Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and Job 31:16-28.

Job is totally on the defensive as he winds up his arguments with his friends. He is blind from seeing other alternatives to understanding. There are three false assumptions for Job: 1) that good things only come to good people; 2) that the dark world of evil would not attack him; 3) that God persecutes as well as prosecutes.

Just as the final movement of a symphony with the music in crescendo, the poetic power of Job courses through these chapters. What would have become of Job had he not learned how to express his feelings? Had he bottled up his emotions, an explosion much more harmful would have happened.

How are you when it comes to expressing authentic feelings? Be open to express your pent-up feelings in a positive, healthy manner. Pour yourself out in creative prayer.

Job 29—31

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Compassion rising from me 31:16ff

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the season of Lent this year we read Job 22 to 37; 41-42.

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 Jeremiah 42:1-6.

Fear infected God’s people as they witnessed the power of the king of Babylon stretching everywhere. Jeremiah was sought out to find God’s will, yet when he found it, the people rejected it. Despite their promise to do whatever God would say through Jeremiah, they did what they were told not to do—seek safety in Egypt.

No matter how many “kings of Babylon” are coming against you, God can turn any evil design to God’s own ends. God not only is not far away from what is threatening you, but also is present within these forces, ready to turn them to your advantage and salvation. But you must obey, not seeking safety in any Egypts in your life.

Make this reading personal to you. What is coming against you? Are you seeking refuge apart from God?

Jeremiah 42—45

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the season of Lent this year we read Jeremiah 36-52.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Blooming where I am planted 42:10

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.

Some nibble at “The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil” and approach Jesus. They bait the Lord, inviting his comment on the atrocity that Pilate committed in massacring some political protesters from Galilee. Part of the Original Sin of humankind is to presume to interpret and judge the evil that is outside of us, such as the friends of Job did.

Not only does Jesus avoid falling into this trap, but also he turns the energy of the conversation back upon those who started it. The evil that is inside oneself is the evil from which to repent. Recall the words of Jesus in Matt. 7:3–4 and Luke 6:41–42 about the speck in your brother’s eye and the plank in your own.

The earth is thawing and changing from within through the power of the warmth of the springtime sun. Go within yourself. God’s love thaws out places that still resist repentance.

Luke 13:1–9

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: My life as bearing good fruit v. 6

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.