Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and the Gospel.

 New Adam, new Eve, new Eden, new creation: this is Easter morning. Mary Magdalene, figure of Eve and all humanity, weeps at the tomb of her beloved. St. John has the beginning of chapter 3 of The Song of Songs in mind, as we will see in the final four Tuesdays in Easter this year. Be in touch with your own inner weeping for deeper union with the Lord.

Unrecognized, because utterly unexpected, Jesus appears. Come close. The spiritual fragrance of this morning penetrates your soul until there is a resurrection-shift from tears of mourning to tears of joy. The source of the joy is what has happened to Jesus. The spouse of your soul is before you. Leap beyond the prison of your own self-consciousness of sin, to the presence of your Jesus who receives you and loves you completely.

John 20:1–18

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Empty tomb: Lord, I believe. v. 8

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
During Lent and Easter, we read from the Gospel of John.

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 Exodus 33:12-16.

The center of the year for the Jewish people is Passover, as Easter is for Christians. The Torah reading unfolds the beauty, the power, and the presence of God. The Lord’s goodness and mercy are described. Be with Moses as the glory of the Lord is revealed to him and to you, through the Holy Spirit.

Learn about the Seder, the supper that recalls the Exodus. There are foods symbolic of the suffering endured such as salt water for the tears shed, and horseradish for the bitterness experienced in suffering so much.

This is a day of solidarity with all those in bondage in one form or another. We intercede for them that the pathways to liberation would become open—that all the “Red Seas” in their lives would split apart so that they can walk on to freedom.

Exodus 33:12—34:26

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Your presence will go with me.33:14

The Saturday passages follow the reading list that Jewish people use in their synagogue worship
throughout the world. They are taken from
“The Torah,” the first five books of the Bible from Genesis to Deuteronomy
that are read each year beginning with autumn.

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 John 19:25-30.

 As you pray through the Passion Narrative, recall your experience of doing this last Sunday with Matthew. Both evangelists find themes of Exodus and Jesus as King. What variations and nuances can you find?

Let your whole day be soaked with the saving Blood of Jesus by reading scenes in the narrative. Here is a suggested outline:

Be close to your Lord throughout this day, just as did the beloved disciple and Mary, mother of Jesus.

John 18:1—19:42

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Head bowed, You gave the Spirit 19:30

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the seasons of Lent and Easter we read the Gospel of John.

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.