Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and 2 Chronicles 24:1-7.

A most unholy family rules Judah—Jehoram, his son Ahaziah (also called Jehoahaz) and Jehoram’s wife, Athaliah. The utmost of brutal power and idolatry infect God’s people. The gushing forth of Jehoram’s intestines bear witness to the maxim: “As you live, so will you die.”

There are echoes in the protection of Moses and Jesus in their births as you read about the divine protection of Joash during the reign of the wicked Athaliah. He repairs the Temple and restores proper worship for God’s people. How sad to hear about how he ended his life, slipping into the apostasy that had driven its way into his life from previous generations!

In 2 Chronicles 23:19 we read: “(Jehoiada) stationed the gatekeepers at the gates of the house of the Lord so that no one should enter who was in any way unclean.” Pray that no similar intergenerational sin have any effect upon you.

2 Chronicles 21-24

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: I will not forsake You, Lord. 24:20

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 12:10-14.

Arrogant shepherds appear at the beginning of the reading, boasting as the Pharisee in yesterday’s parable. Hear the Lord’s outrage against such ones.

We are reminded of the suffering of Jesus, as we encounter verses from this prophet that Matthew and John have on their hearts in their passion narratives (Matt 27:3 ff; John 19:37).

Listen for the sounds of mourning that rise up from the people as they grieve—sounds in harmony with the expression of sorrow of the Publican of yesterday’s Gospel. Chapter 12, verse 10 reminds us that the Holy Spirit stirs such groans as birth pangs of the new creature you will become when you are dead to self.

Zechariah 11—12

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: Looking on the one I’ve pierced. 12:10

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.

 Listen this week for the sounds of the sweet song that rises from the soul of the dead self. We begin with the parable of “The Pharisee and the Publican.” These two figures contrast the garish song of vanity of one with the humble chant of repentance of the other; between pride and humility, between true and false worship. The week’s readings will be filled with these contrasts—simply put, between good and evil.

Luke’s parable could have begun with him saying, “Two men went up to the Temple to pray; one did, the other didn’t.” The protestations of thanks on the part of the Pharisee are empty echoes on the walls of the temple of self-righteousness, pride and ultimately the vilest form of idolatry—self worship under the guise of prayer.

Enter the depths of your own soul and listen there to the music the Spirit makes.

Luke 18:9–14

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Turning inward to my God v. 13

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.