Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and Job 41:1-11; 42:1-6.

The Book of Job concludes with God’s invitation to Job to contemplate one of the wonders of the world. Leviathan, the great sea monster, is presented for Job’s and our admiration, with the underlying awareness that God is the creator of this awesome creature.

The secret behind Job’s restoration is his humility and total abandon to the majesty of God. He repents from all pride and undue anger. His three “friends” receive a rebuke from the Lord. God condemns the arrogance behind their ways of thinking; yet they still have the means to repent.

Job has come full circle. Blessings of life and children return for him. It took much pain and anguish for him to get to that place. So may you find life through your suffering. Jesus found risen life for you in his.

Job 41—42

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: All of life a miracle 41:1ff

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 51:1-11.

[Note: With the exception of verses 28 to 30 of ch. 52, all of that chapter is duplicated in 2 Kings 24:18 to 25:21 and 25:27–30, considered on Monday of the Twelfth Week in Kingdomtide, Year B.]

Babylon takes its place along with Sodom, Gomorrah, and Nineveh as wicked cities in the ancient world. With the exception of the conclusion of chapter 51 from verse 59, almost every verse details the destruction of this ancient city.

Not only is human vengeance at work, but rather divine interventions against Babylon. Yet there is still hope that the city will repent and be saved.

What other verses do you find that rise up as respite from the poetic waves of God’s justice? These verses are themselves as a siege against the city. They pound at your own soul, lest there be anything as Babylon in you that needs to be destroyed. As the refiner’s fire, may the pure gold of who you are in Christ shine forth.

Jeremiah 51—52

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: Mourning for those in exile 52:1ff

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 Luke 22:39-53.

Jesus arrives at Jerusalem, carried upon a donkey—sign of royalty. The King is taking possession of the Holy City, soon to become the heavenly Jerusalem.

Palm Sunday is a day with mixed emotions. There is the clear joy of the triumphal entry, but soon the crowd’s cry will change from “Hosanna” to “Crucify Him.” How the winds of the public can change!

The contrast of feeling is present in the liturgy of Palm Sunday—the exuberant beginning, then the later sober reading of the Passion. Become present to the two apparently conflicting emotions of joy and sadness. Both are true in our lives, whenever we love greatly.

Spend time Palm Sunday afternoon and evening with the movements of the Passion of Jesus according to Luke.

Luke 22:14—23:56

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Not my will but Yours be done. 22:46

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.