This is like New Year all over again. Ash Wednesday is a reminder that we are but dust. Dust. Dust that doesn't carry baggage. Dust that doesn't worry. We are lumps of complicated dust and at the end of this world. We return back to it. So will you allow your Dust to be used for the purposes of God?

Song: Magnificent and Holy - Israel & New Breed

Scripture: Revelation 3:15-16 "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth."

You know that feeling when you're driving home and suddenly realize you don't remember the last ten minutes of the drive? Your body went through all the motions—turning the wheel, checking mirrors, stopping at lights—but your mind was somewhere else entirely. That's what you call autopilot. And, can I tell you something? We do the same thing with our faith.

Song: LA Mass Choir That's When You Bless Me

Scripture: Matthew 6:6 - "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen."

Let's talk about prayer space today. Not just physical space, but the kind of space your soul needs to actually connect with God.

Jesus was intentional about this. He withdrew. He went to the mountain. He slipped away early in the morning. He found places where He could be fully present with God. And if Jesus needed that kind of space, what makes us think we can pray effectively in the midst chaos? With this kind of chaos?

Song: Ultimate Relationship: Lalah Hathaway and Donald Lawrence

Pay attention to Jesus's invitation here. He doesn't say, "Come away and pray." He doesn't say, "Come and tell me everything that happened on your mission." He says simply: Come away and rest.

The disciples had just returned from their first missionary journey, full of stories and experiences. Surely they had much to report, much to ask, much to say. But Jesus knew something they didn't yet understand: before they could truly communicate with God, they needed to prepare a place to hear Him.

Peace Be Still - Joshua Rogers - Song

Scripture: Luke 14:28-30 (NIV) "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, 'This person began to build and wasn't able to finish.'"

It's January. Ash Wednesday is still weeks away. So why are we talking about preparation already?

Because Jesus asks a question we often forget: Have you counted the cost?

Here's what Jesus knows that we sometimes forget: what He's calling us toward is always better than what He's asking us to leave behind. The security we're clinging to is false security. The comfort we're protecting is keeping us from the joy and purpose we were created for.

When Jesus says, "Follow Me," He's not just asking us to give something up—He's inviting us into the adventure of partnering with God in transforming the world. But we can't do that with one foot in His kingdom and one foot in our old way of life.

Scripture: “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” —1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV)

There’s something powerful about someone who refuses to fold.

Not the person who always looks strong. But the one who gets hit—hard—and still shows up. The one who cries, questions, doubts, and still says, “But I’m not quitting on God.”

This is our prayer...

God of every generation, Thank You for not putting an expiration date on purpose. Thank You that time does not diminish calling. Let me be like Caleb strong in spirit, bold in faith, and unafraid to ask for what’s mine. Don’t let me shrink when You’re still calling me to stand.Don’t let me retire from the work of liberation, healing, and love.Make me a witness that age is not a barrier; It'’s a blessing.

In Jesus’ name,Amen.