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

Tap here for a video-meditation on Psalm 132.

A joyous restlessness comes upon the pilgrims as they recall David’s sleeplessness until he finds a place for God to rest. Feel their anticipation as they come closer to Jerusalem and the Temple.

Jesus will reign not from the Temple, but from the cross in the center of Calvary’s hill. From there he will come down, resting for a brief time in the tomb, then on to resurrection, ascension to the Father’s right hand, and descent in the Holy Spirit. The Lord seeks to rest in your own soul—his preferred temple. God will indeed find this place if you stop using your hands to build any kingdom other than God’s.

Rest in Jesus and he will rest in you. Then you will do great things for the Lord, for God will be the one doing the work in and through you.

Psalm 132

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: Going to Your dwelling place v. 7

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

Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and Job 31:16-28.

Job is totally on the defensive as he winds up his arguments with his friends. He is blind from seeing other alternatives to understanding. There are three false assumptions for Job: 1) that good things only come to good people; 2) that the dark world of evil would not attack him; 3) that God persecutes as well as prosecutes.

Just as the final movement of a symphony with the music in crescendo, the poetic power of Job courses through these chapters. What would have become of Job had he not learned how to express his feelings? Had he bottled up his emotions, an explosion much more harmful would have happened.

How are you when it comes to expressing authentic feelings? Be open to express your pent-up feelings in a positive, healthy manner. Pour yourself out in creative prayer.

Job 29—31

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Compassion rising from me 31:16ff

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 42:1-6.

Fear infected God’s people as they witnessed the power of the king of Babylon stretching everywhere. Jeremiah was sought out to find God’s will, yet when he found it, the people rejected it. Despite their promise to do whatever God would say through Jeremiah, they did what they were told not to do—seek safety in Egypt.

No matter how many “kings of Babylon” are coming against you, God can turn any evil design to God’s own ends. God not only is not far away from what is threatening you, but also is present within these forces, ready to turn them to your advantage and salvation. But you must obey, not seeking safety in any Egypts in your life.

Make this reading personal to you. What is coming against you? Are you seeking refuge apart from God?

Jeremiah 42—45

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: Blooming where I am planted 42:10

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.