Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and the reading and Colossians 3:12-17.

At the risk of outraging a congregation, when we celebrate Baptism, I announce, “Today we are celebrating this person’s funeral!” The baptized says in effect, “I want to get death over and done with, so that I can go on living in Christ now.” Death to self—death to a life without God: this is what baptism means.

Jesus did not get sick and get well on the cross; he died and rose. Paul teaches that the very same reality must happen to us. We must die in order to receive the gift of the resurrection. He assumes that since we are already dead, we will “seek those things that are above.” He calls us to live in heaven now.

Using the image of clothing being put on and off, Paul makes a list of what we are to wear. As you read his list, note the clothing you need to take off and the clothing you need to put on.

Colossians 3

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Clothing self with compassion v. 12

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the Winter Season of Advent to Epiphany this year we read the Letters of John and Jude.

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

Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and the Psalm.

For a video meditation on today’s Psalm created three years ago, Tap here.

An image is forever imprinted within me. It was spring, 1968 during the days after the assassination of Martin Luther King. I was part of a great march in Newark, New Jersey. At one point, we were walking up a hill, which soon turned downward. Suddenly, as I began the walk down, an immense silent sea of people stretched before me. I felt as though I was indeed part of a people, bound together in grief over Dr. King’s death, and bonded in joy, as we found meaning in witnessing to Dr. King’s convictions in life and in death.

A similar feeling must have gripped our ancestor pilgrims as they walked toward Jerusalem. The joy from this psalm came from beholding families walking along with babies in the arms of their parents.

May Jews, Christians and Moslems, find unity of minds and hearts in all our festivals that celebrate in one form or another, the one God who has intervened in our lives.

Psalm 128

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: Happy those who honor You. v. 1

In the Season of Lent this year we read Psalm 125 to 129.

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 Nick read the Firestarter and Job 21:1-16.

Zophar is a good example of those so proud and opinionated, that their hearts are closed and rigid in the face of human suffering. Rather than be challenged by his thoughts and the suffering of his friend Job, Zophar is not sure that Job is good at all!

What is deceptive about Zophar’s speech about the outcome of the wicked is that it is true in so many respects. Again, the power of poetry abounds in the images of this great book.

Job’s energies are strong in his dispute with Zophar. Job questions Zophar’s position about the wicked coming to disaster. Job does not see it that way; look how often the wicked prosper!

Get beneath the arguments, to feelings and attitudes. Does today’s passage change your understandings about goodness and evil?

Job 20—21

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Praying for those despairing  v. 25

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the Season of Lent this year we read Job 15-21; 39-40

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