Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and 2 Kings 13:14-21.

[From the version for young people ]

In the midst of the lives of many evil kings is the great prophet Elisha.  He shines like a jewel among the ashes of the wicked kings.  In this chapter we read about his final illness and death.  But even in death, look at the amazing miracle that happens when a dead man is buried on top of Elisha’s body!  

I wonder if Elisha being so alone, was one of the occasions for his death.  Here he was, one “man of God” prophesying in a land of wicked king after wicked king.  It must have made him very sad—almost as sad as it made God.  Perhaps the sadness got to him and weakened him.  No one was mentioned as praying for Elisha or supporting him spiritually.  He was all alone, doing his job of being a spokesperson for God, right to the end of his life.  

Yet God was with Elisha in life and in death…and even beyond death.  I’d sure prefer to be where Elisha is now, then where the evil kings landed up when they died and were buried with their ancestors!  They went into eternity with wickedness on their souls, while Elisha went to heaven with life and holiness.  Let’s you and I live the way Elisha lived!

2 Kings 12-13

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Repairing my inner house 12:7

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read Proverbs 22—23; 2 Kings; Ecclesiastes 5—8.

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 Daniel 8:15-27.

When we were kids over the summer on the Jersey Shore, we would love to play in the waves.  Sometimes after strong storms, the ocean would look calm, but the waves were still big.  Occasionally a very large wave would break.  Then we would have to dive deeper beneath the rolling foam so as not to get tossed about.  

That’s something how Daniel must have felt with the overpowering force of the vision that came his way. He must have had to dive deeper into prayer and trust in the Lord, so that he would not be frightened to death.  

And so it was because of his faithfulness, that the Angel Gabriel came to him to help him understand the vision and to remind him that God is still in charge of the world. This is the same angel that came to Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, and to Mary, the mother of Jesus.  

So when things happen that frighten you, go to your place of prayer and dive deeper into trust in the Lord…maybe lying face down as Daniel did, so as to allow any harsh “waves” to flow right over you. Know that the Holy Spirit will show up to support, sustain and inspire you.

 Daniel 8

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year, we read the Book of Daniel.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: The meek inherit the earth. Mt 5:5

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.