first christian church

first christian church

Excerpts from ‘Live Out Loud’

Pastor Ron Maurer of First Christian Church, 140 E. Broadway Ave., Girard, has assembled Lent devotional book to give church members food for thought during Lent, a time of renewal and reflection. The booklet covers 40 days of Lent. Here are some excerpts.

Day 1, Ash Wednesday: Esther is among the examples of people who ‘lived out loud’ when God called them, Pastor Maurer said. The text on Esther focuses on her circumstances as queen of Persia but facing a law that Jews in the empire were to be killed. Her faith must help her face perilous times. The journal aspect asks participants to ponder what God wants from them.

Day 20, boldness: The theme is about using Christ as a model of behavior. “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that there were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” — Acts 4:13. The text focuses standing up for God. The journal part asks participants if they’ve shyed away from expressing their faith and why.

Day 40, reaching the goal: Pastor Maurer discusses the 2008 summer Olympics and running marathons and how it takes fortitude to complete the walk with Christ. The journal aspect focuses on setting a spiritual goal for day, for example, memorizing a Bible passage.