Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and Ezra 1:1-6.

For the next four Tuesdays, we will consider a book of the Bible about another “Good Shepherd” who led God’s people from exile in Babylon, back to the Promised Land. His name is Ezra.

Well before he led them back, he was responsible for creating a longing in the exiled people for God’s Word. With the destruction of The First Temple in 587 B.C., the synagogue in local communities becomes more and more vital in bonding the exiled people of God to their God. In place of sacrifice, study of the Word becomes essential, with the example and wisdom of Ezra, upon whom was “The hand of the Lord.”

In these chapters is the text of the decree of King Cyrus of Persia. He had defeated the treacherous Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar. Think of the list of names as though you are looking in awe at the names of the immigrants who came to the United States, arriving at Ellis Island off New York City.

Ezra 1—2

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: My spirit stirred for service v. 1

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the Easter Season this year we read Proverbs 17 – 19 and Ezra.

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 Ezekiel 26:7-14.

As though encircling a trapped animal, six countries surround and menace God’s people. They are the objects of the Lord’s indignation in Ezekiel chapters 25 to 32, the readings for the rest of these weeks of the Easter Season. Phoenicia, with its capital of Tyre, borders God’s people on the northwest on the coast of the Mediterranean; Ammon, Moab and Edom lie on the east and south, Philistia on the west, and Egypt on the southwest.

The previous chapters were confrontations with God’s people. They were unfaithful to God through contamination with others’ gods. Now Ezekiel confronts these nations directly for their arrogance not only against God’s people, but also against God.

Those who despise the Lord or who simply patronize God, will be at the mercy of all the powers of darkness for destruction. Do not lose the cover of God’s protection on your life. Be faithful to God alone.

Ezekiel 25—26

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the Season of Easter this year we read Ezekiel 17-32.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Prayers for those who are bullied
Praying for those who bully

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.

The most beloved image of Jesus is the Good Shepherd. As though recalling Psalm 23, Christians etched these pictures of Jesus in the “dark valleys” of the catacombs of Rome where they hid from persecutions. From a very early tradition as well, comes the center-piece of the Easter Season, “Good Shepherd Sunday.”

Your Good Shepherd laid down his life for you and took it up again, to share it with you. He knows you by name; you are one of his beloved sheep. Do you believe this? Do you know the sweet sound of your name said with love and forgiveness? You and I know the abrasive noises of the present and the echoes of the past that poke at the heart with guilt and shame. I am sure you have many “Romans” who want to persecute you! Look at the Good Shepherd etched into your heart of flesh and rejoice.

John 10:11–18

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: You calling me by my name v. 4

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.

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.