The Year of our Lord 2000
From the Editor:
Thanks once again to Pastor Roland H. Gurgel (Faith, Nicollet and Faith, New Ulm, Minn.) for these daily Bible readings.
For the year drawing to a close Pastor Gurgel matched daily Scripture readings with hymn stanzas. He then used these devotional suggestions as “text” to write daily meditations, which in turn were offered at a minimal fee to members of his own congregation, and to others as well. An ambitious undertaking–writing a 40-page bulletin-size booklet every month!
He has offered to do it again, explaining: “In keeping with the word of our Lord to ‘encourage one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs’ (Ephesians 5:19), this year’s devotions are taken from the Psalms. I tried to include many of the favorite and familiar psalms, along with a few one may not normally read.” — And yes, the pastor’s intent is again to write a daily meditation on the reading for the day.
With regard to the brevity of these daily readings, a suggestion is given: “While many of the readings are only one verse, and in some cases two or three, the thought behind such short readings is for us to ponder during the day, or as we fall asleep, the words of our Lord — focusing upon one thought and applying the thought to our daily lives.”
For those who would like ideas for longer Scripture readings, this suggestion is made: “From New Year’s Day to Ash Wednesday, read Genesis; During Lent, one of the Gospels; During the Easter Season, a second Gospel; For Trinity Season, the Minor Prophets (Hosea-Malachi); or Isaiah; or any number of the New Testament Epistles; During Advent and Christmas, Luke or John (or one of the Gospels not previously read).”
Devotional booklets based on these daily readings may be ordered from Pastor Roland H. Gurgel, 22 North State Street, New Ulm, MN 56073 (Phone 507-354-4534). Cost is $2.00 per month or $15.00 per year; master copy with rights to print copies: $25.00. Make checks payable to Pastor Gurgel.
Dear reader, our Savior is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So too is His Word which, He says, will never pass away. Take Jesus and His Word with you into the new millennium.