Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and Job 21:1-16.

Zophar is a good example of those so proud and opinionated, that their hearts are closed and rigid in the face of human suffering. Rather than be challenged by his thoughts and the suffering of his friend Job, Zophar is not sure that Job is good at all!

What is deceptive about Zophar’s speech about the outcome of the wicked is that it is true in so many respects. Again, the power of poetry abounds in the images of this great book.

Job’s energies are strong in his dispute with Zophar. Job questions Zophar’s position about the wicked coming to disaster. Job does not see it that way; look how often the wicked prosper!

Get beneath the arguments, to feelings and attitudes. Does today’s passage change your understandings about goodness and evil?

Job 20—21

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Praying for those despairing  v. 25

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the Season of Lent this year we read Job 15-21; 39-40

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 Nick read the Firestarter and Jeremiah 29:10-14.

Today’s reading provides clues for discerning the difference between true and false prophecy. False prophets speak of promises they cannot deliver; true ones speak of the consequences to unfaithfulness to God.

Listen to the letter of chapter 29 as though personally directed to you. Be compassionate with the lost. Pray in heartfelt intercession, moved by the tenderness of God. Does the Lord place anyone in particular upon your heart for prayer?

In the middle of the letter, a verse expresses profound love and tenderness on the part of God. May your heart, loosened, shaken, and sobered by this letter, receive this verse of comfort as a shining jewel in the midst of a rough, hard earth.

Jeremiah 27—29

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the Season of Lent this year we read Jeremiah 18 to 35.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: “I know th’ plans I have for you.” v. 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 Nick read the Firestarter and the reading.

The cross is before us again, but this time, it is still and standing tall. Ground movement is over. The cross is at rest, lifted high to connect earth with heaven. John recalls Moses and the bronze serpent in the desert in Numbers 21: 9. This was the other pole up so that when the people would look upon it, the serpent would not bite them.

Go for the gold! Keep your eyes on the prize of the cross and you will find the strength to finish the journey and come to rest. Embrace verse 16 which has been called “The Gospel in Miniature.” This “Gospel Gold” needs to be committed to the memory of your heart.

Centuries ago, this Sunday was called “Laetare Sunday,” a mid-Lent “Sunday of Joy.” Let this mid-journey rest be filled with the joy of Jesus loving you so much, “… for the Bible tells you so!”

John 3:14–21

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: God so loved, He gave His Son. v. 16

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.

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.