[From the version for families with children]

The stones that made the foundation of the great temple in Jerusalem are still there, silently sticking up from the ground. The temple was destroyed by a Roman Army in 70 AD. Can you image how sad that was? Jewish people today go to that part of the temple that remains called the “Wailing Wall.” There they pray and sometimes cry over the great loss.

Jesus today is talking about what’s going to happen at the end of the world. There will be a build up of enemy anger, with nations fighting each other. Don’t we see that happening these days! But still, we don’t need to be afraid, for the end is hidden from us, known only to God. Just keep on praying for God’s protection, and also that the human family will find itself living in the New Temple of Christ’s body which is

the one Church of Jesus all over the world.

Mark 13:1–8

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]

Through all the intrigue and dishonesty in this part of the Bible, the Lord is dealing with you and me. Jacob and Rachel secretly escape from Laban, Rachel’s father. She has secretly stowed away the small figurines, which are the household gods of her family’s religion. The couple set out with their entourage and cross the Euphrates River.

As Laban pursues Jacob, Laban is warned by God not to threaten Jacob. Within each of us, the Holy Spirit warns us not only to avoid thinking harm of anyone, but also to pray for those who have wronged us. We need to be guided by the awesome power of God.

Today’s verse, the covenant between Jacob and Laban, is worthy to be engraved in wood and in your heart.

Genesis 31:17—32:3

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

[From the original version]

The silence between Pilate and Jesus is awesome. Jesus refuses to defend himself or negotiate his outcome with this spineless man. Pilate is nothing but a puppet administrator, a lackey for the Roman emperor in this distant province.

Jesus’s hour has come—humiliating, painful, and overwhelmingly sad. Yet his hour moves closer to death and resurrection; Jesus surrenders himself for your salvation.

When you experience injustice, mockery, and suffering, may you discover a unique joy in Jesus and love for him, for being found more like him; so was Jesus treated out of love for you. When you come away from suffering with more union with your Lord, how can you lose?

Mark 15:1–20

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…

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.