We start with green — the color of life and growth, but also the color that reminds us of the serpent in the Garden. After God finished His creation, He declared it was very good. It was a world in perfect harmony. Oceans pure, skies clear, foliage lush, green and fruitful, relationships whole. No sin, no shame, no death. This is how Lent begins, by remembering the good God intended. But Lent also reminds us that the beauty we long for is not the beauty we always see. Creation still groans. Our lives still ache. And the question of Lent is this: What went wrong? Why do we feel so far from Eden? 

 

Put It into Practice: Name the weeds. Spend five quiet minutes this week asking God to reveal one area where sin has taken root in your life. Write it down. Don’t explain it away, confess it honestly in prayer, and listen for God’s response. 

 

Day 1 Genesis 1:1-31

Reflect: What pictures come to mind as you read? What words or phrases are repeated? What do they tell you about God’s character? What stands out to you about God’s delight in what He made? 

Apply: What does this story teach you about gratitude, contentment, and provision? Where do you still see glimpses of God’s good creation in your life or in the world? What feelings do they inspire?

Pray: In the beginning, God, you created the heavens and the earth, bringing order from chaos with Your powerful Word. I praise You, Almighty God, for the light, the waters, the dry land, the plants, the creatures that fill our world, and for making me in Your image so that I may care for Your creation.

 

Day 2 Genesis 3:1-6

Reflect: What lies or half-truths does the serpent use to tempt Eve? How does this passage describe the subtle nature of temptation? What desires are appealed to in Eve’s heart before she eats the fruit?  

Apply: What “forbidden fruit” are you tempted to reach for instead of trusting God? Where are you most vulnerable to believing lies about God, yourself, or what will satisfy you? Why?

Pray: Holy God, give me the strength to resist the pull of the world, to choose Your truth over what seems good in my eyes. I choose obedience and trust in You, my source of true life. Thank You for Jesus, who makes restoration possible. Help me live a life that glorifies You.

 

Day 3 Romans 3:9–26

Reflect: According to Paul, who is affected by sin? What does this text say about our ability to make ourselves right with God? What stands out to you about God’s justice and mercy working together? 

Apply: How do you experience being under the power of sin? In what ways do you try to justify yourself instead of trusting God’s grace? What does it feel like to admit that you cannot save yourself? 

Pray: Thank You, Father, for your incredible mercy and love, demonstrated through Jesus Christ. Thank you for making me right with you, not through my own efforts, but through the redemption found in You.

 

Day 4 Romans 5:6–11

Reflect: How does Paul describe our condition before Christ acted on our behalf? What does this text reveal about the timing of God’s love? How is God’s love different from the way humans usually love?

Apply: Where do you struggle to believe that God loves you right now, not just a future “better version” of you? How might fully receiving God’s love change the way you live or repent?

Pray: Fill me with Your Spirit, Lord, that I may love sacrificially, extending Your grace and kindness to those who are difficult to love, just as You extend grace to me. 

 

Day 5 Romans 5:12–21

Reflect: What contrasts do you notice between Adam and Christ? How is the reach of sin compared to the reach of grace described? What does this text say about the power of Christ’s obedience? 

Apply: In what ways do you still feel the weight of sin or brokenness in your life? Where do you need to trust that grace is stronger than sin? How can you become shaped more by Christ than by the fall?

Pray:  Lord, thank You that I am no longer defined by Adam, but by Christ, moved from the kingdom of death to Your kingdom of life and light. I pray to live fully in this reality, not in fear, but in the joy and freedom of the Spirit.