Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and Psalm 104:1-13.

Tap here for a video meditation on Psalm 104.

Ignatius of Loyola, Sixteenth Century founder of the Jesuits, closes a thirty-day retreat, The Spiritual Exercises, with what he calls “The Contemplation to Attain Divine Love.” In it, he describes God as being at work in creation. In the same way, a profound sense of the presence of God in all creation fills the psalmist. As he contemplates his world, every aspect is seen against the background of God’s presence.

God is not just “out there,” in a static, detached way. Rather is the Lord dynamically present creating saving events in your life. Trace the phrases of the psalm that express how God is at work. Allow your soul to vibrate with the same faith-awareness of the psalmist.

Verse 30 is found in ancient texts of the liturgy for Pentecost.

Psalm 104

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: Spirit breathes; all created. v. 30

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 the reading.

A desperate cry begins the reading. The outburst tears open your soul to release yet greater longing within for God with images that reveal the manifest power of God’s presence. Linger at verses where the Spirit especially sets fire to your heart. Pause … ponder … pray. Become an intercessor before the Lord for your city or town, expanding to the whole world that needs your prayer to bring it before the throne of God.

Firestarters are at the beginning of entrance into the Word; Embers are toward the end. These could be your reflections at the close of the day after living the day’s passage.

The Holy Spirit invites you to that inner place where you are still and quiet before the Lord who loves you and embraces you. See what Paul does in 1 Corinthians 2:9 with verse 4 ” But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him.”

Isaiah 64

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: You the potter; we the clay v. 8

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..

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.

In the Epiphany to the Magi, Jesus was accepted by foreigners and rejected by his own people. The same resistance occurs when Jesus returns to Nazareth. Likely, an over-familiarity with Jesus breeds a kind of contempt for him when the ministry begins. Jealousy, pride, and indignation rob the hometown people’s hearts from being able to listen. They refuse to rejoice at the Messiah coming from among them. Sense the freedom that Jesus has to “call it as it is.” You might reread the Old Testament stories alluded to by Jesus in 1 Kings 17:9 and 2 Kings 5.

Reflect upon yourself. Do you live according to others’ images of you, or of God’s? Conversely, is there someone in your life who finds it difficult to fulfill God’s plan because you lack faith in God’s vision for him or her?

Luke 4:21–30

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Examples: Jesus at home in my heart v. 23

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year C, we generally read from the Gospel of Luke.

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.