Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and 2 Chronicles 20:15-21.

Saint Paul would want you to remember his words: “What you sow you will reap,” as you read about the consequences of good and evil kings (Gal 6:7). The reference in Zechariah yesterday (10:2) about the sheep having no shepherd is present in today’s reading (18:16), an image that would become familiar in the Gospels.

Chapter 20 provides respite from the intrigues and infidelity of some of the leaders of God’s people. Give yourself special meditative time to pray through this chapter. Notice the power of praise as the weapon of victory over all enemies. Shift your focus away from what is coming against you in life, to praise for the One who is working out the victory for you at this very moment. The battle is not yours, but God’s!

2 Chronicles 17—20

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: The battle belongs to You. 20:15

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read Proverbs 30—32
and 2 Chronicles and Ecclesiastes 9—12.

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 Zechariah 9:9-10.

Receive the absolute assurance of God’s promise of restoration for Israel and Judah as renewal and restoration for your own soul. As you read Zechariah’s list of the enemies of Israel that shall be overcome, become sensitive to your own list of all that would place itself as enemy in your life—sickness, family challenges, antagonists, etc.

In chapter 9 verse 9, there is joy in the description of the Messianic King that will bring about these victories. You are familiar with this verse, used by all four evangelists as they discover its fulfillment in the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

The Alphabyte “Usher” for this week offers a personal image, as you usher Jesus into the inner recesses of your own heart, there to take dominion of it, winning victory over all your enemies.

Zechariah 9—10

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the season of Kingdomtide we read Habakkuk to Malachi.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: You reigning from sea to sea. 9:10

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.

Here is a parable with contrasts of energy—the lazy judge and the relentless widow, the care of God and the weak faith of God’s children. The widow has the persistence of a battering ram against the hard heart of the judge. Lack of faith blocks God’s people from receiving the current of God’s healing grace. Jesus said previously that the faith of a tiny mustard seed would be sufficient to hurl a mountain into the sea—certainly enough to move the heart of God already filled with love and tender care for God’s children.

What are the obstacles to your faith that prevent God’s grace from gushing into your soul? Recall the root meaning of the word, “usher.” It is about opening a way for God to move. Let the parable literally usher in a week of flowing communion between you and God.

Luke 18:1–8

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Praying and not losing heart v. 1

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.