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

Peter urges his first recipients and us, his latest ones, to reverse the downward spiral of earthly lust into an ascent of virtues. There is a rising chain for us to climb with the energy of eight virtues, links in the upward movement. They are found in verses 5 to 7. Meditate upon each of them, sensing in your spirit how each yields to the next. Make each of these abstractions into inner spiritual realities by applying your senses to them, especially tasting each virtue as you receive the next one.

All of these, along with the theme of “knowledge of the Lord,” weave through this letter as gifts from God. Their source rests upon the greatest gift of all—divine life pulsing through our human, mortal flesh.

2 Peter 1:1–12

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Faith supported by goodness v. 5

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the seasons of Advent through Epiphany this year,
we read the letters of Peter.

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 Psalm 104:1-13.

Tap here for a video meditation on Psalm 104.

Ignatius of Loyola, Sixteenth Century founder of the Jesuits, closes a thirty-day retreat, The Spiritual Exercises, with what he calls “The Contemplation to Attain Divine Love.” In it, he describes God as being at work in creation. In the same way, a profound sense of the presence of God in all creation fills the psalmist. As he contemplates his world, every aspect is seen against the background of God’s presence.

God is not just “out there,” in a static, detached way. Rather is the Lord dynamically present creating saving events in your life. Trace the phrases of the psalm that express how God is at work. Allow your soul to vibrate with the same faith-awareness of the psalmist.

Verse 30 is found in ancient texts of the liturgy for Pentecost.

Psalm 104

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: Spirit breathes; all created. v. 30

We follow a reading of 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

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

A desperate cry begins the reading. The outburst tears open your soul to release yet greater longing within for God with images that reveal the manifest power of God’s presence. Linger at verses where the Spirit especially sets fire to your heart. Pause … ponder … pray. Become an intercessor before the Lord for your city or town, expanding to the whole world that needs your prayer to bring it before the throne of God.

Firestarters are at the beginning of entrance into the Word; Embers are toward the end. These could be your reflections at the close of the day after living the day’s passage.

The Holy Spirit invites you to that inner place where you are still and quiet before the Lord who loves you and embraces you. See what Paul does in 1 Corinthians 2:9 with verse 4 ” But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him.”

Isaiah 64

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: You the potter; we the clay v. 8

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..

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.