Year: 2014

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of the Christian tradition of Lent. During these 40 days leading up to Easter (April 20), followers of Christ prepare their hearts by turning their minds away from the physical to the spiritual. YouVersion offers several Bible plans that can help you reflect on God’s Word every day between now and Easter:

• Lent For Everyoneis a devotional featuring a daily reading from Matthew and inspirational words for reflection from renowned New Testament scholar N.T. Wright. 53 days

• 40 Days of Lent chronologically traces Jesus’ last week on earth, through the New Testament gospel accounts. The seven Sundays are days of rest, according to tradition. 47 days

• Devotions for Lent from Holy Bible: Mosaicbrings together quotes, readings, and Scripture to focus your mind on Christ. 46 days

• ReThink Life: 40 Day Devotional presents Scripture, key thoughts, and prayer to challenge you to “rethink” seven important areas in your life. 40 days

• Hillsong: 40 Days of Revival reveals attributes from history’s greatest revivals — presence, prayer, purity, power, personal sacrifice, and praise — to help you know God and His ways.40 days

• The 40-Day New Testament Challenge leads you through the entire New Testament in just 40 days, taking off Sundays as traditional days of rest. 40 days

Whether you prefer reading the Bible or hearing it read to you, you can find many more plans at www.bible.com/reading-plans.

The most important things in our lives are worth sharing. Tell your friends which Bible plan you’re committing to—and ask them to join you! Then keep sharing what you’re reading and learning, all the way up to Easter Sunday. Online, the worldwide YouVersion community will be using the hashtag #PreparingForEaster.

 

Tweets about “#PreparingForEaster”

People around the world will celebrate Jesus’ resurrection on Sunday, April 20. Traditionally, many individuals use Lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter, as a time to reflect and repent. During this time, we choose to actively prepare our hearts to receive the gift Jesus gave us through the Cross.

Consider making the Bible an intentional part of your day—every day—between now and Easter Sunday. The most important things in our lives are worth sharing with friends and family, so ask some of your favorite people to join you in seeking God through His Word. Make time each day to check in with each other. Talk about what you’re reading and encourage each other, spurring one another on toward Christ.

Each of these Bible plans were developed specifically to help get us all into the spirit of Lent. Pick one that works for you:

Lent For Everyone is a devotional featuring a daily reading from Matthew and inspirational words for reflection from renowned New Testament scholar N.T. Wright. From SPCK Publishing. 53 days

40 Days of Lent chronologically traces Jesus’ last week on earth, through the New Testament gospel accounts. The seven Sundays are days of rest, according to tradition. From Journey Church. 47 days

Devotions for Lent from Holy Bible: Mosaic brings together quotes, readings, and Scripture to focus your mind on Christ. From Tyndale House Publishers. 46 days

ReThink Life: 40 Day Devotional presents Scripture, key thoughts, and prayer to challenge you to “rethink” seven important areas in your life. From ReThink. 40 days

Hillsong: 40 Days of Revival reveals attributes from history’s greatest revivals — presence, prayer, purity, power, personal sacrifice, and praise — to help you know God and His ways. From Hillsong. 40 days

The 40-Day New Testament Challenge leads you through the entire New Testament in just 40 days, taking off Sundays as traditional days of rest. From Margaret Feinberg. 40 days

Whether you prefer listening or reading, of course you’ll find plenty more Bible plans to choose from at https://www.bible.com/reading-plans.

Around this time of year, one topic seems to dominate thoughts and conversation throughout our culture: Love. As you might expect, the Bible actually offers a lot of insight on this subject. Here are just a few Plans that can help you understand God’s love, both for you and for those around you:

• The Gift of God’s Love Learn how our modern perspective of romantic, worldly love is different from God’s sincere, enduring, perfect love. 13 days

• Falling In Love Again With Your Lord In this exploration of Psalm 63, dive deep into what it means to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength… and to be loved by Him. 10 days

• Love, Romance, & Marriage: Bible Audio Guide In this audio devotional, Pastor Kris Langham guides you through biblical foundations on love, romance, and marriage. 6 days

• Marriage: A Lifelong Journey Building a lasting relationship is hard work, but that effort reveals treasures all throughout your life together. 7 days

• Love and Marriage Intended for married couples (or those who want to marry), each day features Scripture and quick thoughts designed to initiate discussion and prayer. 5 days

Plans in Action

Engaging daily with the Bible can change your life:

“Thank you for such a wonderful app! Reading ‘21 days of Powerful Breakthroughs’ and ‘Made to Crave,’ I’m overwhelmed with what I’ve gained from both!” —Karen H.

During just the first 36 days of 2014, the YouVersion community completed more than 1 million Plans! Come see for yourself what the excitement is all about. You can find Plans about love and relationships — and so much more — right now at www.bible.com/reading-plans?category=topical.