Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and Joshua 18:1-7.

Before these chapters conclude with the rest of the lands apportioned to the remaining tribes, there is a simple notice given in the verse for today: the Ark of the Covenant has come to a place of rest; it has found a home. Just as the capital of a state or country is centrally located, so this city is chosen because it is near the center of the lands the Lord gave to the people. It is about 35 miles north of Jerusalem. The Ark will remain there for over 100 years until the Philistines capture it, as we read in 1 Samuel 4.

The tabernacle is the primary sacrament of the presence of God to God’s people. What do you have in your home and your life that reminds you of God’s enduring presence to you in Christ? During this Epiphany season, as the light of Jesus’s presence grows, do something to increase awareness—perhaps a star above your front door or an ornament that stays behind, after all the others have been gathered and stored in the attic.

Joshua 18—19

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: The ark at rest within me 18:1

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the seasons of Advent to Epiphany this year we read Joshua and Proverbs 1—3

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 Isaiah 8:17-22.

A child is promised who will be victorious over the enemies of the southern kingdom of Judah. The child’s name, Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz, means “The spoil speeds, the prey hastens,” prophesying that Syria and the northern Kingdom of Israel would soon be destroyed by Assyria.

The Lord will give you all the resources you need to withstand any enemy. There will be “children” for you in one way or another, who will continue to bear the name Emmanuel: “God-with-us.”

Immerse yourself in the presence of God until what is awesome in your life is not what is coming against you, but rather the One in whose sanctuary you find refuge and in whose presence you are at home.

Isaiah 8

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the seasons of Advent to Epiphany this year we read Isaiah 1-13.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Waiting and hoping in You v. 17

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 Gospel.

One time while camping with my family, I created an outdoor shower. I lashed a hula-hoop to the branches of a tree in three places, a shower curtain hanging onto it. A plastic bag of water previously heated by the sun, hung from above. It had a hose and showerhead attached—all the comforts of a shower at home … almost!

There were three points to keep the hula-hoop stable. Three gives stability. Is this another reason why sacredness and completeness are associated with this number?

In John’s gospel, the episode of Jesus’s first encounter with his disciples takes place on the middle day of three days. The first day is the meeting and baptism with John the Baptist; the third day is the Marriage Feast at Cana.

Feel this second day: transition from old water to the stability of new life, symbolized by the new wine.

Spend time with Jesus and the first disciples. He prepares a stable, new future for you.

John 1:29–42

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year A, we generally read from the Gospel of St. Matthew.

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.