Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and Proverbs 29:1-11.

 Imagine walking along a path when suddenly a dear friend whom you have not seen in ages comes toward you. As soon as you recognize who it is, you stop in your tracks for a moment, then rush toward the person and embrace in affection.

Proverbs are similar to these encounters. Deep in your spirit, there is already a longing for close union with God. Perhaps the concerns of your world have deprived you for a long time from being with the Lord, for whom you were created—the ultimate friend of your soul. As you walk through your day, these twenty-seven expressions from your friend, the Holy Spirit, greet you along the way. Their truths bring you to a full stop. Spend a few minutes embracing these words from the Lord. Then continue to walk with the Lord more closely, more deeply, for the rest of your day.

Proverbs 29

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Anger quietly withheld v. 11

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the season of Pentecost this year we read Proverbs 27—29 and 1 Chronicles.

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 Amos 3:1-8.

Watch the power in one Hebrew word—Galah: “to reveal.” It literally means, “to uncover,” “to remove.” The Hebrew Scriptures often use this word for exposing the nakedness of someone, or to strip something bare. It is also the word used to take people into captivity, making them naked to their enemies. The protective covering of the homeland is wrenched away. Of the ten times that Amos uses the word, all have this meaning, except the meaning of “reveal” in the verse for the day.

The strong sense of action in the word galah suggests the power that comes upon the prophet as he experiences the naked word of God exposed to him. The early 8th century B.C. thundering voice of Amos also becomes a written word; Amos will lead the way in making prophecy a literary form.

What unique word is the Lord uncovering for you today?

Amos 3—4

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…

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.

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit offers the very presence of God to our own souls. With this presence, comes the action of God upon our lives. The Spirit is our advocate, counselor, lawyer, advisor, teacher and here— our guide. Many roles that we assign to others in our lives are gathered up in the Holy Spirit who leads us further and further into the mystery of all truth. Where the Spirit is, there is also the Father and the Son. The heart embraces the Trinity, unable to be grasped by the mind.

In 1334, the church named the Sunday after Pentecost as Trinity Sunday. We contemplate the whole mystery of what God has been doing as the Father in creation (Advent-Epiphany), the Son in salvation (Lent-Easter), and now as the Holy Spirit in sanctification (Pentecost).

John 16:12–15

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Embracing the Trinity

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