Introduction
This year, our church is focusing on "More"—More Impact, More Influence, and More Increase. As we step into this Lenten journey, we’re invited to align our hearts with the divine vision for our lives by seeking more of God’s presence, guidance, and transformation.
Lent is a sacred season of reflection, fasting, and prayer—a time to pause, look inward, and draw closer to the One who leads us. It’s an opportunity to deepen our faith, love people with greater intention, and be part of the change we want to see in the world.
This first week, we focus on More Surrender, More Transformation. Before we can receive more, we must first be willing to release—our fears, our need for control, and anything that holds us back. Surrender isn’t about losing; it’s about making room for something greater. As we enter this week, may we open our hearts, trust the process, and allow God to shape us in ways we never imagined.
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Day 1: Surrendering to More March 5th
Scripture: Romans 12:1 – "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."
Devotional:
Experiencing more of God begins with less of us. Surrender means loosening our grip on control and trusting the Holy Spirit who sees the bigger picture. But let’s be honest—letting go isn’t always easy. We cling to what feels familiar, whether it’s comfort, fear, or pride. Yet, real transformation happens when we release it all.
Take a moment to reflect: What are you holding onto that might be keeping you from fully surrendering? Maybe it’s your plans, a relationship, a habit, or even past mistakes. Worship isn’t just about the songs we sing on Sundays—it’s about offering our whole lives, our choices, and our daily moments to God.
Think of a seed. Before it can grow, it has to be buried. It seems hidden, forgotten even—but in that surrender, something new begins to take shape. The same happens when we entrust our lives to God. When we release what weighs us down, we make room for something greater to take root.
Let today be the day you loosen your grip, trust the process, and step fully into the purpose waiting for you.
Prayer:
God, I release my plans, my desires, and my fears into Your hands. I trust that what You have for me is greater than what I can see. Help me to surrender more each day and walk in faith. Amen.
Action Step:
Write down three things you need to release today. Take a moment to pray over them, trusting that as you surrender, transformation is already beginning.
Day 2: More of God's Presence March 6th
Scripture: James 4:8 – "Draw near to God, and God will draw near to you."
Devotional:
The more time we spend in God’s presence, the more we are transformed. But let’s be real—life is busy. Distractions are everywhere, and before we know it, the quiet moments meant for connection with God get filled with everything else.
The good news? God’s presence isn’t something we have to earn—it’s always available. But like any close relationship, it takes intentionality. Just as a deep friendship grows through time and conversation, our relationship with God strengthens when we set aside moments to pray, reflect, and listen.
When Moses encountered God on Mount Sinai, his face radiated with divine glory (Exodus 34:29). In the same way, when we spend time with God, it changes us. Our hearts soften, our attitudes shift, and our actions start to reflect love, grace, and wisdom.
This week, make space for more of God’s presence. Allow that time to shape your thoughts, emotions, and decisions in ways that bring peace, clarity, and strength.
Prayer:
God, I long for more of Your presence in my life. Help me to slow down, seek You daily, and grow in deeper connection. Draw me closer so that my life reflects Your love and power. Amen.
Action Step:
Set aside an extra 15 minutes today to pray, worship, or simply sit in quiet reflection, soaking in God’s presence. No agenda—just being.
Day 3: More Love for People March 7th
Scripture: John 13:34-35 – "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Devotional:
Loving people is one of the clearest ways we reflect God’s presence in our lives. Jesus set the ultimate example of love, not just in words but in action—serving, forgiving, and sacrificing. That same call is extended to us. No, we’re not all asked to lay down our lives, but we are called to love in ways that stretch us.
Sometimes love looks like patience when someone is frustrating us. Sometimes it’s choosing grace over judgment. Other times, it’s generosity—giving time, resources, or compassion when it would be easier to look away.
Jesus' love was radical. It broke barriers, embraced the overlooked, and changed lives. That same love is meant to flow through us. Who in your life needs to experience it today? How can you love more intentionally this week?
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to love the way You love. Let my actions, words, and presence reflect kindness, grace, and compassion. Show me ways to serve and uplift those around me. Amen.
Action Step:
Do one random act of kindness today—send an encouraging message, meet a need, or take time to pray for someone. Love in action changes everything.
Day 4: More Influence Through Humility March 8th
Scripture: Matthew 5:16 – "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify God in heaven."
Devotional:
Influence isn’t about status—it’s about impact. The world often ties influence to power, fame, or recognition, but in God’s kingdom, true influence comes through servanthood and humility.
Jesus, the greatest leader of all time, didn’t seek the spotlight or chase after approval. Instead, He lived a life of radical love and service. He washed the feet of his disciples—a task usually reserved for the lowest servant—to show that leadership isn’t about being above others but about lifting them up. He touched those society ignored, dined with outsiders, and healed the broken. His life was a testament that the most powerful influence flows through love and selflessness.
We often think influence is only meaningful when it’s big—when it reaches thousands, garners attention, or earns accolades. But some of the most life-changing moments happen in secret: a kind word at the right time, a prayer no one hears, a small act of generosity. Influence is about faithfulness in the spaces where we already stand—our families, friendships, workplaces, and communities.
God isn’t looking for people chasing titles but for those willing to be vessels of love and grace. Where has God placed you to make an impact today?
Prayer:
God, let my life be a reflection of Your goodness. Use me to bring light and hope to those around me. Help me walk in humility as I serve others. Amen.
Action Step:
Identify one area where you have influence—whether big or small—and take intentional action to use it for good this week.
Sunday March 9th
A Day for celebration and connection
Sundays are not included in the 40-day devotional, as they are set apart for worship, reflection, and receiving God’s Word. Use this time to engage in Sunday service, meditate on the message, and seek God’s presence.
Day 5: More Trust, Less Fear March 10th
Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 – "Trust in God with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to the divine, and your path will be made straight."
Devotional:
Trusting God fully allows us to step boldly into what’s meant for us—but let’s be honest, that’s not always easy. Fear and doubt creep in, whispering lies that make us question whether we’re truly capable, worthy, or ready for the next step. We hesitate, overanalyze, and sometimes hold back because uncertainty feels overwhelming.
But Scripture reminds us that trust isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about knowing the One who does. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to lean on God’s wisdom, not our own understanding. When we surrender our fears, we step into divine confidence instead of human hesitation. Trust isn’t a passive feeling; it’s an active choice—choosing faith over fear, even when we can’t see the whole picture.
Fear has a way of keeping us stuck. It can show up as fear of failure, rejection, or even fear of success and the responsibility that comes with it. But fear isn’t from God—what we’ve been given is power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). When we allow fear to control our decisions, we block ourselves from the opportunities already set before us.
Instead of dwelling on what could go wrong, shift your focus to the One leading you. God is faithful, and the plans in motion for your life are good. What fear is keeping you from stepping into more? Release it today, knowing that trust makes way for transformation.
Prayer:
God, I surrender my fears to You. Strengthen my trust and guide my steps as I walk in faith. Help me to let go of doubt and embrace the path You’ve set before me. Amen.
Action Step:
Write down a fear that has been limiting you. Then, declare a promise over it—something true about God’s faithfulness and your future. Speak it out loud and step forward with courage.
Day 6: More Obedience, More Breakthrough March 11th
Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:22 – "But Samuel replied: 'Does God delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to pay attention is better than the fat of rams.'"
Devotional:
Obedience is the key to unlocking breakthroughs in our lives. So often, we try to show our devotion through external sacrifices—good works, church attendance, generosity—while still holding onto areas of disobedience. But God isn’t just looking for outward displays of faith; God desires hearts that truly listen and follow through.
The story of Saul reminds us that partial obedience is still disobedience. He thought his sacrifices would make up for not fully following God’s instructions, but obedience isn’t about doing things our way—it’s about trusting God’s way, even when it doesn’t make sense.
Obedience often calls us to step into the unknown. It requires us to trust that God sees what we can’t yet see. Even when we don’t have all the details, each act of obedience positions us for transformation, growth, and divine breakthroughs.
Is there something you feel God nudging you to do? Maybe it’s a decision you’ve been avoiding, a conversation you need to have, or a change you need to make. Take that step in faith today, knowing that obedience always leads to something greater.
Prayer:
God, help me trust You enough to obey, even when it’s difficult. Show me the areas where I’ve resisted Your guidance, and give me the courage to follow through. Let my obedience open doors to the blessings and breakthroughs You have for me. Amen.
Action Step:
Identify one area where you’ve hesitated in obedience. Take at least one step today toward aligning with what God has been asking of you.
Day 7: More of God, Less of Me March 12th
Scripture: John 3:30 – "God must become greater; I must become less."
Devotional:
Our culture constantly tells us to seek more—more success, more influence, more self-promotion. But true spiritual growth happens when we seek less of ourselves and more of God. John the Baptist understood this when he said, "God must become greater; I must become less." His purpose wasn’t about building his own legacy but about pointing people to something greater.
In the same way, our lives should reflect a desire to align with God’s will rather than chasing personal ambition. Surrendering means loosening our grip on pride, selfish desires, and personal agendas. It’s not about diminishing our value—it’s about making space for divine purpose, peace, and presence to fill our lives.
Take a moment to reflect: In what ways are you still putting yourself at the center? Where can you shift your focus to honor God more fully in your thoughts, decisions, and actions? True fulfillment isn’t found in striving—it’s found in surrender.
Prayer:
God, strip away anything in me that competes with Your presence. Align my desires, goals, and plans with Yours. Teach me to live in a way that magnifies You above all else. Amen.
Action Step:
Identify one area where self-focus has taken priority over spiritual growth. Intentionally shift your mindset and actions today to create space for more of God’s presence in your life.
Leave a comment below to leave your thoughts on this week's devotional and fellowship with others.
God I want more of you…as I shift into a new career and embark upon a new business I want you to be at the center.. Align my goals and desires with your goals and plans for me.
This week has definitely convicted me but also helped guide me in the right direction. I need more of God and this week has given me that push.
This week conclusion is to be more present, more open to his will. Listening to him even when we’re uncertain. Surrendering my desires to align more with what God has for me. I need to practice more obedience and learn to starve the flesh!
Life has a way of pulling me in various directions and I find myself thinking of how I can work things that are out of my control which pulls me away from focusing on God and going to him in prayer and allowing him to lead me in all things. I will take this message and allow more of Him and less of self going forward and spend more time with Him then worrying myself.
Being. single has shifted my focus to concentrate on me…iI love ❤️ this devotion because it convicts my heart to keep God in the center and do what He calls me to do versus what is comfortable.