Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and Job 36:13-23.

The sixteenth century Polish astronomer, Copernicus, demonstrated that the sun is the center, with the earth and planets circling about it. It was a revolution in his day. Elihu’s intervention does the same for Job’s world. Job is not the center: God is. Read today’s passage very slowly, so that your spirit will sense the shift, flowing easily along with his speech. Pause after his questions, so that any egocentric ways of thinking that you have will shift to a prayerful contemplation of God as the center of your world.

Yield to Elihu’s expression of faith and conviction. The images and poetry here will touch your spirit. Be open to the Lord who daily prepares you to receive God’s Word more and more. The concluding passage in Job comes next week, when God finally intervenes and does the talking.

Job 35—37

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Lured out of stress into peace 36:16

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the season of Lent this year we read Job 22 to 37; 41-42.

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 Jeremiah 50:17-20.

Throughout these judgments against the nations, the word against is used to describe the posture of these nations toward the Lord. The vivid descriptions of their downfall are all consequences of being against God.

Pride is sinful because it sets the self in opposition to God as though on an equal plane. Contests of power occur between the ego of the person, group, or nation. All of these are variations on the theme of the rebellion of the opposing angels, which has unleashed the cancer of pride into the earth and the human family.

Each verse flows over you, burning away anything in you as those arrogant nations, until you are totally limp and disposed for true spontaneity in the Holy Spirit. The Lord’s plan is to preserve and pardon you.

Jeremiah 49—50

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the season of Lent this year we read Jeremiah 36-52.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Boasting only in Your strength 49:4

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.

 We often find a way of expressing the quality of a spiritual experience through the sense of smell. “I don’t like the smell of this,” refers to some negatives discerned in a situation.

Two spiritual odors rise up in the incident of the supper with Martha, Mary and their brother Lazarus whom Jesus brought back to life. There is the aroma of extravagant love in the costly oil of spikenard; there is the spiritual stench of death in Judas’s greed, exploitation of the poor, and in the plot to kill Jesus. Yet the sweet smell of life and love fills the house, overpowering the stifling, musty smell of hatred and death.

Are you ready to be Mary, pouring out your life in loving service for others? Overpower the negative odors that seek to pollute the otherwise sweet fragrance of your own goodness—gift of the Holy Spirit.

John 12:1–8

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Fragrance of love, filling space v. 3

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.