Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and 1 Kings 3:5-14.

 Solomon’s greatness lies in his prayer. Here, as in later chapters, he can be a model for your prayer. He had his priorities in order as he presents himself as the new king. As you read the vivid story beginning in 3:16, marvel how a shift in the ways of looking at a situation can give wisdom.

Is there something or someone that you need to look at from a fresh point of view? Pray as did Solomon and wait for the Lord to show you. God will respond because in Christ Jesus, you are a priest, a prophet, and a king. You may find it helpful to write out your prayer, waiting for the Lord to share responses through your hands.

1 Kings 3—4

Examples of Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Grant me, Lord, understanding. 3:9

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In this season, Proverbs 20-21; 1 Kings

For the next several weeks, the Firestarters will be from the original version of this program. For these 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 Hosea 5:1-7.

One’s property for an Israelite was one’s inheritance. To tamper with this was to touch something sacred. Deuteronomy 27:17 proclaims, “Cursed is the one who moves his neighbor’s landmark.”

The wickedness of idolatry described in today’s passage tampers with the sacred boundaries of worshiping the Lord alone. Other interests, passions, and gods have come on the scene displacing the only spouse of the soul there is.

Reflect on forms of idolatry in your life. Repent. Cast them out in the name of the One who longs to share the divine inheritance with you. It is an affront to the living God to be indifferent to God’s love.

Hosea 5

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Tampering with the Sacred 

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In this season we read Hosea; in the 9th week, we read Lamentations 3.

For the next several weeks, the Firestarters will be from the original version of this program. For these 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 reading.

When there is a storm at sea, the surface is where it is felt. Far below, the water currents move silently, slowly, untouched by outer weather.

The disciples become frightened at the storm on the lake. They focus more on the waves outside of the boat, than on the One who is in the boat with them. The surface of their souls is tossed back and forth; they forget that deep inside their beings there already is a great calm,

Renew the gift of your life to Jesus. The Lord lives inside you. While he may be “asleep” to your situation that is tossing and turning you about, he is there. Go to that place of calm and cling to Jesus.

Mark 4:35–41

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: In my fears, You are with me. v.38

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year B, we read from the Gospel of Mark

For the next several weeks, the Firestarters will be from the original version of this program. For these 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.