DAILY DEVOTIONS FOR LENT
2013
This booklet represents the collective work of many disciples in the Christian Church of Northern California and Nevada, and other friends. Our region is in a time of passage, following the retirement of Rev. Dr. Ben Bohren. We also recently completed a 5 year plan. Now we faith-fully look to the future, seeking guidance and wisdom regarding the plans and ministries God wants us to pursue.
The scriptures for each day are primarily selections from the Psalms, Job, and James. The general format will be the following:
A scripture reference
Text, poetry, devotion, or images.
A brief prayer.
Some days will follow a different format, depending on whether the meditation is text, visual, or liturgical.
Although created for the year 2013, our hope is that this booklet might be used by regions, churches and individuals who find themselves in a similar time of passage.
Many thanks go to those who have contributed to this booklet, and may God bless the readers.
Michael N. Carlson, Editor Minister for Creative Arts
The Urban Shepherd Christian Church, Modesto, Ca
Kibrom
JasminSoo, I want to get to know God more.. and think that it starts by rdeniag his word and his promises. Where would I begin? How do you read the bible? Do you skip around or just read it straight through the first time around?
nancee
Where to Start
Since the Old Testament foreshadows Jesus Christ and the New Testament is sharply focused on Jesus Christ, it makes good sense for a new Christian or a non-believer to start reading the Bible with any of the four gospels. My personal preference is the Gospel of John. He emphasizes the love of God as found in Jesus Christ and if you read the first chapter and first few verses of John, you will discover that it starts God’s plan for man even before the creation in Genesis One. Even the book of Mark is a great introduction to Jesus Christ. The gospel of Matthew is slightly more technical in the beginning but would be helpful for those who are Jewish since it emphasizes the historicity and Jewish lineage of Jesus Christ. The book of Luke is also more intricate since he was a physician. But any of the four gospels would be a great beginning point for a new Christian because they focus on the centrality of Jesus Christ which the entire Bible actually points toward since He is the sole means of redemption and salvation.
Good luck and God bless you on your journey.