Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and the Gospel reading.

The solemn entry of Jesus into Jerusalem marks the gateway to his entry into the heavenly Jerusalem. The people of this central city of God will soon abandon their loyalty to Jesus as quickly as the branches thrown beneath Jesus will be brushed to the side and die.

We enter autumn, season of harvest and return to routines as defined by children going back to school. Soon the leaves will emit a final gasp of color before they die and lie strewn beneath your feet as you walk into this season and smell its unique fragrance.

Two episodes of action, the entry of Jesus into the sacred city and the table-turning in the Temple, frame a setting of stillness as Jesus weeps over resistant Jerusalem of earth. Soon will there be the foundations of the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven.

Walk with Jesus into the Kingdom; it is the name given to this sacred season.

Luke 19:28–48

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Lord, I join my tears with Yours. v. 41

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read Luke 19:28 to 24:53.

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 2 Timothy 1:1-14.

Beyond Timothy, the recipient of this warm and personal letter from Paul is the Spirit’s intent that this letter reach you just as personally. It is Paul’s “Last Will and Testament,” just as are the words of Moses in the Sabbath readings from Deuteronomy.

Take your eyes inward to those places where the frequent imperatives from Paul stir you to action. Respond as Timothy to the urging of Paul that Timothy “fan the flame” of the gift. Do the same with your gift for ministry—a gift that perhaps yet lies smoldering in the depths of your spirit.

The letter is one of great encouragement. Is there someone who will hang on your words of love and strength just as you and Timothy hang onto Paul’s words?

2 Timothy 1—2

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Lord, fan into flame Your gift. v. 6

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read 2 Timothy and Revelation 12—22.

For all the Firestarters in the original version, 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 Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and the Psalm.

Tap here for a video meditation
on Psalm 138.

 Muslims pause five times each day to pray. They face the great mosque in Mecca. Jewish synagogues face Jerusalem. The physical turning of the body toward these holy places elevates awareness that only God is center of life. There is a tradition of churches facing east, place of sunrise and symbol of the resurrection of Jesus.

Face the direction of your church. How does this feel? Sense the gentle tension in the sacred thread that joins you and your community to that place in your life. Let this be a symbol of your facing the Lord who is more powerful than whatever else you are “facing” in life.

David prays in the last verse similar to Paul: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil 1:6).

Psalm 138

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: I give You thanks with my whole heart. v. 1

We continue to read 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