move beyond mere regret to actual life change?
  3. What spiritual fruit do you desire God to make evident in you this Lent?

 

Day 2:

John 1:23 (ESV) “He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

John the Baptist identified himself as “the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord.'” (John 1:23) Before God moves, hearts must be made ready—removing every obstacle that hinders Christ’s entrance. In John’s time, this meant a call to repentance and humility for Israel, breaking up the hard soil of pride and religiosity. The same is true for us: barriers like unforgiveness, stubbornness, or distractions can keep us from encountering Jesus fully. Lent is a season to assess: “What rough ground in my soul blocks God’s way?” Preparing the way isn’t just an event but an ongoing posture. As we humble ourselves, confess sin, and submit our hearts, we create space for Christ’s presence and transformation. Then, not only are our hearts impacted, but God can use us to help prepare others to receive the good news too.

Questions to Consider

  1. What spiritual barriers might be hindering your full surrender to Jesus?
  2. What practical step can you take to prepare your heart for God today?
  3. How can you help prepare the way for someone else to encounter Christ?

Day 3:

Matthew 3:6 (ESV) and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

The crowds who came to John were ‘baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.’ (Matthew 3:6) This was a public act of humility, acknowledging their need for God’s mercy. Genuine repentance flourishes in honest confession—coming before God not with excuses, but with broken and contrite hearts. Throughout Scripture, God honors humble honesty: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (Psalm 51:17). Confession is not weakness; it is the gateway to God’s forgiveness and freedom. Pride or fear often keeps us silent, but humility brings release and healing. The kingdom of God is entered not by the self-sufficient, but by those ready to admit their need for grace and transformation.

Questions to Consider

  1. What fears or prideful thoughts hold you back from honest confession?
  2. Why is humility essential to experiencing true forgiveness?
  3. Who can support you on your journey of walking in repentance and grace?

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