Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and the Gospel.

The harsh, pointed tip of the plow would have preferred to be silently stuck, jutting from the untilled soil. If it were thus, there would be no harvest to celebrate at Thanksgiving. If you have been tilling your soul with the seedword of God each day, there will be fruit in your life. You are yoked with your Christ who is “pulling for you.”

This is the point behind Jesus’ prediction of the harsh events to come. The “end” is not something in the indefinite future, as many find themselves distracted by calendar-makers about what is to come; it is rather a quality of the present moment. Jesus invites you to continue to be in movement before the forces of darkness. There is no need to hide in an underground shelter, away from it all. With Jesus, you can plow your way into the very heart of evil itself and be victorious. Be yoked with Christ.

Luke 21:5–19

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Words of wisdom in my mouth v. 14

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

Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and Genesis 23:1-16.

The death of Sarah has a special poignancy about it. We have come to know Abraham and Sarah in a way no other human being from Adam and Eve to the family of Noah has even been known. We see their humanness, frailty, and sinfulness—including the cynical laughter of Sarah when she heard that she would conceive Isaac in her old age.

Familiarity with Abraham and Sarah permits you to enter into the mourning of Abraham for his beloved wife. Abraham is so very human in negotiating with neighbors after the funeral about, “Where do we go from here?”

The story of God’s unique intervention in history with Abraham and Sarah continues in the next couple to intrigue us, Isaac and Rebecca. Sense the shift in the story, even as the death of Jesus opens up new possibilities in resurrection.

Genesis 23:1—24:9

This is the first of three parts of the Torah Portion Haye Sarah (The Lives of Sarah)
Conservative and Reform Jewish congregations read only this part this year, 
as also in this Bible plan.
Here is the entire portion in all three parts. 

Gen. 23:1—25:18

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Blessed are those who die in You 23:2ff

The Saturday passages follow the reading list that Jewish people use in their synagogue worship
throughout the world. They are taken from
“The Torah,” the first five books of the Bible from Genesis to Deuteronomy
that are read each year beginning with autumn.

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.

Evil has apparently had its day. All creation is distracted from praise of the Creator as immense sadness overwhelms it. The cross pierces the earth, even as the lance opens the side of Jesus. The eternally begotten, uncreated Son of God drinks the dregs of death, and everything is in mourning.

With the death of Jesus, however, there is a shift in the narrative. No longer do we hear blasphemous cries. Instead, a witness of faith rises up in a Roman centurion. In addition, those about the cross move toward salvation with signs of repentance.

Ponder the details of the burial of Jesus. Dwell with expectancy on the final verse where the scent of the resurrection can already be detected. May this evening be peaceful for you, the Sabbath tomorrow, especially restful, as you prepare for the resurrection on Sunday.

Luke 23:44–56

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: In Your hands is my spirit. v. 46

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read Luke 19:28 to 24:53.

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.