Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and Esther 7.

The power of God in Esther turns the evil prepared by Haman for others, upon himself. He dies on the very gallows prepared for Mordecai. The time of God’s victory is at hand. The people rejoice.

As we move further into the Epiphany season, the brightness of the power of God in Christ illumines our paths and strengthens our days. If the Jews in Persia can rejoice over the protective hand of their God, how much more can we rejoice in the presence of Jesus through the Spirit, continually bringing the prideful powers of the world into subjection!

Esther never forgot her heritage as she stood before the powers of the world of her day. May we never forget to whom we belong and whom we serve as we go forth into the world, bringing all things into subjection through Christ Jesus.

Esther 7—8

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Recall to whom I belong 

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the season of Advent to Epiphany this year, we read Ruth, Esther and Proverbs 7 to 9.

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 63:7-15a.

The anointing upon the prophet Isaiah and the profound devotion he has for the Lord, bring power to his poetry. Be inspired by the expressions of faith that Isaiah shares with you. He weaves the sacred history of the Exodus as a thread of images for the present tapestry that expresses the desperate need of God’s people for restoration. Note the intimacy of God caring for the people as a father tenderly cares for his children.

Isaiah is overwhelmed with compassion for the people and for you. His prayer from verse 15 sets fire to yours. Place yourself before God who longs to restore you to himself much more than you could ever want this. Remember the words of Paul: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8:31)

Isaiah 63

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Carried in the arms of God v. 9

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.

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

For some thirty years, Jesus lives quietly among friends and relatives. Sabbath after Sabbath he is present in the synagogue as the Torah readings cycle yearly, along with the companion readings from the Prophets. Now it is time for an “Epiphany at Nazareth.”

It is late summer, or early autumn, toward the end of the Jewish year. The passage from Isaiah brings hope and anticipation as the Jewish year draws to a close, stirring hope in the people for the Messiah who was to come.

This is the setting as Jesus stands before his people to proclaim the reading. Receive Jesus with joy who everyday is fulfilling the Scriptures in your hearing.

Luke 4:14–21

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Examples: Spirit of God upon me v. 18

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.