[From the original version of the book]

What arrogance—to think about getting to heaven by building a tower, instead of being lifted up to heaven by God! The seventeenth century Rabbi, Chaim Ibn Attar, suggested that the sin was also found in placing humans in tight, vertical space, when God had intended the population to be spread out. Naturally he made this comment before the advent of high apartments and office buildings. Though these are not evils in themselves, one wonders where the boundaries of justice are, in decisions emanating from skyscrapers around the world that result in unjust distribution of the world’s resources.

The Day of Pentecost reversed Babel’s confusion of tongues, as recorded in Acts 2. We need to allow our mouths to be regulated by the Spirit-tongue of fire in the head and heart.

Genesis 11

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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.

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]

The 1990s saw an increase of Christians converting to the religion of Islam in the United States; some even saw it then as the fastest growing religion. Film clips show large groups bowing in the direction of Mecca as they paused for prayer various times in the day.

Christians often fail to present a truly distinct way of life, an orderly and timely way to pray, and an authentic, public witness to Christ. What we believe and what we do is often much too private.

An observant Jew prays this verse every morning and evening: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deut. 6:4–5). May you and your loved ones embrace the spiritual disciplines suggested yesterday.

Mark 12:28–44

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Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels. This year, we generally read
from the Gospel of Mark, this season, chapters 10 to 16.

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]

Common themes flow through the readings of the week: faithfulness to prayer, good works, having a spirit of trust, not complaining when difficulties take place. We are encouraged in ways similar to those John Wesley uplifted for the early Methodists in “The Ordinances of God:” the public worship of God, the ministry of the Word, either read or expounded, the Supper of the Lord, family and private prayer, searching the Scriptures, fasting or abstinence.

May these spiritual disciplines work their way deeper and deeper into your life, healing you wherever there may be fear, anger, or grief over your past. Read slowly the last two verses of this chapter; they will be a soothing balm to your spirit and make it possible for an unshakable joy to well up in your soul.

2 Thessalonians 1

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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.