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The September–December 2019 issue of Words of Life, The Salvation Army’s daily reading series, offers the promise of “Peace and Presence”—with a new writer, Major Christine Clement.
“I look forward to sharing this pilgrimage with you…believing that as we journey together we will deepen our knowledge of God and grow closer to him,” she said.
This final issue for 2019 continues with the overarching theme for the year—Peace—set in place by Clement’s predecessor, Major Beverly Ivany, who has completed eight years of this written ministry. The new issue focuses not only on God’s peace but also his presence.
“We live in a noisy, busy world,” Clement said. “However, the noise is not necessarily measured in decibels but in the clamor of a society’s pursuits for the things other than God.”
Daily readings explore the Hebrew people’s developing relationship with God and the much-later return from exile in Babylon before focusing on the life of Jesus chronologically.
Guest writer Lt. Colonel Lyn Hills (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Indonesia) takes over for the two weeks leading up to Christmas, gradually revealing “God’s gift beyond words.”
“At weekends, I hope to provide a useful gift list and focus on some scriptural songs before receiving an early Christmas card,” Clement said. “In the remaining days of December we unwrap the gifts brought to Jesus.”
Over the next three years, Clement plans to work through the entire Bible. She hopes that, as well as reflecting on God’s Word, readers will learn something new every day.
“I try to think, ‘How will this get somebody through their day?’ Hopefully, I sometimes succeed,” she said.
As well as welcoming a new writer, Words of Life features a new layout, with a return to space provided for Bible references and notes.
Before taking on the Words of Life appointment, Clement served in corps and training work in the U.K. and overseas, in U.K. headquarters roles (including as Editor-in-Chief and Editor of Salvationist) and at International Headquarters.
A free sample of the first eight days of the new “Words of Life” is available online.
Report by IHQ Communications, International Headquarters
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