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

Amid the many verses that convict in this chapter, James poses ten questions to us with responses that need to echo forth from an emptied self. If the walls of your soul do not bounce with the sound of these truths, there may yet lurk hidden sinfulness that muffles their tones.

The letter challenges us with its call to integrity. The final verse overcomes the apparent opposition between Faith Alone of Paul and Faith and Works of James.

James is strong, but loving as well. So would any best friend of yours be, who saw you doing something to tarnish the goodness of God meant to shine from you. Take to heart. Repent. Be healed.

James 2

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Poor in the world—rich in faith v. 5

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.

Tap here for a video mediation on Psalm 131.

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

Does it stretch the imagination to link this quiet, intimate song with throngs of noisy people on the move to Jerusalem? Surely, in the crowd there is many a mother needing to pause by the roadside to nurse her baby. At that moment, no need to think about catching up with the rest. Time stops as she gazes down upon her child— mouth slightly open, lips still dripping with milk as the baby dozes off to sleep in total satisfaction.

We typically need three meals a day to keep up our strength. Yet more than the food we eat is the nourishment we need from the Lord. Pause regularly in the journey of the day and the week to your Jerusalem. Be fed by the Lord. Rest. All that you need for total satisfaction is given to you right now.

Psalm 131

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: My soul like a nursing child v. 2

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 28:20-28.

Job rebukes his companions, proclaiming the power of God. Strife and dissension continue to mount and pervade this book. Arguing rarely brings resolution, for each person stubbornly holds on to his or her position. Job and his so-called friends strive to grab after the last word that will silence the others; but it never comes.

The tension causes Job to become so defensive about his innocence, that he becomes self-righteous. While innocent of the charges leveled against him, Job fails to see that he needs to learn something about his predicament. This will come when Job finally explodes with anger in God’s presence, ironically disposing him to the Lord’s words and the beginnings of peace.

Live the tension of these readings. You will be preparing yourself to hear God’s Words in the response of God that comes in the final passage on Tuesday of Holy Week.

Job 25—28

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Your living breath within me 27:3

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