Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and Mark 12:38-44.

[From the original version]

The 1990s saw an increase of Christians converting to the religion of Islam in the United States; some even saw it then as the fastest growing religion. Film clips show large groups bowing in the direction of Mecca as they paused for prayer various times in the day.

Christians often fail to present a truly distinct way of life, an orderly and timely way to pray, and an authentic, public witness to Christ. What we believe and what we do is often much too private.

An observant Jew prays this verse every morning and evening: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deut. 6:4–5). May you and your loved ones embrace the spiritual disciplines suggested yesterday.

Mark 12:28–44

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Widow giving all she had v. 44

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels. This year, we generally read
from the Gospel of Mark, this season, chapters 10 to 16.

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.

[From the original version]

Common themes flow through the readings of the week: faithfulness to prayer, good works, having a spirit of trust, not complaining when difficulties take place. We are encouraged in ways similar to those John Wesley uplifted for the early Methodists in “The Ordinances of God:” the public worship of God, the ministry of the Word, either read or expounded, the Supper of the Lord, family and private prayer, searching the Scriptures, fasting or abstinence.

May these spiritual disciplines work their way deeper and deeper into your life, healing you wherever there may be fear, anger, or grief over your past. Read slowly the last two verses of this chapter; they will be a soothing balm to your spirit and make it possible for an unshakable joy to well up in your soul.

2 Thessalonians 1

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Giving thanks for those who love v. 3

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In season of Kingdomtide this year,
we read 1 and 2 Thessalonians; Revelation 4—11.

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 Psalm.

Tap here for a video meditation on Psalm 87.

[From the original version in the book]

 If you want a copy of your birth certificate, you write to the place where you were born. This city or town is special in your life. The same sense is felt in this psalm. How proud is the one who finds his birth certificate in the registry of Zion!

Hebrews chapter 12 from verse 18 is a New Testament parallel to this passage. To be born into Christ means that you are born into Zion, the heavenly city. It is in Christ that your life really begins.

When the disciples return from their first missionary journey, they rejoice that the power of Jesus is with them. In Luke 10:20, Jesus says that even more important—their “names are written in heaven” … Where to go for your true birth certificate!

Psalm 87

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: My name inscribed in heaven v. 6

We follow a reading of the Psalms in numerical order.

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