Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and Ruth 4:11-17.

[The Firestarter is from the version for young people.]

We come to the end of our Tuesday story in Advent.  Ruth and Boaz marry and have the baby, Obed.  He’s the grandfather of King David.  It’s from the family line of David that Jesus will find his historical connection through Mary, his fatherly connection to God.  

Let’s think about what is obvious throughout this story: that God can take someone on the outside and bring that person into the center.  It’s like a basketball game that you’d like to get into, but you’re just standing on the sidelines.  You’d love to play, but you’re just not in the “in group.”  Then something happens.  Someone tosses you the ball and invites you in.  Then you make the final shot that wins the game—right from the center of the court!  Hurray, you’re a hero!  That’s what God did in this story of Ruth: a lady on the sidelines of all the actions gets to come into the center!  There’s hope for us!  

Ruth 4

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Your plan through generations

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the season of Advent this year, we read the Book of Ruth.

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 Isaiah 59:1-8.

[From the original version]

 Are you tempted to give up on God, saying to yourself: “He just doesn’t hear me?” Take the first verse to heart. Repeat it often until the power of its truth loosens comfort and joy within you.

Someone once said; “If God seems far away, guess who moved?” Verse 2 echoes this truth. Isaiah provokes and incites with his images, confronting us with the full awareness that sinful behavior places barriers that separate us from the Lord. Each of us is responsible for this separation.

Habits that break communion with the Lord tend to progress into circles that become more and more vicious. Isolation is the outcome. This Advent prophet will shake your foundations until you are resting only in the Lord Jesus who is about to come.

Isaiah 59:1–15a
Example: Your hand reaching out for me v. 1

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the seasons of Advent through Epiphany this year we read Isaiah 56 to 66.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Removing the blocks for peace v. 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.

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb.
And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit … v. 41 

Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and the Gospel.

[From the original version of the book]

 A masterpiece of the great sixteenth century artist, Michelangelo, stretches across the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome. At the center, God and Adam lovingly and longingly stretch out their hands and fingers to each other. The feeling of being freshly created is awesomely captured by the artist, as their fingers are separate, yet connected. In a similar sense is the visit with Mary and Elizabeth. John in his mother’s womb leaps for joy in the presence of Jesus, the new Adam inside Mary.

Clear away the debris in your heart that clutters the space between your heart and the heart of God in Christ. Then you will leap for joy at the desperate nearness of your Savior who is re-creating you right now.

Luke 1:39-55

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: My soul magnifies the Lord. v. 47

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.