Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and Luke 3:15-17, 21-22.

Each of the first three chapters of Luke’s Gospel begins with a time-reference, placing Jesus in the depths of history. The ministry of Jesus begins, with its preparation in the preaching of John the Baptist. He preaches to you, readying you along with the crowd about John. The prophecy of Simeon pierced Mary’s heart with the sword of suffering; so let the ax of John fall into the center of your being, unpacking the hidden recesses of sinfulness that may lurk there.

Jesus comes into the center of history, bringing transforming grace as earth and heaven unite in his Baptism. In Genesis 1:2,”The Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” So here does the Holy Spirit hover over the waters of the Jordan and brings forth a new creation in Jesus.

What needs complete transformation in your life?

Luke 3

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: My life’s tree bearing good fruit v. 9

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In Advent through Epiphany this year we read Luke chapters 1 to 8.

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 reading.

Open your heart to the Lord in the reading, asking God to reveal to you all the spiritual gifts and qualities that you have. Take an inventory of them, without shame or withhold. Break beyond the flesh thoughts that say: “I can’t do that,” into the realm of the Spirit where words of Paul well up from your Spirit: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13).

Take courage from today’s reading. What is in the way of accepting and loving others more fully? What are you holding onto that blocks that special feeling of peace, which is the confirmation within that you are walking in love?

May you be a vessel today through whom God is glorified.

1 Peter 4: 1–11

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: May my words be as Your words v. 11

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the seasons of Advent through Epiphany this year,
we read the letters of Peter.

For all the Firestarters in the original version, 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.

Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and today’s Psalm.

Tap here for video meditation on Psalm 101.

The psalmist has set out to clean his spiritual, inner house. He decides what stays and what goes, according to the faith awareness of God in his life. He does not even want to think of wickedness, for this distracts him from looking upon the Lord. He protects the boundaries of his soul.

Make a list of those things that you look at that need to change in view of this psalm. Think T.V. Even when the good one wins, it is not before all kinds of violence, lying, evil speaking, and intrigue move across the screen and across your soul.

Welcome holy thoughts of love and peace as roommates in your inner house. Return to the first verse and let your heart sing of loyalty and justice, and all the fruits of the Holy Spirit that come when you let the Spirit in.

Psalm 101

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: Joy for those whose heart is right v. 11

A Sample Bible Breath from today’s Psalm.

On Wednesdays we follow a reading of the Psalms in numerical order.

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