Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and 1 Chronicles 22:6-19.

(See 2 Sam. 24)
The Hebrew Scriptures have only three references to Satan by name; this passage has one of them. Apparently, David yielded to the temptation to rest on his laurels, numbering the men he could count on in battle. The focus for David shifted away from relying upon the Lord, to measuring strength in the number of men in his army.

The Chronicler’s purpose is to set the stage for the building of the Temple and the passing of the torch of this great work into the hands of Solomon. His name means “peaceable.” All those whose hands go into the building of the Temple need to be soaked in peace, and not in the blood of battle. The ultimate purpose of the people is to worship God; hence the list of those who contribute to worship and not to war.

Are you counting on God alone as the only one who can give you peace on every side?

1 Chronicles 21—23

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: “Be strong and of good courage.” 22:13

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the season of Pentecost this year we read Proverbs 27—29 and 1 Chronicles.

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 Micah 4:1-4.

Just as in last week’s passage, Micah uses shocking images followed by words of comfort to awaken God’s people to conversion. Wicked rulers have exploited the people as cannibals devouring human flesh. Images of this horrific practice continue in 3:1–5.

Chapter 4 marks a strong shift. The words are virtually identical to Isaiah 2:2–4. Abused by worldly power, God’s people will find themselves filled with strength from the Lord. Having been cast off to the margin, the powerless will find themselves in the center; worldly powers will be the ones on the sidelines.

The sharp contrast of poetic images call you forth to total freedom and availability for the saving work that God wants to do through you.

Micah 3—4

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the season of Pentecost we read Amos to Nahum with Lamentations 4—5 in the Ninth Week.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Beating swords into plowshares 4:4

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.

A Maltese dog used to be part of our household. At mealtime, he would sit with eyes focused upon me, waiting for the moment when a few morsels were tossed his way—eyes glued to mine. His whole being was nothing but watching and waiting.

The Lord uses similar images to call us to watch and wait for God’s nourishing word. More than scraps from the table, Jesus longs to give you his very life. This is the only absolute value, one that needs selling and letting go of everything else.

The element of surprise is imaged in the thief coming when least expected. The only alternative is to expect the Lord all the time. Now is the time when the Lord wants to touch you with the treasure of his presence.

Luke 12:32–40

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Where my treasure, there my heart v. 34

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.