The Books of Kings were written as prophetic calls to awaken God’s people to awareness that their exile was the result of profound moral and religious degradation. 1 and 2 Chronicles, while covering much of the same time period, write this history in the light of the community of God that has already returned to freedom after the exile. The emphasis is upon worship; hence, the priestly tone of this work, as contrasted with prophecy.

In the passage for today, genealogies outline the tribes of Judah, Simeon, Reuben, Gad, Manasseh and Levi, with further information about this latter line of priests.

God wants you to see your personal history in the light of God’s present call to you. Pray for a deep awareness of this call, asking the Spirit to help you interpret your past in the light of the blessed future that God is unfolding for you.

1 Chronicles 4—6

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: My life in light of Your call

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the season of Pentecost this year we read Proverbs 27—29 and 1 Chronicles.

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

We know about Amos only from what he tells us in 7:14. No human credential or pedigree warrants God choosing him to be a prophet. Recall what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 1:27: “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.”

Through the dark passage of pain for not living according to the Lord’s way, to the heights of contemplating God’s grandeur in 9:6, Amos lures his shepherd people back into believing in the promise of ultimate salvation and security in the Lord. Read and reread the promises of a restored Israel, culminating in the final verse.

Is there pain in your path? Amos will move you to hope in the victory in Jesus.

Amos 7—9

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the season of Pentecost we read Amos to Nahum with Lamentations 4—5 in the Ninth Week.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Blooming where I am planted 9:15

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.

A runner seeing the finish line in the distance finds a burst of energy to complete the race. So does Jesus fix his eyes upon Jerusalem straight ahead to be then taken straight up to Heaven.

The Greek word for “taken up,” analepsis, is the word for the Ascension of Jesus. Mount Calvary is as the Mount of the Ascension; the raised cross prefigures, and is at once, the Ascension.

From the deepest of suffering and darkness, there is no place to go but up. Yet for this to happen there is no place to go but straight ahead in following Jesus. He has blazed the trail for you; all you need to do is follow. Keep your eyes upon him, and nothing from the sidelines will distract you, or prompt you to leave the race before the finish.

Luke 9:51–62

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: I, messenger before You v. 52

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year C, we generally read from the Gospel of St. Luke.

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.