“You can’t take it with you.”  This saying means that nothing we have on earth goes with us into heaven when we die.  I had a very funny uncle that requested to have his checkbook buried with him when he died: “Just in case you CAN take it with you!”

One thing about Jesus: he is very clear and direct when he speaks about the things of heaven and those of earth.  Today’s reading is especially strong, inviting us to think very deep. His words ring like a bell in the silence.

When we give someone we love a gift from the heart, the joy and love we receive in return is greater than the gift itself.  Take this all the way to God.  We when give our lives in love and service of Jesus, the love that God has for us flows back into us with great energy.  May the words of Jesus ring just like a bell in the silence; O how we listen! 

Mark 8:31-38

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The Sunday Gospels follow the Revised Common Lectionary.
This being Year B, we are dedicated in this season to the Gospel of Mark.

These Firestarters are for families with children. For the Firestarters in the original edition, 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.

You’ll need your imagination working hard to turn the description of the special clothes of Aaron and his sons into a picture.  You’ll notice in this image how elaborate was the special clothing called “vestments.”  What color!  The bells were meant to alert those outside of the special worship area called “The Holy of Holies” that the priest inside had fallen down because of the strong experience of being in prayer.  When they hard the bells all at once, they would rush in a pull him how so that he could be revived.

I love the flower ornament in front of the turban which was engraved with, “Holy to the Lord.”  Imagine these special words attached to your forehead.  It’s like a name tag that tell others something special about you.  

We are indeed holy by God’s grace.  May all that you and I do express this holiness to others so that they too can find how good and holy God is.

Exodus 28:31—29:9

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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.

These Firestarters are for families with children. For the Firestarters in the original edition, 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.

Strife, arguments and hatred for Jesus rose up from most of the religious leaders.  His fame brought jealousy and anger for those in authority, afraid that people would follow Jesus and let go of all the laws that bound the people like ropes tied about themselves. 

Jesus often walked with the crowds of people singing as they made their way to Jerusalem three times a year.  One of these festivals was called “Tabernacles” or “Booths,” recalling the time when our Hebrew ancestors built tents in the wilderness on the way to the Promised Land.  This time, all kinds of suspicions from some, and faith in Jesus from others, go back and forth in this chapter.  

However, watch what Jesus says.  The last day of the festival is called “Rejoicing in the Torah.” The word “Torah” means God’s love pouring down like rain.  They found this image just perfect for praying for rain. Keep this in mind when you read toward the end of this chapter from verse 32.  Imagine: rivers of living water springing up from within us!

John 7

Bible Breaths Learn More…

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels. This year, we generally read from the Gospel of Mark,
except during most of Lent and Easter when we read from the Gospel of John.

These Firestarters are for families with children. For the Firestarters in the original edition, 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.