Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and Isaiah 6:1-8.

The fire of God’s Holy Spirit falls upon the quivering mouth of Isaiah, releasing the incense of prophesy. The first news is not good. The Lord reveals to Isaiah a people whose hearts have become as heavy and hardened as Herod’s.

Notice how quickly the move of the fire of God upon the prophet loosens him from the guilt and shame of his own sinfulness. Though made the more noticeable because of the contrast between human sinfulness and God’s immense holiness, Isaiah still allows God to do a new and wondrous work in him. He is ready to be sent. Shame is burned away; only the sweet smelling fragrance of being alive to God’s personal mission upon his life remains.

Pray until you are as ready as Isaiah to respond to the “whatever” of God’s will, with your very own “Here I am.”

Isaiah 6

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the seasons of Advent to Epiphany this year we read Isaiah 1-13.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Live coal of love on my mouth v. 7

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.

Energy enters into a search for God. Pagan foreigners peer into the skies, seeking meaning to the new star they discover in the heavens. They leave everything to discover where it is leading. They follow the star shining in their hearts, as well as the one in the skies.

At polar opposites are Herod and the Jewish leaders. Nestled in complacency and inner blindness, they are not interested in God’s new King, but rather are anxious that he might overthrow the tables of their own power. Fear and hostility enter and possess them.

How are you when it comes to some new entry of God into your life? Are you open to search the inner skies of your own possibility for some innovation and direction there, or are you tempted to be your own “king,” resisting God’s reign in your life?

Matthew 2:1–12

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Opening my gifts for You v. 11

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year A, we generally read from the Gospel of St. Matthew.

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 Genesis 48:8-16.

The final portion of the Book of Genesis contains the passing of the blessing from Jacob to the two sons of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh. As in the case of Esau and Jacob, the younger is preferred to the older. Joseph objects with strong feelings as his father switches his hands placed on the heads of these two boys.

The names of the two sons will help to understand verse 20 of chapter 48, a blessing whose importance is seen as a part of Aaron’s blessing (Numbers 6:22) and the opening of the Lord’s Prayer. The key lies in the meaning of the names of the sons: Ephraim, “Fruitful,” and Manasseh, “One who causes forgetfulness.” It is indeed a blessing from God to forget one’s painful, sinful past, and that one’s future be fruitful. Make this your prayer as you bless your loved ones.

Genesis 47:28—48:22

This is the first of three parts of the Torah Portion Vayhi (And He Lived).
Conservative and Reform Jewish congregations read only this part this year,
as also in this Bible plan.
Here is the entire portion in all three parts.
Genesis 47:28—50:26

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: You, Lord, my inheritance 48:6

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