The devotional encourages Christians to use the Lent season as a time of preparation for Easter through daily reflections on Jesus' sacrifice. Each day's entry is written from Jesus' perspective, speaking personally to the reader. In addition to the devotional, believers are encouraged to fast, pray, serve others or engage in other disciplines to prepare their hearts for Easter. The goal is to help Christians receive Jesus more fully through reflecting on what His death and resurrection have accomplished.

2. Lent Devotional
We are inviting our church family to a season of
preparation as we look ahead to Easter. This devotional
was written to be a part of your personal preparation.
Beginning March 9th, we invite you to enter into a daily
journey as we seek God’s heart and reflect on what
Jesus’ death and resurrection have accomplished for us.
Each day is written in first person, as though Jesus is
speaking personally to you. The scripture references listed
at the bottom give you an opportunity for further reading,
if you so choose. You may want to have a pen with you to
write down any thoughts you have. We encourage you to
take time to listen to other things Jesus may want to say
to you each day.
In addition to using this devotional, we encourage you to
pray about whether there are other ways you can prepare
for Easter. You may want to give something up (i.e. fast
from something), or you may want to add something (i.e.
special time for prayer, serving others, etc).
As we enter into this season of preparation, our prayer is
that He will continue to till the soil of our hearts so that we
can receive Him more fully.
—Salem Alliance Church Staff

3. The History of Lent
Lent is a period of prayer and fasting leading up to Easter.
Historians can trace the origins of Lent back to within
200 years of Jesus’ death and resurrection. It began very
simply as a two-day fast on the Friday and Saturday before
Easter. As time passed, different Christian traditions added
days to its length.
Today the traditional Lenten fast is observed for 40
days, beginning on a Wednesday, and lasts through the
Thursday before Easter. Sundays are typically excluded
from the Lenten fasting restrictions and are not numbered
in the traditional “40 days” of Lent, although they are still
part of the Lenten season. Sundays are typically excluded
because Sunday is always a day to celebrate Jesus’
resurrection.
The purpose of Lent is to be a time of preparation for
Easter. In most Christian traditions, Lent is a season of
fasting, self-denial, prayer, repentance and simplicity—a
reflection of Jesus’ 40 day fast in the wilderness before
His ministry began (see Luke 4). Lenten disciplines are
intended to ultimately transform our entire person: body,
soul and spirit and help us become more like Christ.

4. March
9
By My sacrifice, I have made it possible for you to enter into
My presence. The curtain that separated you from being able
to enter into My presence has been torn. So then, come in!
Approach Me, draw near, set aside time to be with Me. You
can come just as you are with an honest heart, without fixing
your problems first. Come with confidence in My goodness
and love. I know there are a lot of other good things you
could be doing with your time, even things I have called you
to. I rejoice when you choose to spend time with Me over
these other good things, even if you only have a few minutes.
It’s OK to ask Me to help you make time for Me in your day.
Hebrews 10:19-23; Matthew 27:51

5. March
10
I am ready to help whenever you need anything. In your time
of need, I have abundant grace and mercy for you. Because
I lived on earth as a human being, I truly know what your
life is like. I can sympathize with weakness, hardships and
temptation. So in those moments when you need help, cry
out to Me, for I know what you are experiencing. I want this
to give you confidence. Today, approach the throne of grace
with confidence, knowing that the One you are appealing to
is full of grace, sees exactly where you’re at and cares deeply
about you.
Hebrews 4:14-16

6. March
11
I personally gave My own life—My own body—and took all of
your sins upon Myself so that you could be completely freed
from sin and freed to live for righteousness. My wounds
brought you healing and wholeness—you have already been
healed and made whole because My victory over sin and
death is complete. It is finished. Where do you need My
healing touch today? Receive the restoration and wholeness
that I long for you to have now.
1 Peter 2:24

7. March
12
When I came to live on earth, I came with specific purposes
in mind. I came to share the good news with the poor, to
heal the brokenhearted, to announce freedom and release
from darkness for those being held captive, to comfort all
who mourn, to care for the needs of those grieving and
to give people beauty and joy. Today, do you need good
news? Are you crying out for healing? Are you looking for
freedom and release from darkness? Could you use comfort,
care or joy? Whatever it is that you need today, invite Me to
come and meet you just where you are. Invite My presence
to come and do more than you can ask or imagine in your
situation.
Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 4:16-21; Ephesians 3:20

8. March
13
Sometimes you receive forgiveness from Me based on your
definition of forgiveness...and you tend to remember your
sins and re-live them over and over in your mind. This is not
what I do. I generously, abundantly give out love, grace and
compassion to all who call on Me. I freely give you a fresh
start every time you need one. It grieves Me when you go
through life carrying burdens that you don’t need to carry.
Are there burdens or guilt that you have been carrying?
Today, allow Me to take your burdens from you. Today, walk
in the fullness of My forgiveness.
Psalm 51; Psalm 130

9. March
14
Have you ever looked at the definition of hope? It includes
phrases like these: to want or expect something to happen,
especially something that seems possible or likely;
anticipation; confident desire; source of success; trust. I
have called you to this kind of hope. I am calling you to put
your hope in Me. Hope gives you light in darkness. Hope
helps to restore your joy. Hope is a powerful force as you
go throughout your day. Today, take My hope with you into
every circumstance that you face. Carry it with you. Make it
your anchor. I want you to overflow with hope, to overflow
with the expectation that I will be with you, to overflow with
trust in My provision for you.
Ephesians 1:18; Romans 15:13

10. March
15
For the rest of your life on earth, difficult, sad, frustrating and
discouraging things will come your way. Whether life is easy
or hard, I want you to walk in the courage and confidence
that I give you. After all, I have overcome the world! The
devil has been disempowered. All authority in heaven and
on earth is Mine and you are in My care. No weapon formed
against you can prosper. Today, receive encouragement
from this. Receive confidence from Me to walk through your
day in My victory.
John 16:33; Matthew 28:18; Isaiah 54:17

11. March
16
My sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate definition of love.
This is how I love you: My love is patient and kind. Out of
love for you, I am not easily angered and I do not keep track
of wrongdoings. My love rejoices in the truth. My love always
protects you, always trusts in you, always hopes in you. My
love always perseveres. My love for you never fails, never
changes, never fades. My love led Me to give up My life for
you, to sacrifice everything for you…not because you deserve
it, but just because I love you. Rest in My love today. Find
freedom and hope in My love today.
1 John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-10

12. March
17
Sometimes you beat yourself up and give yourself a really
hard time for your mistakes. You want to follow Me, you
want to make the right decisions...and sometimes you make
a decision that you aren’t proud of. Sometimes it’s hard to
do and say what you want to, and you find yourself doing or
saying things that you really didn’t want to. I have watched
you struggle with this, and I want you to remember that I see
your heart. I see your desire to follow Me and to live a life
that honors Me. You can go ahead and stop trying to find
your own solution to this problem of doing what you don’t
really want to do—I took it upon Myself to be the solution
when I conquered sin. I came to release you from the control
of sin. Rest, knowing that it isn’t up to you to save yourself.
Rest, knowing that I am aware of your true desires to follow
Me and honor Me. Today, invite Me to help you live a life
that points others to Me. Invite Me to lead you through your
day and guide you in all your decisions.
Romans 7:15-25

13. March
18
Sometimes you think it’s up to you to make yourself
acceptable in My sight—you take it upon yourself to gain
approval in My eyes. But this isn’t up to you. I freed you
from this duty when I offered Myself as a sacrifice on the
cross. You, therefore, no longer have to work to become
righteous. The sacrifice I love to see in you is a humble and
broken spirit and acknowledgement of your need for My
cleansing work in your life—you honor My sacrifice when you
do this. Today, offer up the sacrifice of a humble heart in
need of a Savior, and receive freedom from working for your
righteousness.
Hebrews 9:11-15; Psalm 51:17

14. March
19
When I died and rose again, you were raised with Me. It
might be hard to believe, but you have already died and are
already seated with Me in heaven. I want your life to reflect
the fact that you are currently seated with Me in heavenly
places. I want your thoughts to reflect this. If you focus on
earthly things, you will live as though you are seated on earth
and not with Me. Instead, ask Me to help you keep your
mind occupied with an eternal perspective. Ask Me to help
you approach challenges, hardships and anxiety from My
perspective.
Colossians 3:1-3

15. March
20
I am your light and your salvation. Because of Me you have
nothing to fear. Even when you feel like you have an army
attacking you, you actually have no reason to fear. It sounds
crazy, but you can be calm and confident even when war
has broken out against you. You are kept safe by Me in My
dwelling place where I hide you and keep you out of reach
from your enemies. So when you feel like you’re under
attack, come and find rest in My presence, and I’ll keep you
safe. When you call, I will hear your voice. When you seek
Me, you will find Me. I will not turn you away. Believe that you
will see My goodness on the earth. As you go about your
day, watch for My goodness. Keep your eyes open for My
response to your call.
Psalm 27

16. March
21
Did you know that in Me you are a new creation? With Me
you got a fresh start—everything old is gone because I
redeemed your entire life. Being a new creation means you
aren’t limited by this world. Being a new creation means you
aren’t limited by sin. Being a new creation means you have
My Spirit living in you, empowering you and guiding you all
day long. What’s more, I haven’t stopped doing new things. I
am still at work, creating and starting new things. As you go
throughout your day, keep your eyes and ears open for the
new things that I am at work on in you and around you.
2 Corinthians 5:17; Isaiah 43:19; Lamentations 3:22-23

17. March
22
There are two sides in every battle. In the battle of this
universe, the winner has already been determined…Me. The
even better news is that I’m on your side. I am sharing My
victory with you. You may have an enemy, but if I am for
you, who can be against you? The end of the story has been
decided. Keep that in mind as you go throughout your day.
You are on the winning team!
Romans 8:31-34

18. March
23
From before the foundation of the world, I knew that I would
come to earth and live and die as a human being in order to
redeem and rescue you. I purchased you with My blood so
that you could belong to Me. I have redeemed your life and
given you a guarantee that you will spend all of eternity with
Me. As you go throughout your day, remember two things: I
gave Myself for you; you belong to Me.
1 Peter 1:18-21

19. March
24
You have been given fullness in Me: completeness,
abundance, filled to capacity, holding as much as possible,
with nothing missing… This isn’t a future state you will live in.
This is for here and now—fullness in Me. Sometimes you feel
empty. When you do, remember that you have been given
(notice it’s past tense) fullness in Me, and then ask Me to
come and fill you again. I love it when you ask for this and
when you believe that I am able to fill you up to overflowing.
Colossians 2:9-12

20. March
25
I am praying for you as I sit at the right hand of My Father.
Right now. I see you. And I am praying for you. I live
to intercede for you—to pray on your behalf. As you go
throughout your day, I hope you’ll remember that I’m thinking
of you each moment of your day.
Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25

21. March
26
Even before you were born, even before you knew Me, My
Father and I loved you. Because of Our great love for you,
We rescued you and gave you a new life—you were made
alive with Me when I was resurrected. Even before you knew
Me, you were made alive with Me! This isn’t your own doing—
it is freely given to you as a gift. This way no one can brag
that they earned it. Saving you is all My work—you just have
to trust Me and let Me do it. What do you need to trust Me
with today?
Ephesians 2:4-5, 8-9

22. March
27
I am your Shepherd—I love being your Shepherd. I love
being responsible for caring for and guiding you. With Me
as your Shepherd, you have everything that you need. You
either have it already, or I will provide you with it as you
need it. I have rest for you, peace I want to give to you…I
want to bring restoration to your soul. Where do you need
restoration today? Invite Me to come into the broken, hurting
and hopeless areas of your life so that I can repair, rebuild
and re-establish you. Don’t try to do this on your own. It is far
more productive for you to allow Me to be the Repairer and
Restorer in your life.
Psalm 23; John 10:11-18

23. March
28
In life you will go through ups and downs. Some days are
good, some days are hard, some days are ordinary. Some
days you feel like you are following Me better than other
days. Today what I want you to remember is that none of
this affects My love for you. My love for you is the baseline
foundation of your life. So regardless of how your day goes,
My love for you is constant. Maybe you can’t see it, but it is
all around you and it is unchanging. You don’t have to work
at it—you actually can’t work at it; it is just available for you
to have. My love doesn’t increase or decrease. Believe in My
love. Rely on My love. Walk in My love today.
Romans 8:35-39

24. March
29
The same power that raised Me from the dead is available to
you in the Holy Spirit. In fact, the same power that conquered
the grave lives inside of you—because you have the Holy
Spirit in you. Linger with that fact today. How can your day
be different based on My incomparably great power being in
you? How can you rely on My power and strength today?
Ephesians 1:18-22

25. March
30
You were once alienated from Me because of sin, but by
giving Myself completely at the cross and dying for you, I
reconciled you to Me. I can now present you to My Father as
holy and faultless in His sight. Sometimes you have a hard
time believing this—that you are currently holy in My Father’s
eyes, right now, just as you are. I have paid for your sins
(past, present and future), so He doesn’t see your sin—He
just sees you. You are quick to remember your sins and not
forget them, to re-live the shame and guilt. When you do this,
it’s as if you doubt the complete and total victory I won for
you on the cross. Today, receive this as My gift to you—you
are holy.
Colossians 1:21-22; Hebrews 10:10; Galatians 2:20b

26. March
31
I want to free you from all fear, worry and anxiety. And I
have the solution—My love. My perfect love drives out all
fear. What are you worrying about today? What is causing
anxiety? I care about the details of your life more than you
do. Invite My perfect love into these situations today, and
then leave the rest to Me.
1 John 4:18

27. April
1
In your life, there are hard circumstances, painful
experiences and things that make you want to give up. These
situations can distract and discourage you. Sometimes you
work really hard to respond to these situations with the right
attitude. Instead, invite Me to shape your response. Ask Me
to help you in the midst of the difficulties. Let Me give you
the ability to have a hopeful attitude. Let Me create patience
within you. Ask Me to bring encouragement and joy. It’s OK
to need Me for these things. Today, regardless of how your
day goes, take time throughout the day to invite Me in, to
invite Me to shape your responses to the events of the day.
Hebrews 12:2-3

28. April
2
I came to earth and lived among you so that through My life,
death and resurrection you could have and enjoy life—full,
abundant life. I’m not talking about your life in heaven for the
rest of eternity. I’m talking about your life lived on the earth. I
want you to have and enjoy full, abundant life on earth. This
is possible as you walk with Me...as you spend time in My
presence...as you stay connected to Me. Remember that My
definition of fullness and abundance may not be the same
as yours. Spend time today in My presence, and allow Me to
bless you with the abundant life I have for you.
John 10:10

29. April
3
Find rest in Me alone. I am your Rock, your Salvation, your
Fortress—you are safe, secure and protected. Find rest in Me
alone. Your hope comes from Me. Trust in Me at all times.
Lean and rely on Me. Be confident in Me. Whatever is on
your mind, I want you to share all of your thoughts with Me. I
know what you are thinking, but I love it when you choose to
make Me a part of your day.
Psalm 62

30. April
4
I came in love. I came with love. I came for love. I came
to love. I came so that those who believe in and follow
Me can have eternal life instead of living in darkness and
destruction—because I love you too much to let you continue
in darkness. It’s all about love. When I think of you, I think
of love. I don’t look at what you refer to as your faults,
weaknesses or failures. I don’t see those things. Rather,
I look at you with compassion, understanding and love.
Remember My affection toward you as you journey through
this day.
John 3:16-17

31. April
5
Before you even knew Me I died for you. Before you knew
Me I forgave all of your sins, took them away and nailed
them to the cross. Now that you know Me, you get to walk in
wholeness and freedom as one who is alive with Me. Are you
carrying around the burden of your sin and shame? If you
are, today I want you to imagine Me taking those things with
Me to the cross over 2,000 years ago. It was all nailed to the
cross with Me.
Colossians 2:13-15

32. April
6
I am living in you. Say it again to yourself, slowly, “Jesus is
living in me”. As you live your life on earth, I am inviting you
to live by faith in Me as I live in you. Not faith in yourself, but
faith in Me. Not your own faith, but the faith that I give you.
Think about what kind of effect it would have on your day
if you remembered that I am living in you, empowering you
with faith in each moment. I love it when you rely on Me for
the things that I want to give you.
Galatians 2:20; Romans 12:2

33. April
7
As you live your day-to-day life, you tend to think that the
hard parts of life are just the way it goes—that it’s part of
“living in a fallen world”. But, the reality is that My victory
over death means you don’t have to live in resignation
to this. Difficulties will come, yes, but you can live from a
different perspective.
While you may be physically living on earth, when I was
resurrected you were raised up with Me and seated with
Me, in Me, in the heavenly realms. You are actually currently
seated in heaven with Me, in Me. Try experiencing your day
as though you are seated with Me, in Me, in the heavenly
realms. Experience challenges and difficulties knowing that
in all things I am working for your good, that My unfailing
love for you never changes.
Walk in My victory and My authority—for I have given you My
authority.
Ephesians 2:6; Romans 8:28; Philippians 2:13

34. April
8
I have many desires for you today! I want to strengthen you
with power through My Spirit in your inner being, to enable
you to do what you cannot do on your own. I want to dwell
in your heart, to be present with you always. I want you to be
rooted and established in My love, so that everything you do
and say is motivated by My love in you. I want you to have
complete and total understanding of how BIG My love is for
you, to experience My love for you. With your own sense of
understanding, you are actually incapable of understanding
My love…you need My help to understand it. As you do
understand it more and more, you will experience a greater
degree of fullness and abundance in Me. You will experience
more of My Presence with you. These are My desires for you
today. Your part in this is to give permission for Me to come
and accomplish each one in you. Will you do that today?
Ephesians 3:16-19

35. April
9
When I rose from the dead, I defeated death and opened
up the door for you to not be defeated by death. I made it
possible for you to spend eternity in heaven with Me. You
also have an inheritance in Me that can never be taken from
you nor will it go away—this inheritance is reserved in heaven
for you. I want these truths to be a source of great and
wonderful hope for you. I also want you to start enjoying your
inheritance now, to walk in My presence, to walk in hope, to
walk with confidence in Me.
1 Peter 1:3-5

36. April
10
I am your Helper. I watch over you and as long as you are
leaning on Me I will not let you stumble. I guard you every
moment of every day without ever sleeping. My eyes are
attentive to your every move, My ears to your every word. I
am guarding and protecting you, watching out for you now
and always. Where do you need My help today? How can
you rely on Me today?
Psalm 121

37. April
11
I surrendered My life for you before you even had a chance
to prove that you deserved it. The point isn’t whether you
are good enough, and it isn’t about attaining some level of
righteousness—it has nothing to do with what you do or don’t
do. It has everything to do with who you are as My Beloved—
it is based on My love for you that I chose to surrender My
life. Today, rest in the fact that you cannot earn My good
opinion of you.
Romans 5:6-8

38. April
12
Sin had separated you from Me. But I didn’t want to spend
eternity apart from you, so I came and restored you to right
relationship with Me. You were created to be with Me forever.
Today, walk in My love. Walk in restored relationship with Me.
Remember that you were created to be with Me.
Romans 5:9-10

39. April
13
When I rose from death after being crucified, I not only
conquered death, but I conquered sin. Death doesn’t have
the last word anymore—and neither does sin. You have
access to the power that conquered sin. And I want you
to rely on this power and receive confidence to walk in the
power of My Spirit, free from sin. You are not a slave to sin
anymore. Today, celebrate that you are alive and free in Me!
Romans 6:4-11

40. April
14
Good news! Those who follow Me have been set free! You
have been freed from carrying the weight of your sin, freed
from the punishment that you deserved. I took all the guilt
and shame for you so that you could walk in freedom. So,
take a deep breath. Breathe out the stress and anxiety you
feel. And go forward in your day in complete freedom in Me.
Romans 8:1-3

41. April
15
I want everyone to come to know Me as their Lord and
Savior, to come to a knowledge of the truth about who I am. I
want everyone to understand that I gave Myself as a ransom
for all of humanity. I offered Myself in exchange for every
human that will ever live on the earth, to purchase freedom
for everyone. As you walk in freedom, you will experience
My peace, My victory, My presence. Think about the day that
you have ahead of you. How can you walk in My peace, My
victory and My presence today?
1 Timothy 2:4-6

42. April
16
My body was given for you. My blood was poured out for
you. I had you in mind. My sacrifice was for you. Sometimes
it’s hard for you to believe that My sacrifice was for you, that
I was willing to give up everything just for you. If you had
been the only one on planet earth, I still would have come
to give My life for you. As you go about your day, remember
that I had you in mind—and I still have you in mind.
Luke 22:7-20

43. April
17
When you sign up for My benefits plan, the rewards I have
for you are unbeatable. You get all your sins forgiven, all your
diseases healed, your life saved and redeemed, a crown of
My love and compassion, an abundance of My goodness
and a renewal of your youth. And that’s not all. I am
compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding
in love. I don’t stay angry very long, and I don’t hold grudges.
I won’t ever treat you as your sins deserve, and I won’t
make you pay for the things you do wrong. Do you see how
high the heavens are? That’s how much I love you—it’s an
unfathomable amount, isn’t it? I removed your sins from
you, to the degree that the east is far from the west—it’s an
unimaginable distance, isn’t it? Perhaps the greatest benefit?
I know you. My love is with you. I am with you always. Today,
I want you to more fully realize all of the benefits that I have
for you. Receive the benefits I have for you. All you have to
do is sign up. I’ll take care of the rest.
Psalm 103

44. April
18
Part of My purpose in coming to live on the earth was to give
you an example of how to do life—how to love, how to serve,
how to enjoy community with others, how to forgive. I also
want you to use Me as your example of how to approach
life—what was important and what wasn’t, how to interact with
people around you, how to face hardships. I know this can
be challenging, and some days it feels impossible. That’s
why I sent My Spirit to live within you, to empower you to
follow Me. Today, how can you rely on My Spirit to enable
you to follow My example?
Philippians 2:5-8

45. April
19
I chose to come to the earth in human likeness, to personally
identify and connect with you while I lived on earth. I lived as
a real person. I took on human nature. I was hungry, thirsty
and tired. I experienced sadness, grief, pain and suffering.
I experienced joy, laughter, community and love. As you
experience life today, remember that not only have I walked
in your shoes and know what you are going through, but I am
also with you in the journey.
Philippians 2:5-8

46. April
20
I chose to set aside all of the wonders of heaven to come
to earth as a servant, to lay down My life. I didn’t come for
Me—I came for you. I didn’t set about to make a great name
for Myself or to fulfill My personal agenda. Instead, I gave it
all up for others, for you.
Philippians 2:5-8

47. April
21
I chose not to cling to My nature as God, and instead
willingly made Myself nothing so that I could come to rescue
you. I set aside all privileges as God and became human. I
chose to let go, to give up, to surrender. All for you. Because
I love you and know how much you needed a Savior.
Philippians 2:5-8

48. April
22
At last, the day arrived. If there had been another way to
accomplish the same victory over sin and death, I would
have taken it. But I did what I needed to do—humble Myself
and die a selfless, obedient death. I knew what I had come
to do—to die for you and for all of humanity, to rescue you by
dying in your place.
Philippians 2:5-8

49. April
23
Because of My obedience to fulfill the purpose for which I
had come—dying in your place—I was honored by My Father.
Now, everything that has ever been created or will be created
will one day bow in worship before Me and acknowledge that
I am Lord. When that happens, My Father will receive all the
glory. How can your life glorify My Father today?
Philippians 2:9-11; Isaiah 53:12

50. April
24
With My blood I purchased you and others from every tribe,
language, people and nation. For the rest of eternity, you will
join the song that is already being sung: Worthy is the Lamb,
who was slain. You were created to worship Me. You are your
truest self when you join in with the rest of creation to sing this
song.
Revelation 5:6-13

51. HOLY WEEK AT SALEM ALLIANCE
The Way of the Cross
Journey through the significant moments of Jesus’ last week on earth.
There will be reflective stations set up in Cedar Hall.
April 18-22
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Wednesday, Friday: 8:00 am – 8:30 pm
Good Friday
Friday, April 22, 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm
Easter Weekend
Saturday, April 23, 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm
Sunday, April 24, 7:45 am, 9:00 am, 10:15 am and 11:30 am
555 Gaines St NE
Salem OR 97301
www.salemalliance.org