Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and the Gospel.

Seeing is much more than simply noticing that something or someone is before you. It involves how you receive, understand, and are moved by what is there. More than eyes, the heart is the organ of sight.

We begin this final thirteen-week season that stretches before us with Jesus at a dinner with Pharisees “watching Him closely.” Imagine their squinted eyes and knitted brows as they behold Jesus’s every move. These are not the wide-eyed eyes of those lost in wonder at the presence of God in Christ; rather they are the strifefilled glances of judgment, condemnation—stares that want to bind Jesus as tightly as the eyelids pressing about their eyes.

How do the eyes of your heart receive the teaching of Jesus about the etiquette of dinner invitations? Are you open to see beneath and beyond the world into the Kingdom? This week, be aware of your senses of sight and smell.

Luke 14: 1, 7–14

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Make me humble and simple. v. 11

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

Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and Luke 19:1-10.

Ancient Rome used to hire tax collectors called publicans to be sure that Jews in the time of Jesus paid revenue to the Empire. Often, as in the case of Zaccheaus, they were themselves Jews. They were looked upon as betrayers. Zacchaeus was hated all the more, for he was subcontracted as a manager to further organize the process. One imagines him taking advantage of his short stature, as he moved among the people, literally keeping a low profile.

But not today: Jesus is passing by! The Holy Spirit shakes him into a spontaneous, intense desire to see the Lord. Jesus rejoices in Zacchaeus’s vulnerability in climbing a tree to see him; the Lord becomes spontaneous and open with him as well, inviting himself to Zacchaeus’s house.

Will you move beyond what people think and take risks to know and love Jesus? Will you go out on a limb for Jesus today?

Luke 19:1–27

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Out on a limb for Jesus v. 4

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the season of Pentecost this year we read Luke 9—19:27.

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 Hebrews 12:1-2.

Chapters of instruction now shift to exhortation in the last two chapters of Hebrews. Savor the love of the writer as he longs that the final expressions of his letter ignite readers with a holy enthusiasm for living in Jesus. There is great beauty here. Take time to let each verse soak your soul; every one could be selected as a verse for the day. Which one will most move your heart?

The reading is especially appropriate as summer ends. Children will soon return to school and familiar schedules of home life will come once again. Take the reading as encouragement for the weeks to come. The final season of the year, Kingdomtide, begins next week. How could you more perfectly live in Christ’s heavenly kingdom now, because of what you take to heart from God’s Word today?

Hebrews 12—13

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Making straight paths for my feet v.13

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the season of Pentecost this year we read 1 Timothy and Hebrews.

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.