Blue reminds us of water, rivers, seas, skies, and in Scripture, water often represents cleansing, renewal, and new beginnings. Blue takes us to the waters of the Jordan, where John the Baptist calls people to repentance and where Jesus Himself steps into those waters. Lent is like standing on the riverbank. We hear John’s cry: “Repent!” We see Jesus step into the water ahead of us. And we are invited to follow, to confess and repent, to be washed anew, and live as God’s beloved children.

 

Put It into Practice: Confession practice. Write a prayer of confession this week, specific, honest, unedited. Then intentionally receive God’s forgiveness; and, if needed, extend forgiveness to whomever God brings to mind.

 

Day 1 Matthew 3:1-17

Reflect: What is the heart of John the Baptist’s message, and why is it urgent? What part of his message makes you uncomfortable—and why might that be? How do you define the word baptize?  

Apply: If repentance is not self-improvement but surrender, what might God be asking you to release? Where are you tempted to avoid the Jordan rather than enter it?

Pray: Lord, I come before You with a humble and grateful heart for the message of John the Baptist to “repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” I recognize my need to turn away from self-centeredness and to ask Your help in preparing my heart for the straight path of Your righteousness.

 

Day 2 Ezekiel 36:25-27

Reflect: Describe the promises God makes about cleansing and renewal and what they mean to you. How does God describe the transformation of the human heart? How does this text offer hope?

Apply: What hardened places in your heart need softening? What fears surface when you imagine God fully reshaping your desires? Where have you been trying to obey without first being renewed?

Pray: Father God, cleanse me from all sin, remove my stony and stubborn heart and replace it with a new, soft heart. Put Your Spirit in me and empower me to walk in Your ways and keep Your laws.  

 

Day 3 Acts 2:32-41

Reflect: How are baptism, forgiveness, and the gift of the Holy Spirit connected? Why is repentance inseparable from true saving faith? What must occur with true repentance? What may happen if not? 

Apply: What does it mean to be “cut to the heart”? Have you experienced conviction like this? How open are you to being interrupted, confronted, or reoriented by the Spirit? Has that happened before? 

Pray: Heavenly Father, I praise You for raising Jesus from the dead and making Him both Lord and Messiah, a truth that pierces my heart. Thank You that Jesus, exalted at Your right hand, has poured out the Holy Spirit just as You promised. 

 

Day 4 Romans 6:1-11

Reflect: How does Paul describe the meaning of baptism? What does it mean to be united with Christ in both death and resurrection? How does this text challenge the idea that grace encourages sin?  

Apply: Where might grace be calling you to courage rather than comfort? How does the truth of Christ’s victory over death apply to your life and struggles now? Do you feel you live for God’s glory?

Pray: God, I come before You in the name of Jesus, praising You for the grace that has saved me. Thank You for the profound truth that when Jesus died, I died with Him, and when He rose, I rose to a new life. 

 

Day 5 Titus 3:3-8

Reflect: Does your life before Christ compare with this text? How does remembering who you once were shape humility rather than shame? Is it hard to believe that salvation flows entirely from mercy?

Apply: What would change if you truly trusted that renewal is God’s work, not yours? Paul says that the truths here ought to inspire us to devote ourselves to doing what is good. Agree? Why or why not?

Pray: Thank You for the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit, poured out on me abundantly. Through Jesus Christ, my Savior, I have been justified by Your grace and made an heir to the hope of eternal life.