Author: Nick

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The Day of Atonement – With Recording

Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and Jonah 4:2-11.

In the course of the years of seminary, God blessed me with the friendship of a cantor in the Reformed tradition, the late Sidney Venetianer. Along with his family, Sid became my life-long, devoted friend until his death in 1993. One Yom Kippur, I joined him in a complete fast of twenty-four hours, prescribed by the Torah for this day. That day sealed for me what has become a love for Judaism and a desire that we rediscover its profound rhythms for prayer, devotion to the Lord and openness to the ongoing flow of God into our lives.

The essence of the day is prayer and repentance, with the assurance that God is listening and merciful. It is a day of closeness in the Jewish Community, both those on earth and those beyond the grave, as remembrances of names of the community rise forth at the service on this day. It is a fitting day to visit a synagogue. As Christians, we bring the assurance of God’s forgiveness and atonement in Jesus Christ.

The Book of Jonah is read in its entirety on this day. (You will find Firestarters for this book in the Eighth and Ninth Weeks of Pentecost, Year C.)

Jonah 1-4

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Sifting till anger is gone. Jonah 4:10-11

The Saturday passages follow the reading list that Jewish people use in their synagogue worship
throughout the world. They are taken from
“The Torah,” the first five books of the Bible from Genesis to Deuteronomy
that are read each year beginning with autumn.

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

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Living for God Alone

Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and Mark 12:38-44.

[From the original version]

The 1990s saw an increase of Christians converting to the religion of Islam in the United States; some even saw it then as the fastest growing religion. Film clips show large groups bowing in the direction of Mecca as they paused for prayer various times in the day.

Christians often fail to present a truly distinct way of life, an orderly and timely way to pray, and an authentic, public witness to Christ. What we believe and what we do is often much too private.

An observant Jew prays this verse every morning and evening: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deut. 6:4–5). May you and your loved ones embrace the spiritual disciplines suggested yesterday.

Mark 12:28–44

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Widow giving all she had v. 44

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels. This year, we generally read
from the Gospel of Mark, this season, chapters 10 to 16.

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.

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Faithful to the End

Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and the reading.

[From the original version]

Common themes flow through the readings of the week: faithfulness to prayer, good works, having a spirit of trust, not complaining when difficulties take place. We are encouraged in ways similar to those John Wesley uplifted for the early Methodists in “The Ordinances of God:” the public worship of God, the ministry of the Word, either read or expounded, the Supper of the Lord, family and private prayer, searching the Scriptures, fasting or abstinence.

May these spiritual disciplines work their way deeper and deeper into your life, healing you wherever there may be fear, anger, or grief over your past. Read slowly the last two verses of this chapter; they will be a soothing balm to your spirit and make it possible for an unshakable joy to well up in your soul.

2 Thessalonians 1

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Giving thanks for those who love v. 3

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In season of Kingdomtide this year,
we read 1 and 2 Thessalonians; Revelation 4—11.

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.