Ash Wednesday February 18, 2026On this Ash Wednesday, the Scriptures call us to honest repentance and wholehearted return.In Amos 5:6–15, the prophet pleads, “Seek the Lord and live.” God is not impressed with outward religion while injustice and pride remain unchecked. True repentance is not performance—it is turning. It is hating evil, loving good, and establishing what is right before the Lord.In Hebrews 12:1–14, we are urged to lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us, and to run with endurance the race set before us—fixing our eyes on Jesus. Lent begins with subtraction: releasing what hinders so we can pursue holiness and peace.And in Luke 18:9–14, Jesus contrasts the proud Pharisee with the humble tax collector. One boasts in comparison; the other bows in confession. “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” It is the one who bows low who goes home justified.This episode invites us to seek the Lord while He may be found, to run lighter by laying down our sin, and to bow lower in humble repentance—trusting that God lifts up those who come to Him in mercy.