Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and the reading.

The cross is before us again, but this time, it is still and standing tall. Ground movement is over. The cross is at rest, lifted high to connect earth with heaven. John recalls Moses and the bronze serpent in the desert in Numbers 21: 9. This was the other pole up so that when the people would look upon it, the serpent would not bite them.

Go for the gold! Keep your eyes on the prize of the cross and you will find the strength to finish the journey and come to rest. Embrace verse 16 which has been called “The Gospel in Miniature.” This “Gospel Gold” needs to be committed to the memory of your heart.

Centuries ago, this Sunday was called “Laetare Sunday,” a mid-Lent “Sunday of Joy.” Let this mid-journey rest be filled with the joy of Jesus loving you so much, “… for the Bible tells you so!”

John 3:14–21

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: God so loved, He gave His Son. v. 16

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.

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 Nick read the Firestarter and John 8:39-47.

As bookends that hold what is between, so do vv. 32 and 58 of our reading hold the center together. The left “bookend” reads, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” The right one is: “Before Abraham was, I AM.” The center area describes the mounting conflict between the Pharisees and Jesus. As typical in John, the responses of Jesus are on another level, exalted words about what happens to those who adhere to Jesus. They shall “never taste death.”

In John’s Gospel, when Jesus uses the words “I AM,” John wants us to arc back to the very beginning of God’s liberation of God’s people in the Exodus when God revealed the covenantal name to Moses at the burning bush. The name of God given to Moses means, “I AM.” Jesus completes the ancient covenant in himself. All that God wants of us is obedience and adherence to the Lord by faith. Bonded to the truth, we shall then become free.

John 8:31–59

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Knowing truth; being set free v. 32

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the Seasons of Lent and Easter this year we read the Gospel of John.

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 Nick read the Firestarter and the reading: Colossians 2:6-15.

Human disputes, arguments, and debates pale in the face of what the cross has won for you and me. It is simply impossible to fathom the mystery of God redeeming us at the very moment when we were murdering God’s Son. The shadow of the cross lifted high on that Good Friday is meant to silence our attempts to understand. Silence before the cross is what we must keep, until we adore, wonder, weep, and witness to Christ’s love.

All legalism is meaningless. No keeping of rules and regulations, however holy they may be, can win us salvation. We are totally at the mercy of Christ’s enduring love. Nothing else need be said!

Read the words of Paul in this chapter as you let go of your ways of thinking. Put on the mind of Christ Jesus. May this mind sweep a deep peace within your heart.

Colossians 2

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: My sentence: nailed to the cross v. 14

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the Winter Season of Advent to Epiphany this year we read the Letters of John and Jude.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these Firestarters with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.