Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and Proverbs 20:1-11.

We often consider an examination of conscience as a judgmental, knitted eyebrow, pointing the finger at our own soul, bringing up feelings of guilt and shame. The word comes from the Latin examen, which literally means the “marker on a scale.” Think of the careful, gentle look you give a postal scale to see if you need to add extra postage to that special piece of mail.

The scale, or a see saw, is how Proverbs are. Each side is balanced with its opposite. Read today’s proverbs slowly, placing your soul in the balance of each one, literally weighing your life according to the measure of each proverb.

Notice how your soul tilts as you pray them. Speaking of scales, beware of any double standards in your life. The ancient Greek philosopher, Socrates said: “The unexamined life is not worth living.”

Proverbs 20

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Honor to refrain from strife v. 3

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the Season of Pentecost this year we read Proverbs 20—21; 1 Kings.

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 day’s passage.

Marriage is the most intimate of relationships; that is how the Lord wants to embrace the people. Our Israelite ancestors were continually unfaithful. As a jolt to the people, God commands faithful Hosea, the prophet, to take a prostitute as a wife. His unfaithful wife is God’s way of confronting our ancestors with their infidelity.

The Lord longs to marry you in fidelity and love. Nothing less than total intimacy is God’s desire. At this very moment, God wants to refashion your soul-pain. What symbol does God use for you as energy to draw you closer to the Lord?

To love is to be poured out. The Holy Spirit was poured out, as Jesus’s blood was shed for you. “Till death do us part?” Not for Jesus … His death means life and union for you!

Hosea 1

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the Season of Pentecost this year we read Hosea; Lamentations 3 in the 9th Week.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Never forsaking the Lord 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 reading.

Bound by legalism, the Pharisees could not rest; they were always “working” at accusing Jesus, refusing to rest in him. There was always some other ordinance that must be kept. They were never satisfied, projecting that God also was never satisfied.

Jesus came to release us from bondage, setting us free to enjoy a continual Sabbath by exulting in life. Every day with Jesus is Sabbath rest, for he shares the yoke of our lives. “Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28).

Jesus is your Sabbath. Let him give you rest as he does his work in you. He came to relieve you of all other negative movements that work against the rest he longs to give you.

Mark 2:23—3:6

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Lord Jesus—my Sabbath rest.

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In the Season of Pentecost this year we read Mark 2—6; John 6.

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.