The essences of all the readings of the week are found in today’s Gospel. Jesus’ image of the divided house recalls Isaiah’s focus on the downfall of Egypt. The Ark of the Covenant of Tuesday’s passage is recalled when Jesus tells the Pharisees that there is “one greater than the Temple” in their midst. Wednesday’s psalm about worship balances Jesus’teaching about the divine preference for “mercy and not sacrifice.” Paul’s teaching about sin and grace forms a backdrop to the sin of blasphemy against the Spirit. This is to grieve the Holy Spirit so deeply by claiming that it is the devil at work in Jesus.

Think of it this way: when the cows led the Ark back among God’s people, how would the Holy Spirit have felt if the people turned the cows around, to walk back down the road again?

Matthew 12

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Example: Never breaking a bruised reed v. 20

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.

 Paul returns to a thoughtful development of the doctrine of freedom by grace. More than understanding in the mind, there needs to be a sense in the heart of his thought. The key lies in acknowledging whether your life is bound by slavery to some sinfulness, or free because you are a slave to God. The quality of life is determined by the one to whom one is slave. Whom do you obey in your life?

Take comfort in identifying with Paul about the great challenge to live this doctrine. How candidly Paul confesses his weakness in the second half of chapter 7! Make a similar, fearless inventory of your life, praying over the passage. The cumulative effect of your reflection will bring you to the place where it brought Paul, as your spirit is released along with his in the final two verses.

Romans 6—7

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Example: Died with You, now live with You 6:8

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

Tap on the image for a video meditation on Psalm 26.

Here is the assurance of a person aware of his integrity. An examination of his conscience results in seeing himself apart from outright evildoers. Yet he is not boasting as the Pharisee in Luke 28:9; he hates hypocrites.

In keeping with the reading of yesterday, our psalmist goes to where God is, instead of taking God to where he is. He exults in being about the altar, expressing his love for worship.

The verse for the day is a way of life. Remain steadfast in faith as you walk in God’s presence. Though evil press about you and seek to throw you off balance, pray this psalm and find God as your gyroscope. You can be at rest in the midst of the storm.

Psalm 26

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: My soul: a house where You live v. 8

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