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YouVersion Plans Offer Lessons in Love

God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.
—1 John 4:16, New Living Translation

Whether you’re preparing for marriage or already married, this Valentine’s Day, learn about love — from the words of the One who is love. YouVersion offers several Reading Plans devoted to love and marriage:

Love and Marriage – Relationship insight from God’s Word helps you strengthen your lifelong bond. Each day features a short Bible passage and thoughts for you to discuss and pray about together. From LifeChurch.tv. 5 days

One: A Marriage Devotional – Develop a thriving relationship with your spouse through this marriage-building devotional from Jimmy Evans. Read once a week for a year, or daily for a more intensive experience. From Marriage Today. 52 days

Happily Ever After – While marriage has its challenges, listening to what God has to say about this sacred institution helps you commit your ways to be more like His. From Time of Grace. 31 days

From This Day Forward – Focusing on 5 key areas, this plan helps you build a marriage that will stand the test of time. Each day, you and your spouse will together read selected Bible passages, discuss selected topics, pray together, or engage in activities together. From LifeChurch.tv. 33 days

Love, Romance, & Marriage: Bible Audio Guide – Each day, a short audio clip shares biblical principles about love and romance, along with practical application to help you see God’s plan for your marriage. From Through the Word. 6 days

Marriage: A Lifelong Journey – Strengthen your commitment to the lifelong journey you have embarked on. Each day, read a short devotional and Bible verse to enrich your most important relationship. From Jim Daly. 7 Days

Learning together what God’s Word says about marriage relationships is one of the best ways you can strengthen your commitment to each other and to your faith. If you’re married or engaged, consider going through at least one of these plans together, and not just in this season, but throughout the year.

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Begin Today to Prepare Your Heart for Easter

During the forty days leading up to Easter, most often called Lent, Christians all over the world commit to sacrificing earthly pleasures. Because Easter falls on March 31 this year, that means today, February 13, is our first day.

Most are seeking to separate themselves from the physical nature of their lives, purposefully turning their thoughts instead toward their spiritual nature — to Christ in particular. If this sounds like something you’d like to be a part of, here are five areas you might consider for your journey:

  1. Pray. Pray however God’s Spirit leads you, whether in formal prayer or in short bursts. Just focus on drawing closer to His still, small voice.
  2. Deny yourself. Whether you choose to fast from food or something else you enjoy, each time you miss it, allow that time to remind you to turn your thoughts toward God.
  3. Repent. Ask God to reveal your innermost thoughts to you. Where it’s appropriate, ask for His forgiveness, and ask Him to change your heart.
  4. Give. Give whatever you can to those in need, whether by volunteering your time and talents or money.
  5. Read God’s Word. YouVersion offers Reading Plans specifically designed for this special time of reflection:

 

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YouVersion Announces 21-Day Challenge Winners of iPad minis, Prize Packs

On January 21, we invited everyone to join us for the 21-Day Challenge. Registered YouVersion community users who completed at least one day, every day, of an eligible Reading Plan from January 21 through February 10 had their names entered into a random drawing. The prizes were five iPad minis and 21 YouVersion prize packs. (Refer to original blog post for full contest rules.) The results are in, the custom 2013 badges are on their way to your inboxes, and we’re excited to announce the prize winners!*

iPad minis (Don’t forget to put the Bible App on your new iPad mini, first thing!)

Laura O.  –  John F.  –  Jim S.  –  Orlando H.  –  Abner S.

YouVersion T-Shirt and Sticker Pack. Congratulations to these 21 users:

Chad F. (United States) Manda H. (United States)
Elisangela M. (Brazil) Amy T. (Canada)
Seth D. (Canada) Emmanuel E. (Uganda)
Lindsay C. (United States) Daniela H. (Germany)
Keith H. (United States) Lisa M. (Great Britain)
Matthew C. (United States) Eddie B. (Netherlands)
Chanell B. (United States) Jennifer G. (United States)
Paul P. (Canada) Caitlin L. (United States)
Arteida M. (Bahamas) Liliana G. (Argentina)
Kymberly K. (United States) Carla M. (United States)
Suzanne B. (United States)

 

We hope that joining us for the challenge during these last 3 weeks helped you firmly establish your own daily Bible reading habit. But even more important, we hope this time brought you closer to God as you enjoyed spending time with Him each day in His Word. And now, even though the challenge is over, there’s no reason to stop! With more than 350 Reading Plans, your next plan is already waiting for you…Thank you, everyone! Besides our lucky winners, we’d like to thank everyone else who participated in the 21-Day Challenge! If it hasn’t already, your special 21-Day Challenge badge should show up on your YouVersion profile sometime during the next week.


*Winners can expect to receive prizes within the next 7–10 business days. Any correspondence with YouVersion must take place through the email address you used when you registered your free YouVersion account.

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The Bible App Named Official App of The Bible Series

Have you ever tried to picture what Noah’s family experienced during the flood? What it looked like when Samson destroyed the temple? How it felt to be present when the wise men knelt before Jesus?

As we study God’s Word, it’s helpful to understand the context in which these events took place. The Bible series, from television’s top husband-and-wife team Roma Downey and Mark Burnett, is the greatest visualization of the Bible we’ve ever seen. From Genesis to Revelation, this five-part series combines a powerful collection of stories with live action and truly amazing CGI.*

We’re thrilled that the Bible App has been named the official app of The Bible series. YouVersion is committed to leveraging the best of today’s and tomorrow’s technology to help people engage with God’s Word, and we think The Bible does just that. Very soon, you’ll have the opportunity to access video content from the series directly in the Bible App.

We can’t wait for you to see it! Watch The Bible series on the History Channel beginning 3-3-13. Check your local TV listings for times and keep an eye out for video in the Bible App!

*Please note that these powerful stories contain scenes that are similar to PG-13 content. We encourage you to make the best viewing decisions for your family.


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America’s Top Football Players Use the Bible App

The biggest day in American sports is here, and the Bible App is part of the conversation for players on both sides of the field.

We had a special opportunity, thanks to 1615.tv, to talk with several players who are competing in the big game today. Like so many of you, their love for God’s Word has grown by being able to read the Bible anytime, anywhere with the Bible App. Whether it’s sharing the Verse of the Day, adding bookmarks, or listening to audio Bibles, these players are an active part of the global community of people seeking God through His Word.

 

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