Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and Job 33:8-18.

 Perhaps you’ve been frustrated in the back-and-forth arguing with Job and his so-called friends. So is Elihu who now enters the conversation. For him, there must be an alternative to the intolerable debate that has been going on—a testy tug ‘o war wearing away at the souls of the listeners, as well as those involved in the contest.

Elihu is midway between the imperfections of human reasoning as evidenced thus far in the Book of Job, and the kind of responses that God offers in the concluding chapters. You will find humility and wisdom in Elihu, with many verses worthy of savoring as you prayerfully read the beauty of the poetry.

Go between the verses, into the silence, where the still, small voice of God will be speaking to you.

Job 32—34

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Teach me what I do not see. 33:32 

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 46:27-28.

Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah each write words of judgment against pagan nations. This year, every chapter in Jeremiah except the final one, is devoted to this. Beginning from the west with Egypt and moving east to Babylon, he singles out ten nations for judgment because of their arrogant abuse of power and their defiance of the God of Israel.

The section opens with the Battle of Carchemish by the northwestern portion of the Euphrates River. The year is 605 B.C. Egypt forever loses power in the region, overcome by Babylon.

Images of arrogance seek to shake loose any particles of pride in you. Find comfort in the Lord who is ever protecting you.

Jeremiah 46—48

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: Returning to quietness 46:27

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.

The center of Lent finds us contemplating perhaps the most beloved of Jesus’s parables:  The Prodigal Son. Reflect upon the challenge that the father has with his two sons. The brothers have likely been at odds with each other from early on; the older a “holier-than-thou” type; the younger, “spoiled rotten.” Into this setting comes a father at once delirious with joy that his beloved son has returned, yet shocked into sadness when he learns how “far away” the oldest son has been all along. 

Stop when you find your spirit moved in positive or negative ways. These are moments of grace. Identify with the persons in the story. The parable will touch your heart as you come home to your Father who loves you. Look around and discover in faith, the welcome-home party that God is throwing for you.

Luke 15:1–3;11–32

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Your looking with compassion. v. 20

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.