Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and James 1:16-21.

Weaving through Thursdays of Lent are the five powerful chapters in the letter of James. Almost every verse stands alone as worthy to be written and put in a prominent place for you to see. Return to these verses throughout the day as you walk through its hours. With each one, James will give you a nugget of wisdom that you will want to take with you for the journey from Lent to Easter, from struggle to freedom, from death to life.

This theme courses through the book: temptations bring strength to the inner life. Such was the case for Jesus, recalling last Sunday’s Gospel. Jesus won the victory over temptation where the children of Israel failed. Now he gathers all your struggles into his own, as he walks with you through the coming journey to victory.

James 1

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Quick to listen, slow to speak v. 19

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 130.

Whether you hit bottom or quietly rest at the base of your soul, there is no other place than your depths for crying out to the Lord. From there the psalmist stretches and tunes himself to God whom he trusts will hear him. Feel peace as the psalmist becomes fully aware that no sin or iniquity on his part will block God’s ears from hearing, or God’s heart from responding.

This is the eleventh of fifteen Songs of Ascent, chanted as Jews in joyous pilgrimage would go up to Jerusalem three times a year for Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles. Journey with Jesus from the desert to Jerusalem— from the wilderness where John the Baptist made his cries of repentance, to the heights of Calvary and death; from desert emptiness, to city strife. From there, the empty depths of the tomb will stretch to Resurrection and ascended life for you and me.

Psalm 130

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: My soul waiting for the Lord v. 6

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

Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and Job 23:1-17.

A third cycle of dialogues begins between Job and his so-called friends. Eliphaz is so convinced that bad things only happen to bad people, that he accuses Job of specific, grievous offenses. Loneliness augments Job’s anguish. No one understands; no one comforts. Job does not respond to Eliphaz, but simply proclaims God’s righteous judgments. Job talks about God, instead of speaking to God. His words come from deep conviction; yet comfort is still far away.

Highlight the golden gems in Job’s words in chapter 23 that come from his suffering. Taste the pain of Job in chapter 24. What feelings and images are stirred within you as you relate your life to Job’s life? There is relief for Job through writing; find the same for yourself.

Job 22—24

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Your words kept in my bosom 23:12

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