Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and Proverbs 31:10-31.

A diligent, loving, serving wife is uplifted for us in the conclusion of the Book of Proverbs. Throughout the listing of the many activities and qualities that make her so admirable, weaving is central. The verses themselves carry joy and peace to weave themselves into your spirit. There is a pattern to the poem, an acrostic. Each of the twenty-two verses begins with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

The Book of Proverbs itself has been a thread stitching the four seasons together over the three-year cycle. With this poem at the end of the cycle, may you find a special energy and peace as you seek to imitate what this woman did in her call to do God’s will, with your own call to discipleship. She is highly organized, yet not compulsive. Surely, she discovers the presence of God in her activities. Pray that the same be true for you.

Proverbs 31

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: You are my help all my life. v. 12

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 Zephaniah 2:3-4.

The meaning of the name of this prophet will bring you comfort: “The Lord Protects.” The deeper sense is that of God hiding you from the attacks of The Enemy.

Zephaniah’s message is a transition from the previous eight Minor Prophets and their words of judgment, to the final three prophets and their message of salvation and restoration. Still, the words are strong. Let them awaken you from complacency, just as the words of Jesus in yesterday’s Gospel.

The prophetic message comes in the form of a dialogue between God and Zephaniah. There are seven units. You will hear the words of God in the first person singular, and those of Zephaniah’s response in the third person; this is especially so when he describes “The Day of the Lord” when God’s justice will ultimately prevail.

Zephaniah 1—3

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: O Lord, Your love calms my fears. v. 17

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.

Pinging sounds of acorns on the sidewalk awaken a soul sensitive to silence; so let the words of Jesus summon your to the response of absolute love for Jesus above all else.

Jesus turns and confronts the crowd, stinging them with his words, seeking to find out who among them will remain as disciples.

The word “discipline,” the root meaning of “disciple,” means, “to teach.” In this season when children go back to school, what is it that the Lord is teaching you about disciplines for a disciple? What new habits for learning can you develop to ensure that the everyday the Word of God will loosen from you what you need to forsake?

Luke 14:25–33

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: To give and not count the cost v. 28

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.