Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and John 12:20-36.

Greeks wish to see Jesus—the occasion for Jesus’s outpoured expression that his hour has finally come. This incident has the same purpose in John’s Gospel as the account of the Magi has in Matthew. There is total rejection on the part of the Chosen People. The Gentile world, on the other hand, searches and seeks to see Jesus and accept him. Victory courses through this passage, even as the forces of evil mount against Jesus. The cross becomes a great magnet, drawing all people to it, and to the victorious Savior reigning from this throne lifted on high.

Resurrection and ascension are embedded in the cross. From now on, these three are bound together for those who believe and adhere to Jesus. Surrender yourself to the drawing power of the cross and live as never before.

John 12:11–50

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: When lifted up: drawing all v. 32

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In 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.

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

This chapter blends concrete images and abstract virtues. Allow the images of the bridle, the rudder, and the small fire used to describe the tongue, bring piercing awareness to you. Reflect upon the ways your tongue sins, praying to the Lord for the quietness and restraint needed to curb its reactions.

The pickax words of James will loosen the soil of your soul. Beware of any denial or defensiveness on your part as you face James’s honest confrontations with the truths about sin. Then you will be able to bear the sweet fruit of righteousness that will come as you drink in the beauty of the last two verses of this chapter. They are filled with virtues that will well up from the heart when repentance frees the way.

James 3

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Only You can tame my tongue v. 8

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the season of Lent this year we read the Letter of James, and 1 Corinthians 14-15.

For all the Firestarters in the original version, 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 Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and the Psalm.

Tap here for a video-meditation on Psalm 132.

A joyous restlessness comes upon the pilgrims as they recall David’s sleeplessness until he finds a place for God to rest. Feel their anticipation as they come closer to Jerusalem and the Temple.

Jesus will reign not from the Temple, but from the cross in the center of Calvary’s hill. From there he will come down, resting for a brief time in the tomb, then on to resurrection, ascension to the Father’s right hand, and descent in the Holy Spirit. The Lord seeks to rest in your own soul—his preferred temple. God will indeed find this place if you stop using your hands to build any kingdom other than God’s.

Rest in Jesus and he will rest in you. Then you will do great things for the Lord, for God will be the one doing the work in and through you.

Psalm 132

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: Going to Your dwelling place v. 7

During Lent each year we read a third of the fifteen “Songs of Ascent”–
Psalms 120 to 134. This being year C, we read the final third: Psalms 130 to 134.

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