Action follows thought, as we come down the mountain after pondering “The Sermon on the Mount.” There at the foot of the mountain is one of the rejects from Jewish society—a leper. Rather than keeping his distance, Jesus approaches and does the unthinkable: he touches him. As sparks leap from one pole to another, so do the hands of Jesus ignite the fire of healing love in those desperately bound by sickness in one form or another.

Wonder at the healings in this chapter. Reflect upon the demands of discipleship. Jesus has authority over the winds and the seas, yet the power over your own heart the Lord reserves until you surrender all to him. Therefore, do it now and live every hour of this and every day in God.

Matthew 8

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: With faith—and so it happens. v. 13

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the season of Pentecost this year we read Matthew 8 to 18.

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.

Summer Thursdays this year are immersed in the waters of the Spirit found in this letter of Paul to the church at Rome. The time of the year of fullness finds us pondering the thought of Paul in all its maturity. The letter is acclaimed to be the greatest exposition of Christian doctrine ever written.

The Roman Christians are waiting to meet Paul in person; you meet him as well. Yet deeper than seeing his face, is knowing his heart. The letter is filled with teachings about the Holy Spirit. Before reading, pray that the same Spirit who inspired Paul will be with you now.

The mercy of God lasts longer than God’s justice, as expressed in Monday’s passage from Isaiah. The New Testament soaks the First Covenant in waters of the Spirit, transforming judgment into mercy.

You will encounter verses that speak of the morality of homosexuality. Bear in mind that Paul does not understand this apart from the context of his letter—total godlessness, with a litany of vices that flow from those who disdain God.

Romans 1

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Gospel: the power of God. v. 16

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the season of Pentecost this year we read Paul’s Letter to the Romans.

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.

Return to the cross and hear the anguished cry of Jesus as he begins to pray this psalm. The price of the outpoured Spirit was the blood and water from Jesus’ side.

Your most desperate cry of suffering is nevermore a cry alone. The Spirit of God weeps within you, groaning your prayer even before it enters your mind. Verse after verse pours out the anguish of a God who experiences your pain, giving images and names to it. The psalm recalls the pain of Job from Lent—this time prayed by the Son of God who draws your prayer to saving completion in the Holy Spirit.

In verse 21, there is a profound shift in awareness. God has in fact not forsaken David, Jesus, and you, but has answered. Waves of confidence and joy rush into the soul as immense hope returns.

Some themes in music must be exhausted, before others come.

Psalm 22

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: My groanings reaching your heart. 1

We continue to follow 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