When we were kids over the summer on the Jersey Shore, we would love to play in the waves.  Sometimes after strong storms, the ocean would look calm, but the waves were still big.  Occasionally a very large wave would break.  Then we would have to dive deeper beneath the rolling foam so as not to get tossed about.  

That’s something how Daniel must have felt with the overpowering force of the vision that came his way. He must have had to dive deeper into prayer and trust in the Lord, so that he would not be frightened to death.  

And so it was because of his faithfulness, that the Angel Gabriel came to him to help him understand the vision and to remind him that God is still in charge of the world. This is the same angel that came to Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, and to Mary, the mother of Jesus.  

So when things happen that frighten you, go to your place of prayer and dive deeper into trust in the Lord…maybe lying face down as Daniel did, so as to allow any harsh “waves” to flow right over you. Know that the Holy Spirit will show up to support, sustain and inspire you.

 Daniel 8

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year, we read the Book of Daniel.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…

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.

[From the version for families with children]

A few of the disciples are at it again—looking for high positions of honor in Jesus’s kingdom.  It takes a long time for these men to know that they are closer to Jesus when they serve others, than when they sit next to him in seats of privilege.  The privilege for us as Christians is to be invited to be part of Jesus’s loving community of service.  And as for recognition of honor: Jesus was crucified!  So if you love Jesus and want to serve him by loving and serving others, then it will mean a kind of death to our preferences to be looking for “Oscars” and “Emmys” for our Christian performance. 

Verse 44 is the ultimate reversal.  If you want to be first, you must be willing to be counted last!  But this is so good!  The more our pride dissolves, the more the brightness of humility can shine.  Think long and quietly about that verse and see how you can live it one day at a time.   

 Mark 10:35-45 

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year B, we read from the Gospel of Mark

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.

[From the original version]

Sarah’s barrenness was interpreted as a curse. Rather than trust in the Lord, she took it upon herself to tell Abraham to have relations with Hagar, Sarah’s maid, so that Abraham could have a son. Ishmael was born, and with it was begotten jealousy between the two women and their children, even to our own day. Modern day Arabs trace their ancestry back to Ishmael.

In chapter 17 we joyfully begin to recall the covenant that God made with Abraham. God introduces himself as El Shaddai, the name we translate as “The Almighty.”

God offers a covenant with Abraham. The sign of this covenant is circumcision—what comes forth in generative life is to be the gift of God and not simply the productivity of the flesh alone. May your heart be circumcised in a response to God’s abundant life.

Genesis 16—17

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…

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