Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and Judges 4:4-10.

Various judges introduce themselves in this book—heroes who single-handedly take charge and win over enemies. They are fearless, bold, and risk-taking. There is one exception to this, however; they are very aware of the power and the presence of God who gives them wisdom, discernment, courage, and whatever else needed at each moment.

They are constant examples of one basic principle in the spiritual life: fidelity means victory; faithlessness and idolatry mean defeat. The judges do not go it alone. They have a deep sense of the presence of God who is always with them. Learn from Deborah, the first woman “General” in the Bible, and Supreme Court Justice to boot!

Today, think about how you face the challenges in your life. You are not alone.

Judges 3—4

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: The battle belongs to You

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the Winter Season of Advent to Epiphany this year we read Judges, Proverbs 4 6.

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 Isaiah 41:8-10.

Look for quiet times of the day, perhaps in the morning. If it is evening, let the first two candles of an Advent Wreath push back the darkness that moves in more and more to take light from the day as winter comes. Make an Advent Bible Journal for yourself so that you can note spiritual movements in your soul.

Prepare such a prayerful setting as you read Isaiah, the blessed Advent prophet. This chapter begins with all of the cities by the Mediterranean shore as witnesses to the goodness of God in raising the pagan Persian King Cyrus to lead the Chosen People back to their land.

Do you sometimes think that things are just not working out for you in the deep, quiet, places in your heart? Do you relate to being in a kind of exile at times? Pour out your feelings to the Lord and let God lead you “home.”

Isaiah 41

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the Winder Season of Advent to Epiphany this year we read Isaiah 40 – 55.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: You chose me; I’m Your servant. v. 9

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.

If you find yourself caught in the humdrum of your own expectations of how things are going to be, then Advent is the time to be shaken to new awareness. The Lord wants to leap into your world and offer you the power to change it.

This shaking is not an outer violence, but an inner one. If you are alone, lost and thirsty in a desert, then the faint voice of another promising to lead you out will be very refreshing. This is the voice and water of John.

Listen to the beginnings of this Gospel, which shall be with us this year. Your heart quivers as you hear these words with millions of believers throughout the earth. God is up to something great for you in fire and in the Holy Spirit.

Mark 1: 1–8

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Prepare the way of the Lord. v. 3

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
During the Winter Season of Advent to Epiphany this year, we read the Gospel of Mark, chapters 1-2.

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.