Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and today’s Psalm.

Tap here for a video meditation on Psalm 98.

The psalmist is a conductor of a symphony of praise. It would seem that unless he prays, the very praise of creation is inhibited.

Yes, you have a spiritual voice to sing a new song of praise everyday for a creation that is billions of years old. If you do not pray and work for the Lord today, there are some things that just will not be done at all. Ministry and the Lord’s work will be impaired.

You are a priest of all creation. Teilhard de Chardin, the noted twentieth century theologian and paleontologist, sees the world as an altar. Place upon it your praise, intercession, joys, and sufferings. The world will come to prayer through you.

Psalm 98

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: Joy for those whose heart is right v. 11

A Sample Bible Breath from today’s Psalm.
Light is a seed within me v. 11

On Wednesdays we follow a reading of the Psalms in numerical order.

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 Ruth 4:11-17.

[The Firestarter is from the version for young people.]

We come to the end of our Tuesday story in Advent.  Ruth and Boaz marry and have the baby, Obed.  He’s the grandfather of King David.  It’s from the family line of David that Jesus will find his historical connection through Mary, his fatherly connection to God.  

Let’s think about what is obvious throughout this story: that God can take someone on the outside and bring that person into the center.  It’s like a basketball game that you’d like to get into, but you’re just standing on the sidelines.  You’d love to play, but you’re just not in the “in group.”  Then something happens.  Someone tosses you the ball and invites you in.  Then you make the final shot that wins the game—right from the center of the court!  Hurray, you’re a hero!  That’s what God did in this story of Ruth: a lady on the sidelines of all the actions gets to come into the center!  There’s hope for us!  

Ruth 4

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Your plan through generations

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the season of Advent this year, we read the Book of Ruth.

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 Isaiah 59:1-8.

[From the original version]

 Are you tempted to give up on God, saying to yourself: “He just doesn’t hear me?” Take the first verse to heart. Repeat it often until the power of its truth loosens comfort and joy within you.

Someone once said; “If God seems far away, guess who moved?” Verse 2 echoes this truth. Isaiah provokes and incites with his images, confronting us with the full awareness that sinful behavior places barriers that separate us from the Lord. Each of us is responsible for this separation.

Habits that break communion with the Lord tend to progress into circles that become more and more vicious. Isolation is the outcome. This Advent prophet will shake your foundations until you are resting only in the Lord Jesus who is about to come.

Isaiah 59:1–15a
Example: Your hand reaching out for me v. 1

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the seasons of Advent through Epiphany this year we read Isaiah 56 to 66.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Removing the blocks for peace v. 2

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.