Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and 2 Chronicles 7:12-18.

The glory of the Lord fills the Temple because of the abandoned prayer of Solomon. God was his first priority, and so the divine presence is full as temple life begins for God’s people. The verse for today is one of the most comforting in all the Old Testament. Humility and abandonment to God open the way for God to respond in like manner with forgiveness and healing.

The achievements of Solomon, just as those promised in yesterday’s reading, are the result of the Spirit of God at work in Solomon. Recall that Solomon’s first request was for wisdom, not wealth; the world sees this in reverse order.

Dedicate the temple of your body to God; the glory of the Lord will fill it.

2 Chronicles 7—9

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: God, forgive and heal our land. 7:14

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read Proverbs 30—32
and 2 Chronicles and Ecclesiastes 9—12.

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 Zechariah 4:1-7.

Rags of poverty on Joshua become rich robes. This is not his doing, but the Lord’s. Contrast the robes and rags of Dives and Lazarus in yesterday’s reading. The rich man’s robes came from exploitation, manipulation, and the denial of the balance that comes when we share God’s good things.

The task before Joshua the priest and Zerubbabel the governor is to work together with the Spirit providing the energy for the completion of the Temple and the reviving of God’s people after the devastation of exile. The olive trees symbolize what we would come to know as “church and state.” These are set before Zechariah who prophesies under the power of the Spirit.

What are the divine tasks that the Lord puts before you? You will be given the courage to face them, for it is not you who will complete them, but the Holy Spirit.

Zechariah 3—4

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the season of Kingdomtide we read Habakkuk to Malachi.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Complete Your temple in me. 4:7

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.

Rich and poor, good and evil, death and life, worship of self instead of God—there are stark contrasts in the readings for this week. The rainbow image from the Alphabyte suggests that we be alert to colors that would further the impact of all the readings upon your days. From the purple finery of Dives, to the garish colors of the dragon and the beasts of Revelation, your imaginations lead you through the inward senses of sight, sound and smell to the Lamb of God resting within.

Dives only saw the riches on his table. Blind to the beggar, he was blind to the Jesus present in the poor, recalling Matthew 25: “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty …?” The rich man did not see Jesus on this side of the grave; neither will he see Jesus on the other side. Self-absorption and self-worship—he will only have himself for all eternity: how tormenting!

Luke 16:19–31

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Carrying me in Your arms. v. 22

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.