Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and the reading.

 Water has various symbolic meanings in the Bible. In the Book of Genesis, it is a sign of chaos. As the Spirit brooded over the waters, limits to water’s movements were set beyond which they could not go, as the dry land appeared.

Over the waters of the Jordan, the Spirit broods once again, appearing over Jesus as he is baptized. The chaos of sin is limited as Jesus rises up on dry land. The space between earth and heaven opens and the voice of God is heard. Just as the dove came to rest when the waters of the flood receded, so does the Spirit rest on Jesus.

A new time of salvation came with Jesus’s baptism. He rose from the dead, that is the waters of sin, and brought you to new life in God’s Spirit. Rest on the dry land with Jesus on the other side of the Jordan. Follow him in the desert of temptations. Be with him as ministry begins.

Mark 1:9–20

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: I am Your beloved child. v. 11

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the Winter Season of Advent to Epiphany this year we read Luke 1-2; Mark 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 Nick read the Firestarter and the reading.

It was the first day of class in the twelve-year long course of studies to my ordination. The late Edwin Cuffe, S.J. entered the room. His gentle, kind voice flowed into the room: “Remember: the only teacher of your soul is the Holy Spirit.” Then he simply walked out!

John today speaks about “discerning the spirits.” Take time to give room for the Spirit to tell you about all other spirits, so that with serenity you can sift the soil of your soul and know how the Lord is at work. When you discern, it is not you who are doing this, but the Spirit of Christ.

While we need to think, consider, wait, weigh and then make decisions, let us yield from start to finish to the Holy Spirit at work throughout.

1 John 4:1–12

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Loving, for love is from God. v. 7

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.

The psalms are intimate prayers that join Jews, Moslems, Christians—everyone in the human family. Often, as here, the psalmist has big problems. He is aware of his enemies and begins to describe just how they are getting to him. Yet greater than the power of his enemies, the sacred writer rejoices in the power found in the name of the Lord. So awesome is this power, that Jews refrain from uttering the sacred name of God.

In Christ, we need not be so cautious. Jesus urges us to use his holy name. When prayed with faith and confidence, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead keeps you alive in God, and buoys up those people for whom you are to intercede.

When you are up against it and difficulties simply seem too much, stop—let go and place your faith in the power of the name of the Lord coming against all that comes against you.

Psalm 54

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: O God, You are my helper. v. 4

We continue to follow 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