Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and Joshua 14:6-15.

Deeds of land of the Twelve Tribes are described. However, the lands are unlike those that are bought with a bank’s money as a mortgage—a “death-pledge” upon it. These are inherited lands given by God alone to God’s chosen people through Moses.

We live in a society where we earn, buy and sell possessions and properties; only then do we will them as inheritance. But the Psalmist declares in 89:11 “The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours; the world and all its fullness.” Today be aware of all that you have as given to you by the Lord. You have something greater, given by the death of Jesus on the cross. He is the inheritance of God—a “life-pledge.” Christ shares this with you in the inner Kingdom where he calls us to live by this outpouring of God’s love. Approach with the Magi and adore.

Joshua 13—14

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: You are my inheritance 13:14

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the seasons of Advent to Epiphany this year we read Joshua and Proverbs 1—3

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 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.