Devotional Introduction: March-April 2015

March 1, 2015

Lent is one of my favorite times of the church year. That should seem strange, or at least ironic, because Lent is a season of penance and repentance. It's a time to be reminded that we are sinful, rebellious creatures who have dishonored our Father God. That's not something to celebrate. Yet I need Lent because I am prideful and need that reminder. I need to remember that, regardless of what the world teaches, I am as good as dead in my sin, and only the love of God redeems me. Taken alone, Lent is a counter-cultural, pride-popping thorn in the flesh. But Lent is not alone—Easter comes, and I am further reminded that Christ died for me, and has fully paid for all my sin. Thanks be to God!

So for Lent this March, Norman Brown first leads us in cultivating spiritual disciplines that remind of our need for a savior and prepare us to celebrate Easter.

Then in April, Art Schoonveld leads us in celebrating Easter, receiving the forgiveness and adoption we do not deserve, but God grants anyway. He further explores with us how we should live on the right side of Christ's resurrection.

May you be refreshed, refocused, and renewed in God's word!

About the author — Steven Koster

Rev. Dr. Steven Koster joined Back to God Ministries International in 2006 and soon launched ReFrame Media with a fresh vision for media and technology to build disciples and communities in Christ. During his time as Director of ReFrame, he also served as the Executive Editor of Today. Steven stepped down from these roles in 2019 as he felt led to focus on new challenges, including doctoral research and their family’s bed and breakfast in Grand Rapids. He and his wife Deb have three adult children and enjoy leading pre-marital counseling and marriage enrichment seminars. Steven continues to collaborate with Deb to produce our marriage and family ministry, Family Fire.