Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and Esther 3:1-6.

Esther knows the power of fasting to produce spiritual focus and hunger for God alone. Fasting also brings solidarity with her people as they intercede for her even as she intercedes for them before the King.

Haman and Herod—evil rulers cut from the same cloth of pride, arrogance, greed and hatred of goodness. Contrast the wickedness of Haman and his intrigues, with the oneness of mind and heart of Mordecai and Esther. Agreement in prayer brings power: “Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:20).

With whom do you find oneness of mind and heart in your walk with the Lord? Deepen this companionship as you take the power of the Lord into the courts of the world.

Esther 3—4

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Called for such a time as this 4:14

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the season of Advent to Epiphany this year, we read Ruth, Esther and Proverbs 7 to 9.

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 61:1-7.

Epiphany light spreads out as the light of Jesus ignited in Bethlehem now lifts high before the whole earth. With the Baptism of Jesus, active ministry begins. Soon he returns to the synagogue in Nazareth. This Sabbath reading was handed to him, coming as readings of comfort and hope toward the end of the Jewish year in late summer.

The momentum of Epiphany builds; move with it. Are there personal aspects of your life or the lives of those close to you that could be described as in ruins?

Promises abound in this chapter. The Holy Spirit takes the inspired words of millennia meant for millions and tailors them just for you. When you hear the second personal pronouns from verse 10, are they not meant as though for you alone?

Isaiah 61

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Garland instead of ashes v. 3

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the seasons of Advent through Epiphany this year we read Isaiah 56 to 66..

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.

The early church found three Epiphanies of the Lord, contemplated this year on the first three Sundays of the New Year: The Magi, last week; The Baptism of the Lord, today; The Marriage Feast at Cana, next week.

In his baptism, Jesus begins the public ministry, taking on our sinful condition that needs to be washed clean. He descends into water as a sign of his death, rising and looking heavenward, in an anticipation of the resurrection.

Jesus takes us beyond water into the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. As you pray this passage, surrender to the power of the Spirit to have you descend into the waters of your chaos, which threaten to drown you, and watch the waters become sacrament of resurrection for you. Look how God turns death-bound attacks against you into steppingstones toward life.

Luke 3:15–17; 21–22

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Baptized with Spirit and fire v. 16

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year C, we generally read from the Gospel of Luke.

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.