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

Jesus stands before his destiny. The hour has come. Judas is bound; Jesus is free. Total love takes over, as when Mary of Bethany pours out the oil of her gladness and love upon the feet of Jesus. Now it is Jesus who anoints the feet of the disciples with the waters of cleansing, regeneration, and service. There is a complete reversal here: the kingly one becomes the absolute servant.

Meditate upon the persons, the words, and the actions in this passage. Join the disciples. Let Jesus wash your feet. Ask the Holy Spirit to anoint your imagination with holy faith and profound sentiments of love for your Master and Lord.

Are there reversals of attitudes such as those of Peter that need to take place in your life? There is nothing like Jesus’s servant love for you to make this happen.

John 13:1–17

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Knowing what You’ve done for me v. 12

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In Lent and Easter 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 James 4:7-17.

Verse after verse stands on its own as precious truths and convictions. James uses a technique of balancing opposites in the opening verses. Just as dough is tossed back and forth from hand to hand, so do the parts of these verses move from side to side so that you, as dough, can be prepared for the oven of the Spirit.

James speaks plainly; that is one of the great benefits of his letter. Be vulnerable before truth, moving beyond guilt feelings that often come with awareness of sin, to the joy of being forgiven. A new life with the risen Lord comes in the Easter season.

A thought in keeping with the verse for the day: No one can assure you that today is not going to be the day that will appear on the memorial card for your funeral.

James 4

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: My life: a mist for awhile v. 13

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the season of Lent this year we read the Letter of James, and 1 Corinthians 14-15.

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 the reading.

Tap here for a video meditation on Psalm 133.

Whether it is Niagara Falls or the simple fountain in a park—flowing water makes for rest and refreshment. The psalmist discovers two images of flowing descent, similes for the pleasure of human life when people dwell as one. Catch the simple joy of noticing the crystal dew descending upon the awakening grass, replacing the white frost of winter. Feel the fresh descent of love and peace that this awareness brings.

How is it with you, your family, or the primary community in which you live? The Evil One makes frequent elbow jabs there, introducing strife. Memorize this brief psalm. Its anointing for love and intimacy descends upon you from above, passing through you, to those in your community you pray for by name.

Psalm 133

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: In loving: life forever v. 3

During Lent each year we read a third of the fifteen “Songs of Ascent”–
Psalms 120 to 134. This being year C, we read the final third: Psalms 130 to 134.

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