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

Mary Magdalene, figure of the New Eve, weeps at the place of sin’s evidence. Robbery continues to be the only alternative, even in the face of two angels whom one would think would stir her to wonder. Place yourself in the scene so you can feel Mary’s desperation and then the release of joy when recognition comes.

The power of the resurrection is in the power of love. John describes this incident in language that recalls the lover seeking the beloved in The Song of Songs, 3:2. The New Adam, the Bridegroom, is here to join in wondrous love with his Bride, the Church—the New Eve.

Remember the questions of Jesus to the first disciples (1:38): “What are you looking for?” … to his arresters (18:4) and here to Mary: “Whom are you looking for?” Let the power of the resurrection stir you to seek for Jesus, lover of your soul.

John 20:11–18

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A sample from today’s reading:
Whom are you looking for?

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
During the Easter Season, we read the Gospel of John.

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 Acts 20:7-12.

As it was in Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit is at work in the early church. Watch for similar expressions; the power that Jesus had over death in the Gospels is the same power at work in Paul. Paul responds to the opposition to him in words similar to those of Jesus. Both preached in public. This new life is not a secret teaching to an elite group, designed to overthrow the government. For Jesus, nothing but the will of the Father was important; for Paul nothing but the task that the Lord Jesus had given him had any value.

The Lord has no favorites. The same power at work in Paul is available for you. What yet remains of what you need to surrender?

Acts 20

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Example: No value in life but You v. 24

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the Easter Season this year we read Acts 18:23—28:31.

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 Psalm 119:25-32.

The Hebrew word mitsvah is generally translated as “commandment.” The root tsavah means, “to establish,” “to constitute,” referring to the terms of a contract between persons in a relation of intimacy, such as a father to a son, or a teacher to a pupil. Here it is the relation of God to his beloved child—you. The term Bas/Bar Mitsvah is used when a Jewish girl or boy has become a “Child of the Commandment” at age 13.

The psalmist does not cower before the commandments of the Lord. Quite the contrary; his heart is enlarged by completing what the Lord wants. In a relation of love and intimacy, we long to fulfill the desires, the wants, and the commandments of the beloved.

Jesus has given us a New Commandment to love one another. Returning love to Jesus is eternally linked with showing love for each other.

Psalm 119:25-48

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: Heart enlarged by Your mitsvah v. 32

During the Easter Season this year we read Psalm 119 which has 176 verses.

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