Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and Zephaniah 2:3-4.

The meaning of the name of this prophet will bring you comfort: “The Lord Protects.” The deeper sense is that of God hiding you from the attacks of The Enemy.

Zephaniah’s message is a transition from the previous eight Minor Prophets and their words of judgment, to the final three prophets and their message of salvation and restoration. Still, the words are strong. Let them awaken you from complacency, just as the words of Jesus in yesterday’s Gospel.

The prophetic message comes in the form of a dialogue between God and Zephaniah. There are seven units. You will hear the words of God in the first person singular, and those of Zephaniah’s response in the third person; this is especially so when he describes “The Day of the Lord” when God’s justice will ultimately prevail.

Zephaniah 1—3

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the season of Kingdomtide we read Habakkuk to Malachi.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: O Lord, Your love calms my fears. v. 17

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 Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and the Gospel.

Pinging sounds of acorns on the sidewalk awaken a soul sensitive to silence; so let the words of Jesus summon your to the response of absolute love for Jesus above all else.

Jesus turns and confronts the crowd, stinging them with his words, seeking to find out who among them will remain as disciples.

The word “discipline,” the root meaning of “disciple,” means, “to teach.” In this season when children go back to school, what is it that the Lord is teaching you about disciplines for a disciple? What new habits for learning can you develop to ensure that the everyday the Word of God will loosen from you what you need to forsake?

Luke 14:25–33

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: To give and not count the cost v. 28

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year C, we generally read from the Gospel of St. Luke.

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 Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and Deuteronomy 24:14-22.

Mercy and justice are blended in these laws of Israelite society. Laws of justice have changed; those of mercy and compassion have not. The essence of the motive for compassion is the word “remember” found in 24:19 and verse 22. The energy for compassion comes from solidarity with those whose lives are being diminished. Every person in need can present him or herself before you, prompting you to utter from your heart: “I’ve been there; I too have been a slave in Egypt.”

There we would continue to be, but for the mercy and grace of God upon our lives. Be a sacrament of love; be like Moses, who in the power of the coming Christ, led those in bondage in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land—the Kingdom that God is ever opening to you.

Deuteronomy 24:14—25:19

This is the third of three parts of the Torah Portion Ki Tetze (When You Go Out) 
Conservative and Reform Jewish congregations read only this part this year, 
as also in this Bible plan.
Here is the entire portion in all three parts. 
Deuteronomy. 21:10—25:19

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: You give rest from enemies. 25:19

The Saturday passages follow the reading list that Jewish people use in their synagogue worship
throughout the world. They are taken from
“The Torah,” the first five books of the Bible from Genesis to Deuteronomy
that are read each year beginning with autumn.

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