The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the body. Jesus resists being confounded by them. He not only turns the tables of debate on them, but further questions to Jesus serve to reduce these religious naggers to silence.

Relate the stern warning of Jesus about the scribes to the “bewares” of Paul in yesterday’s reading—those “having a form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Tim. 3:5). Resist the sacrilegious behavior of those whose only purpose in speaking about spiritual matters is to exalt themselves, not God.

The Holy Spirit plants the seed of the resurrection in you, dead to sin, but alive in Christ. The pulse of Christ’s love becomes one with the beating of your heart.

Luke 20:27–47

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Living now Your risen life. v. 36

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read Luke 19:28 to 24:53.

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.

Paul’s words, as those of Moses in the Sabbath Torah readings, reveal the urgency of those nearing the end of their lives. There is passion in the words of Paul to a beloved disciple. Cling to them as you would to the deathbed words of a beloved friend; the same is true in the final words of Jesus in the Friday readings that occur just a few days before the crucifixion.

Pray with a light and steadied heart, so balanced, that you move to action only when Christ’s Word prompts you to do so. Listen with the inner ears of the heart to those special movements of the Holy Spirit in your daily readings that especially bear witness to the truth contained in the verse for today. What are the special teaching points that God calls you to incarnate in the way in which you will live today?

2 Timothy 3—4

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Be persistent in the Word. 4:2

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read 2 Timothy and Revelation 12—22.

For all the Firestarters in the original version, I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these Firestarters with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.

Tap here for a video meditation on Psalm 140.

Many times the sinner and tax collector of last Sunday’s Gospel felt as David in this psalm. The ones persecuting David were not foreigners, but his own people. In Jesus’ time, it was the highest level of God’s chosen people, the Scribes and Pharisees, who made themselves the enemies of Jesus.

Here in the center of the week, hinged between the two Testaments, find the eye of the hurricane of accusers that may be spiraling about your own life. Perhaps your own family or church members are the ones hostile to you.

Descend into your feelings until you are at the quiet place beyond the noise of accusers. Trust God. Share the anguish and pain that burns within you. Your pain can become a purifying prayer, just as the one that concludes this psalm.

Psalm 140 

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: Lord, rescue me from evil. v. 1

We continue to read the Psalms in numerical order.

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