Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and John 8:39-47.

As bookends that hold what is between, so do vv. 32 and 58 of our reading hold the center together. The left “bookend” reads, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” The right one is: “Before Abraham was, I AM.” The center area describes the mounting conflict between the Pharisees and Jesus. As typical in John, the responses of Jesus are on another level, exalted words about what happens to those who adhere to Jesus. They shall “never taste death.”

In John’s Gospel, when Jesus uses the words “I AM,” John wants us to arc back to the very beginning of God’s liberation of God’s people in the Exodus when God revealed the covenantal name to Moses at the burning bush. The name of God given to Moses means, “I AM.” Jesus completes the ancient covenant in himself. All that God wants of us is obedience and adherence to the Lord by faith. Bonded to the truth, we shall then become free.

John 8:31–59

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Example: Knowing truth; being set free v. 32

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the Seasons of Lent and Easter this year we read the Gospel of John.

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: Colossians 2:6-15.

Human disputes, arguments, and debates pale in the face of what the cross has won for you and me. It is simply impossible to fathom the mystery of God redeeming us at the very moment when we were murdering God’s Son. The shadow of the cross lifted high on that Good Friday is meant to silence our attempts to understand. Silence before the cross is what we must keep, until we adore, wonder, weep, and witness to Christ’s love.

All legalism is meaningless. No keeping of rules and regulations, however holy they may be, can win us salvation. We are totally at the mercy of Christ’s enduring love. Nothing else need be said!

Read the words of Paul in this chapter as you let go of your ways of thinking. Put on the mind of Christ Jesus. May this mind sweep a deep peace within your heart.

Colossians 2

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Example: My sentence: nailed to the cross v. 14

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the Winter Season of Advent to Epiphany this year we read the Letters of John and Jude.

For all the Firestarters 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.

Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and the Psalm.

For a video meditation on today’s Psalm created three years ago, Tap here.

“He pulled himself up by the bootstraps”—a familiar phrase, expressing the worldly value of making it on your own. However, picture it. As you pull upward on the straps of your boots, the upper body bends forward under the pressure. There is no pulling up at all, only an inner gridlock of energies pressing against themselves in frustration.

Reflect today on all your accomplishments. Who did the building: you, or God? God is meant not only to be the architect, but also the general contractor of your life’s work; otherwise, your efforts will be in vain. The psalmist explores thoughts similar to these as he sees Jerusalem and its Temple coming closer and closer.

A question for you if you have children: are you building the “houses” which are their lives, or are you teaching them that God’s will is their peace?

Psalm 127

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: You give Your beloved sleep. v. 2

In the Season of Lent this year we read Psalm 125 to 129.

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