Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter

Picture the Upper Room where Jesus is sharing the Passover with his apostles. This Last Supper becomes the First Supper of a New Creation. Something only from heaven is about to take place; divine communion and community is incarnated in our human flesh through the Sacrament of Bread and Wine.

Keep your awareness of communion and community central as you read these two chapters of Paul. They treat of both. Though we peer into the particular problems of the church in Corinth long ago, the essence of the issues of strife and competition rear their ugly faces in every time and place religious institution. May the power of Christ transform you by the radiant light of his love. Pray for the oneness of the world.

1 Corinthians 11—12

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: “This is my body for you.” 11:24

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the season of Lent this year we read Ephesians and 1 Corinthians 11-12.

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 124.

The final “Song of Ascents” for this year brings us near the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Jesus, Job, and the psalmist experience the onslaught of enemy power coming against them. Do you identify with them? Three images are uplifted that describe these enemies. Feel them. In what way do they serve to have you sense enemy power coming against you?

The final verse of the psalm has been used from earliest times in worship as a prelude to the final blessing. Meditate upon the blessings that will come to you when you know with your entire being that the one who is your defense is the One who made heaven and earth. Is there any power greater than this? Is there anyone more disposed to come to your aid than the Lord?

Psalm 124

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example:The Lord ever beside me v. 1

During Lent this year we read Psalms 120-124.

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 Job 13:20-28.

In waves of poetry, Job expresses praise as well as pain. Notice the verbs in chapter 12 assigned to God. The very act of Job’s expression loosens the constant pounding of the pain in his heart, freeing him to come to the poignant prayer. Dwell on his prayer until they engrave prayer upon your heart.

Competition instead of compassion: this is what Job’s friends contribute. Their responses are blocks in the path to where the Lord is leading him. Job’s words reveal the intimacy that he really has with the Lord. It is trust in God that ultimately brings Job to the place of resolution from all that is torturing him. God is even using the heartless responses of Job’s friends in the process.

Will you be open to how God’s hand is upon you, though you may not see it?

Job 12—14

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: In silence is my wisdom. 13:5

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the season of Lent this year we read Job 1-14; 38.

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