Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and 2 Kings 23:1-3.

[From the original version]

In your imagination, transport yourself back 2,500 years when our spiritual ancestors were besieged and wrenched away from their homeland. Their homeland was also a God-land. Josiah takes radical steps to root out idolatry. The same purity of heart and God-like focus are essential today.

Those of us in the United States have no direct experience of a foreign invader coming against us to take us captive into exile. Yet a condition of spiritual exile exists for so many. The Holy Spirit will teach you about the Godly changes needed in our society and in your own life as well. The cover of God’s protection has so often been broken, not by foreign invaders, but by indifference to God and preference for self. This is nothing but idolatry.

2 Kings 23—25

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: My heart turning to You, Lord 23:25

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read Proverbs 22—23; 2 Kings; Ecclesiastes 5—8.

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 Daniel 11:36-45.

[From the version for young people]

Nations coming against nations: the theme continues in this part of the Book of Daniel, similar to Jesus’s predication that we read yesterday.

Think of it: a pagan statue from the altar to the Greek god, Zeus, is placed on top of this sacred altar of sacrifice in the Temple! How is that for meanness, pride and arrogance! In addition, it is a sacrilege—doing something awful with the things of God.

No need to be afraid as we read verses such as these. God is always in charge and once again, “The Lord will provide for you.” We are called to be gentle persons–loving, even our enemies–so that the goodness, love and mercy of God can flow through us. This love and peace will comfort us and will also flow out of us to touch others for whom we pray.

Daniel 11:29–45
Sample Bible Breath: Kingdoms of the earth shall end. v. 45

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year, we read the Book of Daniel.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…

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.

[From the version for young people]

The stones that made the foundation of the great temple in Jerusalem are still there, silently rising up from the ground. The temple was destroyed by a Roman Army in 70 AD. Can you image how sad that was? Jewish people today go to that part of the temple that remains called the “Wailing Wall.” There they pray and sometimes cry over the great loss.

Jesus today is talking about what’s going to happen at the end of the world. There will be a build up of enemy anger, with nations fighting each other. Don’t we see that happening these days! But still, we don’t need to be afraid, for the end is hidden from us, known only to God. Just keep on praying for God’s protection, and also that the human family will find itself living in the New Temple of Christ’s body which is the one risen body of Jesus all over the world.

Mark 13:1–8

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: One with all who are weeping.

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year B, we read from the Gospel of Mark

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.