Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and the reading.

The Greek, hupogrammos, “example,” literally means an “underwriter.” Just as insurance companies have underwriters that support legitimate claims, so does Christ’s suffering and death give us the grounding and support to withstand unjust treatment that may come our way.

Rather than focus upon yourself as a victim of mistreatment, shift the focus upon a truth that gave the early Christians profound comfort when they were falsely accused. “They departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.” (Acts 5:41). There is no spiritual or physical suffering that you can experience that Jesus did not first endure. Find joy in being treated as Jesus, being one with him in his sufferings, so that you can be one with him in his resurrection.

1 Peter 2:11–25

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
A Sample from today’s reading:
The pure milk of the Scripture v. 2

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 a video meditation on Psalm 98.

The psalmist is a conductor of a symphony of praise. It would seem that unless he prays, the very praise of creation is inhibited.

Yes, you have a spiritual voice to sing a new song of praise everyday for a creation that is billions of years old. If you do not pray and work for the Lord today, there are some things that just will not be done at all. Ministry and the Lord’s work will be impaired.

You are a priest of all creation. Teilhard de Chardin, the noted twentieth century theologian and paleontologist, sees the world as an altar. Place upon it your praise, intercession, joys, and sufferings. The world will come to prayer through you.

Psalm 98

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

A Sample Bible Breath from today’s Psalm.
Light is a seed within me v. 11

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

Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and Ruth 4:11-17.

[The Firestarter is from the version for young people.]

We come to the end of our Tuesday story in Advent.  Ruth and Boaz marry and have the baby, Obed.  He’s the grandfather of King David.  It’s from the family line of David that Jesus will find his historical connection through Mary, his fatherly connection to God.  

Let’s think about what is obvious throughout this story: that God can take someone on the outside and bring that person into the center.  It’s like a basketball game that you’d like to get into, but you’re just standing on the sidelines.  You’d love to play, but you’re just not in the “in group.”  Then something happens.  Someone tosses you the ball and invites you in.  Then you make the final shot that wins the game—right from the center of the court!  Hurray, you’re a hero!  That’s what God did in this story of Ruth: a lady on the sidelines of all the actions gets to come into the center!  There’s hope for us!  

Ruth 4

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Your plan through generations

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

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