Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and Job 4:1-11.

A Chinese proverb says, “Never speak unless you are improving on the silence.” Job’s so-called “friends” would have been much better at being quiet those seven days, than in speaking their hurtful words. Presence in silent love with one in grief releases more power than words.

However, silence is not enough for Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar. As you read their speeches, do so with the discerning heart that the Spirit will give. Their words are tempting fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Many of the verses are true and beautifully expressed in the dance of poetry that abounds in this book. However, it is not the whole truth, and nothing but the whole truth will do; anything less is a lie.

The friends become part of Job’s problem, instead of part of his solution. Be aware of the power of your silent presence.

Job 4—5

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Silence absorbing suff’ring 2:13

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the Season of Lent, we read the Book of Job.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information

Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and Jeremiah 4:1-3.

The Lord calls Jeremiah to be the emotional expression of a God outraged, grieved, and simply hurt at the infidelity of the people.

God feels. How could it be otherwise, since we are made in God’s image? The Lord expresses all these emotions through Jeremiah, longing that the people be shaken from their evil, adulterous, idolatrous practices, and turn to the Lord once again.

Get ready with a heart open to receive the pain of your divine spouse. Do not stop short with guilt and shame; these block your spirit. Go deeper. Let the hard, numb soil of your soul be loosened to receive the pure seed of God’s Word. Drop down to that place within where there is deepest sorrow for your sins, all of which are variations on the theme of infidelity to the Lord. Pour out your heart in repentance. The Lord wants you back.

Jeremiah 4—6

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the seasons of Advent to Epiphany this year we read Isaiah 1-13.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: My heart open before You 4:4

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.

Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and the Gospel.

Feel the searching, the silence, and the secrecy that fills the night air as Nicodemus meets alone with Jesus. Take your place of quiet and listen to the dialogue of the two. This Pharisee probes at the mystery of Jesus; the Lord responds with new, divine turns of meaning. We are to be born from what flows from above; the saving blood of the Savior will seep into the soul of the searcher, giving life-beyond-death.

The bronze serpent of Moses lifted on high was the sight from above that prevented those bitten by the serpents from being killed. Lift your head high to the cross and there find new life saving you from all the deadly bites of the evil one. Find eternal comfort in verse 16, which expresses all of salvation and the entire Gospel at one glance.

John 3:1–17

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Lifted on high with Jesus v. 14

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year A, we generally read from the Gospel of St. Matthew.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.