Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and Isaiah 27:12.

As we enter the final week of Pentecost, feel an inward lift in this glorious chapter of Isaiah. If you had a chance to have vacation by the sea, picture the vast expanse of ocean with all its mysterious depths as you hear about the end of ancient sea monsters—symbols of all the chaotic energies of water first subdued in the creation story in Genesis. God will triumph over all enemies. You can be part of that restored people of which Isaiah speaks. If your vacation has been to the mountains, let that place be a symbol of the spiritual mountain where the New Jerusalem rests.

With your spiritual “metal detector,” scan the verses of this chapter of strength and renewal before the next section of Isaiah to come in Kingdomtide. There will be more challenges for you not to fall into the woes predicted for those who are obtuse to God.

Isaiah 27

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the season of Pentecost this year we read Isaiah 13 – 27; Lamentations 1 and 2 in the Ninth Week.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Clinging to Thee for safety v. 5

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 Gospel.

Peter answers with true, Spirit-filled spontaneity, not with his usual fleshly impulses. The Father through the Holy Spirit gives him revelation-knowledge about who Jesus is.

Be there. As you respond in faith to who Jesus is for you, know that it is the Spirit that makes faith have flesh in you.

Jesus is in the northern part of Galilee in the ancient city of Caesarea Philippi. It lies spread out on a terrace 1,150 feet about sea level. To the northeast Mt. Hermon rises in splendor to 9,100 feet. To the south the fertile Jordan valley stretches. The city was a center of Greco-Roman Civilization, as well as a place associated with various Semitic deities. Picture the setting. Jesus stands against the background of ancient pagan gods—a fitting place for him to inquire of his disciples about who he is.

Peter answers with true, Spirit-filled spontaneity, not with his usual fleshly impulses. The Father through the Holy Spirit gives him revelation-knowledge about who Jesus is.

Be there. As you respond in faith to who Jesus is for you, know that it is the Spirit that makes faith have flesh in you.

Matthew 16:13–20

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: The rock within this moment v. 18

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
During the Seasons of Pentecost and Kingdomtide, we read the Gospel of Matthew.

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.

There need be no fear as you read these chapters, referred to as “Isaiah’s Apocalypse.” It is not “Apocalypse Now,” but “Apocalypse When.” In figurative, rather than literal language, Isaiah prophesies that God will come against unrepented evil.

But for now, God’s mercy is in full measure. God wants you to put an end to unrepented sin in your life, lest such sin put an end to you!

Isaiah wants the power of the images to make deep impressions upon you. There can be much denial in how sin gets to us. Isaiah’s poetry can loosen the hold that any sin has upon you. Do not get stuck in guilt; guilt is a gridlock that freezes movement into the eternal life that can be yours now.

The chapter sounds like the reversal of the power of God in the creation account in Genesis. The truth is that unrelenting, unrepented sin destroys the beauty of God’s creation. However, there is still time! Be loosened by the sweet joy of repentance.

Isaiah 24

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the season of Pentecost this year we read Isaiah 13 – 27; Lamentations 1 and 2 in the Ninth Week.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Praising You for rising sun v. 15

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.