Introduction

Lent is a season of intentional reflection and spiritual renewal. This 47-day journey invites you to slow down and meditate deeply on Scripture, allowing God’s Word to transform you from the inside out. As Psalm 1:2 reminds us, the blessed person delights “in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.”

Lent calls us to repentance—turning from ourselves and toward Christ. As Luke 24:47 says, “repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations.” This reading plan traces that message from meditation’s foundation to the resurrection’s triumph.

This isn’t about speed-reading or checking boxes. It’s about quiet, repeated engagement with God’s Word—speaking it softly, pondering its mysteries, letting it shape your heart. And it’s about sharing what you discover with others.

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Inspired by The Bible Project
For deeper insight into this approach to Scripture, watch The Bible Project’s video on reading the Bible as meditative literature: https://youtu.be/VhmlJBUIoLk?si=IDkLMCNHA400YspD

“In Hebrew, the word ‘meditate’ means literally to mutter or speak quietly. The idea is that every day for the rest of your life you slowly, quietly read the Bible out loud to yourself and then go talk about it with your friends, pondering the puzzles, making connections, and discovering what it all means. And as you let the Bible interpret itself, something remarkable happens. The Bible starts to read you.”

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How to Use This Plan

Read slowly. Take your time with each passage. Read it multiple times if needed.

Speak it aloud. The Hebrew concept of meditation involves quietly speaking Scripture. Let the words move from page to voice to heart.

Ponder the puzzles. Notice what seems unclear or surprising. These ambiguities are invitations to deeper discovery.

Journal and discuss. Write down observations and questions. Talk about what you’re reading with friends or family.

Return and reflect. Come back to passages throughout the week. Let connections emerge across the readings.

Ways to Deepen Your Practice

Start with silence. Before reading, take three deep breaths. Ask God to speak.

Write one sentence. After reading, capture one thing that stood out.

Share with one person. Text, call, or meet for coffee. The Word comes alive in conversation.

Mark the mysteries. When something puzzles you, don’t skip it. These are invitations to discover something new.

Repeat a phrase. Choose one phrase and whisper it throughout your day.

End with prayer. Let Scripture shape your prayers back to God.

Week 1: The Foundation of Meditation

Theme: What Does It Mean to Meditate on God’s Word?

This week, discover what meditation actually is. It’s not emptying your mind but filling it with God’s truth—speaking Scripture softly, hiding it in your heart, letting it guide every step.

Day 1 (Ash Wednesday) – Psalm 1
Focus: What does it mean to meditate day and night?

Day 2 (Thursday) – Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Focus: Keeping God’s words constantly before you

Day 3 (Friday) – Joshua 1:6-9
Focus: Meditation leads to success and prosperity of the soul

Day 4 (Saturday) – Psalm 119:1-16
Focus: Hiding God’s Word in your heart

Day 5 (Sunday) – Psalm 119:97-104
Focus: Loving God’s law and gaining wisdom

Day 6 (Monday) – Jeremiah 15:16
Focus: God’s words as joy and delight

Day 7 (Tuesday) – Psalm 119:17-24
Focus: Open my eyes to see wonderful things

Week 1 Reflection: What phrase from this week’s readings keeps coming back to you? Write it down and carry it with you into next week.

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Week 2: The Word That Sustains

Theme: Scripture as Our Spiritual Nourishment

Now that you know what meditation is, this week explores why it matters. God’s Word is more than information—it’s sustenance. Just as bread feeds our bodies, Scripture feeds our souls.

Day 8 (Wednesday) – Deuteronomy 8:1-3
Focus: Man does not live by bread alone

Day 9 (Thursday) – Matthew 4:1-11
Focus: Jesus defeats temptation with Scripture

Day 10 (Friday) – John 6:25-35
Focus: Jesus as the Bread of Life

Day 11 (Saturday) – Luke 4:14-21
Focus: Jesus meditating on and fulfilling Isaiah’s words

Day 12 (Sunday) – Psalm 19:7-14
Focus: The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul

Day 13 (Monday) – 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Focus: Scripture equips us for every good work

Day 14 (Tuesday) – Psalm 119:25-32
Focus: My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word

Week 2 Reflection: When has God’s Word sustained you in a difficult time? Share that story with someone this week.

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Week 3: Seeds and Soil

Theme: How We Receive God’s Word

You’ve learned what meditation is and why it matters. Now face an honest question: What kind of soil are you? God’s Word is powerful, but you must receive it with an open heart.

Day 15 (Wednesday) – Mark 4:1-20
Focus: The parable of the sower

Day 16 (Thursday) – James 1:19-27
Focus: Be doers of the Word, not hearers only

Day 17 (Friday) – Luke 8:11-15
Focus: Holding fast to the Word with an honest heart

Day 18 (Saturday) – Psalm 119:105-112
Focus: Your word is a lamp to my feet

Day 19 (Sunday) – Colossians 3:12-17
Focus: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly

Day 20 (Monday) – 1 Peter 2:1-3
Focus: Long for pure spiritual milk

Day 21 (Tuesday) – Psalm 119:129-136
Focus: The unfolding of your words gives light

Week 3 Reflection: What “thorns” or “rocky soil” in your life might be choking out God’s Word? Name one thing you’ll release to make room for deeper roots.

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Week 4: The Living Word

Theme: All Scripture Points to Jesus

This week marks a turning point. You’ve been meditating on Scripture; now Scripture reveals its central character. The Word you’ve been reading is ultimately about the Word who became flesh.

Day 22 (Wednesday) – John 1:1-18
Focus: The Word became flesh

Day 23 (Thursday) – Luke 24:13-35
Focus: Jesus opens the Scriptures on the Emmaus road

Day 24 (Friday) – Luke 24:36-49
Focus: All Scripture points to Christ

Day 25 (Saturday) – Hebrews 4:12-13
Focus: The Word is living and active

Day 26 (Sunday) – Revelation 19:11-16
Focus: His name is the Word of God

Day 27 (Monday) – John 5:31-47
Focus: The Scriptures testify about Jesus

Day 28 (Tuesday) – Psalm 119:137-144
Focus: Your testimonies are righteous forever

Week 4 Reflection: Go back to a passage from Weeks 1-3. Read it again, but this time ask: How does this point to Jesus? Journal what you discover.

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Week 5: Transformation Through the Word

Theme: Being Shaped by What We Behold

Knowing Christ changes us. This week explores how meditating on Scripture doesn’t just inform—it transforms. As you behold Christ in the Word, you become more like Him.

Day 29 (Wednesday) – Romans 12:1-2
Focus: Be transformed by the renewing of your mind

Day 30 (Thursday) – 2 Corinthians 3:12-18
Focus: Beholding the glory of the Lord, we are transformed

Day 31 (Friday) – Psalm 119:161-168
Focus: Seven times a day I praise you

Day 32 (Saturday) – Ezekiel 36:24-28
Focus: A new heart and new spirit

Day 33 (Sunday) – Philippians 4:4-9
Focus: Think on these things

Day 34 (Monday) – John 15:1-11
Focus: Abide in me and my words abide in you

Day 35 (Tuesday) – Psalm 119:169-176
Focus: Let my cry come before you, O Lord

Week 5 Reflection: How has your heart changed since Ash Wednesday? Write a prayer thanking God for one specific transformation.

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Week 6: The Cross in Scripture

Theme: The Story Has Been Leading Here

You’ve meditated on God’s Word, seen Christ revealed, been transformed. Now walk with Jesus toward Jerusalem. This week, ancient prophecies come into sharp focus. The story has been leading here all along.

Day 36 (Wednesday) – Isaiah 53
Focus: The suffering servant prophesied

Day 37 (Thursday) – Psalm 22
Focus: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Day 38 (Friday) – Genesis 3:1-15
Focus: The promise of the offspring who crushes the serpent

Day 39 (Saturday) – Isaiah 50:4-9
Focus: The Lord God helps me; who will declare me guilty?

Day 40 (Palm Sunday) – Zechariah 9:9-12; Matthew 21:1-11
Focus: Your king comes to you, humble and riding on a donkey

Day 41 (Monday) – Isaiah 42:1-9
Focus: The servant brings justice to the nations

Day 42 (Tuesday) – Psalm 118:19-29
Focus: The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone

Week 6 Reflection: As you read these prophecies, notice how they echo through the Gospel accounts. The entire Bible has been pointing here.

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Holy Week: The Story Fulfilled

Theme: Death, Silence, and Resurrection

This is the week everything changes. Forty days of meditation have prepared you. Read slowly. Sit with Friday’s darkness. Feel Saturday’s silence. Then let Sunday’s joy break over you like dawn.

Day 43 (Wednesday) – Isaiah 49:1-7
Focus: I will make you as a light for the nations

Day 44 (Maundy Thursday) – John 13:1-17
Focus: Jesus washes the disciples’ feet—love made visible

Day 45 (Good Friday) – Luke 23:26-49
Focus: The crucifixion narrative—”Father, forgive them”

Day 46 (Holy Saturday) – 1 Peter 3:18-22
Focus: Christ’s descent and victory—even in death, He conquers

Day 47 (Easter Sunday) – Luke 24:1-12; Revelation 21:1-7
Focus: The resurrection and all things made new—death is defeated, hope is alive

Holy Week Practice: Read each day’s passage multiple times. Friday: read in complete silence. Saturday: sit with the mystery of waiting. Sunday: read aloud with joy.

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Closing Reflection

As you complete this journey, consider how meditating on God’s Word has shaped you during this Lenten season. The adventure of reading and discovery is a lifetime calling to be transformed by Scripture. Choose one habit from this journey to carry forward.

The blessed person meditates on God’s law day and night. Not just for 47 days. But for a lifetime.

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.” (Psalm 1:1-2)

Who will win the Big Game? Test your football knowledge and win prizes!

The Challenge: Predict the Super Bowl winner and final score for your chance to win! The person with the closest prediction takes home the prize.

How to Enter: Fill out the online form at https://forms.gle/yjMncp1EBkFJdycd9 or grab a paper entry form this Sunday at the welcome desk.

Deadline: All entries must be submitted by kickoff on Sunday, February 9th at 6:30 PM

Prizes: Awarded to the closest final score prediction

Will it be the Patriots or the Seahawks? Make your prediction and join the fun!

Jesus’ Winning Formula for All Christians:

a. Be a Child of God the Father
b. Be a Disciple of Jesus Christ
c. Be a Student of the Holy Spirit
d. Commit to a Personal Regimen of Fasting and Prayer
e. Know and Recognize the Enemy of All Humans
f. Put on the Whole Armor of God Daily
g. Receive the Mind of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
h. Let Your Light Shine Bright for Jesus Every Day

21-Day Fasting Challenge: Select one hour each day for the next 21 days to set aside as a fasting hour for spiritual growth, development, prosperity, and health as our Lord has planned for us.

As always, stay blessed.
Senior Pastor, DOCC & Related Ministries

Ready to dive deep into the “Book of Comfort”? Join me for a transformative 35-day reading plan through Isaiah chapters 40-66, starting September 21st!

What we’ll explore: 🕊️ Week 1: The God of Comfort – Experience His majesty and tender care ⚖️ Week 2: Judgment and Redemption – Witness divine justice and mercy 🏙️ Week 3: The New Jerusalem – Discover God’s restoration plan 👑 Week 4: The Anointed One – Meet the Suffering Servant 🔄 Week 5: Review and Reflection – Apply what we’ve learned

Key themes to watch for:

• The Servant Songs (prophecies of the Messiah)
• Universal salvation for all nations
• Social justice and care for the oppressed
• God’s sovereignty over history
• The promise of new heavens and new earth

Tips for success: 📝 Keep a journal of insights and applications 🙏 Read prayerfully, asking God to speak to you 🔗 Look for connections between chapters ⏰ Quality over quantity – don’t rush!

Daily Reading Schedule:

Week 1: The God of Comfort (Sept 21-27)

• Day 1 – Sept 21 | Isaiah 40 | Comfort My People
• Day 2 – Sept 22 | Isaiah 41 | Fear Not, I Am With You
• Day 3 – Sept 23 | Isaiah 42 | My Chosen Servant
• Day 4 – Sept 24 | Isaiah 43 | You Are Precious in My Sight
• Day 5 – Sept 25 | Isaiah 44 | I Have Swept Away Your Sins
• Day 6 – Sept 26 | Isaiah 45 | I Am the Lord, There Is No Other
• Day 7 – Sept 27 | Isaiah 46 | I Will Sustain You

Week 2: Judgment and Redemption (Sept 28 – Oct 4)

• Day 8 – Sept 28 | Isaiah 47 | Judgment on Babylon
• Day 9 – Sept 29 | Isaiah 48 | Go Out From Babylon
• Day 10 – Sept 30 | Isaiah 49 | A Light to the Nations
• Day 11 – Oct 1 | Isaiah 50 | The Obedient Servant
• Day 12 – Oct 2 | Isaiah 51 | Look to Abraham Your Father
• Day 13 – Oct 3 | Isaiah 52 | How Beautiful Are the Feet
• Day 14 – Oct 4 | Isaiah 53 | Surely He Has Borne Our Griefs

Week 3: The New Jerusalem (Oct 5-11)

• Day 15 – Oct 5 | Isaiah 54 | Sing, O Barren Woman
• Day 16 – Oct 6 | Isaiah 55 | Come, Buy Wine and Milk
• Day 17 – Oct 7 | Isaiah 56 | My House Shall Be Called a House of Prayer
• Day 18 – Oct 8 | Isaiah 57 | Peace to the Contrite
• Day 19 – Oct 9 | Isaiah 58 | True Fasting
• Day 20 – Oct 10 | Isaiah 59 | Your Sins Have Hidden His Face
• Day 21 – Oct 11 | Isaiah 60 | Arise, Shine, Your Light Has Come

Week 4: The Anointed One (Oct 12-18)

• Day 22 – Oct 12 | Isaiah 61 | The Spirit of the Lord Is Upon Me
• Day 23 – Oct 13 | Isaiah 62 | You Shall Be Called by a New Name
• Day 24 – Oct 14 | Isaiah 63:1-14 | Who Is This Coming from Edom?
• Day 25 – Oct 15 | Isaiah 63:15-64:12 | Oh, That You Would Rend the Heavens
• Day 26 – Oct 16 | Isaiah 65 | New Heavens and New Earth
• Day 27 – Oct 17 | Isaiah 66:1-16 | Heaven Is My Throne
• Day 28 – Oct 18 | Isaiah 66:17-24 | All Nations Shall Come

Week 5: Review and Reflection (Oct 19-26)

• Day 29 – Oct 19 | Review Isaiah 40-45 | The Sovereignty of God
• Day 30 – Oct 20 | Review Isaiah 46-51 | Redemption from Babylon
• Day 31 – Oct 21 | Review Isaiah 52-57 | The Suffering Servant
• Day 32 – Oct 22 | Review Isaiah 58-62 | True Religion and Worship
• Day 33 – Oct 23 | Review Isaiah 63-66 | The Coming Kingdom
• Day 34 – Oct 24 | Personal Reflection Day
• Day 35 – Oct 25 | Application Day
• Day 36 – Oct 26 | Celebration Day

This journey takes us from comfort to mission to consummation. Whether you’re new to Isaiah or returning to these beloved chapters, there’s something here for everyone.

Who’s ready to discover fresh insights from God’s Word?

Isaiah and the Suffering Servant King: https://bibleproject.com/articles/isaiah-and-the-suffering-servant-king/

A special period of Breakthrough will be initiated at the Disciples of Christ on Sunday, July 27, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. Everyone is invited to join us at the Church or via the Internet at doCcsc.org.

Everyone is encouraged to view the video “Learn How To Pray And Fast For A Breakthrough with Rick Warren” at least once prior to July 27, 2025.

We look forward to this powerful time together as we seek God’s breakthrough in our lives and community.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

Celebrating God’s sovereignty through trials and triumph, our summer season invites us into the profound depths of human suffering and divine glory through the From Trials to Triumph Bible Reading Plan. Join us from May 26 through July 22 as we explore Job and Revelation to witness God’s unchanging character through life’s greatest challenges and ultimate victory. Our lives find meaning and hope when our hearts trust His sovereign plan through every season.

Bible Reading Plan

Job and Revelation – Daily Reading (May 26 – Jul 22, 2025)

This 58-day journey will take us through two of Scripture’s most powerful books that reveal God’s character in suffering and His ultimate triumph. From Job’s wrestling with unexplained pain to John’s vision of Christ’s eternal reign, we will discover how God’s love sustains us through every trial and leads us to everlasting glory. These sacred texts remind us that our present sufferings are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us.

“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:5

Celebrating God’s love past and present, our Lenten season is the start of the DOCC Lenten/Resurrection Sunday Bible Reading Plan: Wisdom & The Word. Join us on Ash Wednesday (3/5) through Good Friday (4/18). We will read Proverbs and Mark to see God’s matchless love (daily plan below). Our lives heed His voice when our hearts read His word.

Bible Reading Plan

Proverbs and Mark – Daily Reading (Mar 5 – Apr 18, 2025)

Please use the below visual resources to support your Bible reading plan.

Calling All Digital Disciples!

Brothers and sisters in Christ, tomorrow we’re taking a small but mighty step into the digital age! Please bring your laptops to church as we’ll be setting up new Zoom accounts together!

We will transition from GoToMeeting in the next few weeks as we continue to make our Bible studies more accessible and ensure that neither snow, rain, nor spotty internet can keep us from gathering in His name.

Our tech-savvy volunteers will be there to help everyone get connected.

Time: After our January 5th Sunday service

What to bring: Your laptop or tablet (fully charged!)

Where: Seven Oaks Park (200 Leisure Lane, Columbia, SC)

Let’s embrace this new way of studying His word together.

See you all Sunday!

God Bless!

Watch Night Virtual Service
Let’s thank the Lord for 2024, and pray the New Year in together!!! 

Access tonight’s Watch Night Virtual Service at 11PM here: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/616013293

New King James Version
“We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.”
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” ~2 Corinthians 6

Note: Wednesday night Bible study will resume on 1/8/2025. Happy New Year!

Five Spiritual Imperatives – September 8, 2024

From the Desk of Reverend Dr. John Lane, Senior Pastor, Disciples of Christ Church and Related Ministries

Knowledge

• “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7)
• “The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge” (Proverbs 18:15)
• “The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes” (Psalm 119:64)
• “I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit” (Isaiah 48:17)

Obedience

• “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22)
• “If a man love me, he will keep my words” (John 14:23)

Wisdom

• “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom” (Proverbs 4:7)
• “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 9:10)

Understanding

• “He that keepeth understanding shall find good” (Proverbs 19:8)
• “With all thy getting get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7)

A Forgiving Heart

• “Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren” (Genesis 50:17)
• “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12-15)
• “When ye stand praying, forgive” (Mark 11:25)
• “If thy brother trespass against thee… forgive him” (Luke 17:3-4)