christianity

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Two Josephs – with Recording

Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and Genesis 37:15-28.

The story of the Patriarch, Joseph, draws our attention to Joseph, husband of Mary. Both were addressed by God through dreams; both went to Egypt as a result of attempts on life—the patriarch Joseph himself, and Jesus.

The chapter sets the stage for God to use a victim of fraternal strife to become the means of salvation for his brothers. Joseph anticipates Jesus. The leaders of God’s own people complete the attempt on Jesus’s life by Herod years later; the scribes and Pharisees collectively have the same power and arrogance of Herod.

The betrayal of Joseph by his brothers is not unlike that of Judas, and the denial of Peter. However, the victory will come in Joseph’s fidelity to his God and Jesus’s adherence to the Father.

How does this reading touch you and move you to trust what God is doing in your life no matter what may be coming against you?

Genesis 37

This is the first of three parts in the Torah portion for today. The remaining two parts will occur in years B and C.
The entire portion,Vayeshev (And He Settled) is as follows:
Genesis 37:1—40:23

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Grateful to those who love me v. 21

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

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Rest In Peace – Corrected

For centuries, monastic communities have been chanting this verse at the beginning of the final sacred hour of the day called Compline. The word means “complete,” as the final prayer takes place before retiring. It suggests that the day is now complete by the final frame of prayer that finishes the day as a sacred work of art for the Lord.

As the day ends and you drop off to sleep, there is a final reminder that the dark energies of evil are still awake and at work. The world forgets that evil is a conscious, personal, malicious, energy constantly directed at destroying goodness by blatant, blasphemous affronts to the glory of God. “Be sober, be vigilant,” but never afraid. The power of God exudes in all four verbs of verse 10: “restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.” However strong are the forces of evil, the power and glory of God are greater still. Rest in peace.

1 Peter 5

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Self clothed with humility 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.

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Colors from Deep Within – Revised

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

[From the original version -Revised]

Sealed inside each of us are energies both dark and bright. Danger comes when the darker side of us is repressed. Better to break open the seal and let in the light of the Lord pierce the darkness to give you appropriate and even creative expression; otherwise, the darkness could have its energies explode in rage, irritable reactions, unkindness, and gossip.

Accept the entire range of your feelings. Feelings are neither good nor bad: they just are. Recognize and accept them and they will tend to flow outward in ways similar to the images of today’s reading.

Inner energies: be aware of this as you read about the opening of six of the seven seals. Strong contrasting images explode in each one. Color vary from bright to grotesque. How do you identify with these vibrant images? Revelation: it is the book, as well as God showing you God’s face from deep within your being.

Revelation 6

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Darkness not speaking to me

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In season of Kingdomtide this year,
we read 1 and 2 Thessalonians; Revelation 4—11.

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.