Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and Isaiah 5:20-24.

Hebrew poetry is at its best here, as Isaiah unfolds an image familiar to his listeners. There is tenderness in the poetry, especially in those verses where God’s hurt, pain and frustration about his withered vineyard are most expressed.

What kind of fruit has your life been giving? Wait … Ask God to tell you. Perhaps you do not discover much fruit, but only ornaments as on your Christmas tree. No matter; God can transform all in the coming year.

When we are hurt and frustrated, our moods and feelings change rapidly. So too with God, in whose image we are made. Feel the shifts and changes in the movement of God’s heart. Worship. Take hold of God’s hand stretched out to heal.

Isaiah 5

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: Humble eyes reflecting joy v. 15

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.

Joseph, a dream, and Jesus—again we find meaning in relating this story to the saga of the patriarch, Joseph, read on Saturdays.

Today’s reading is the sequel to the account of the Magi and Herod proclaimed next week on Epiphany Sunday. We read of the aftermath of Herod’s rage in the terrible massacre of the Holy Innocents and the safe refuge of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in Egypt. From the very beginning, Jesus is one with his people, at first protected in Egypt, then delivered from the slavery that would develop.

Follow the journey of the Holy Family to and from Egypt; join them as they settle in Nazareth for the long, quiet years of the presence of God in Jesus. He becomes ready for the saving ministry that will unfold.

As you quietly live each day, God continues to prepare you for your unique ministry that is unfolding.

Matthew 2:13–23

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: With the Holy Family v. 14

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 45:4-15.

Before you is one of the most tender, touching passages in the whole Bible. Absolute forgiveness and love on Joseph’s part astounds his sinful brothers and plummets them into a wholly new way of living.

This reading comes on or about Christmas. Approach it as an anticipation of the total love and forgiveness of Jesus. Joseph is a figure of Jesus. As Joseph presents the meaning of his existence to his brothers, hear Jesus saying these same words to you.

Perhaps you have been unfaithful to Jesus, as Joseph’s brothers were to him. The love and acceptance of Joseph is found in infinite measure in Jesus. All you can do is be stunned by this grace. Rejoice along with Jacob, after his heart stood still.

Genesis 44:18—45:27

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: “It was God who sent me here.” 45:8

The above passage is Part A of three parts of the
Sabbath Torah portion, Vayiggash (And He Approached)
Here is the complete Torah portion:

Gen. 44:18—47:27

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