There is a basic point in “The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares.” It is difficult to distinguish between weeds and wheat. Lest there be any wheat killed by “friendly fire,” Jesus invites us to hold back. Discernment about good and evil is a gift we need from the Spirit; yet Jesus admonishes us not to judge. There is a time and place for judgment and for the eternal separation of the good from the bad, but it is not now, and it is not for us to judge; this is reserved for God at the end of time.

There is still time for you and me! This suggests another interpretation: “tare-like” qualities in a person can be transformed into wheat! Yet another point of the parable: it discourages living in someone else’s head, instead of in your own. Self-examination, rather than the examination of others, is what will have what is “tare-ible” in you, become wheat for Christ’s bread.

Matthew 13:24–30; 36–43

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Weeds and wheat till the harvest v. 29

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
During the Seasons of Pentecost and Kingdomtide, we read the Gospel of Matthew.

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.

God’s people are poised for the Promised Land. It is near the end of the forty-year period. The entire book of Deuteronomy is an address of Moses to God’s people. Their whole history appears before their eyes. Moses brings a generation that did not know the Exodus into vivid contact with the history of God liberating the people from slavery.

Line up with the tribes assembled together in awesome silence as they listen. How much we need to experience ourselves as part of The People of God! You are not alone. You stand in formation with saints who have gone before, and billions today who are God’s children.

You might make your own resumé of what God has for you as you are about to enter into a greater possession of the Promise. See your personal story as part of the great masterpiece of history as God works to bring freedom to everyone.

Deuteronomy 1:1—2:1

This is the first of three parts of the Torah Portion Devarim (The Words) 
Conservative and Reform Jewish congregations read only this part this year,
as also in this Bible plan.
Here is the entire portion in all three parts.

Deuteronomy 1:1—3:22

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: You carry me as a child 1:31

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

How would you feel if your cousin was beheaded and the head placed on a platter for public ridicule? The death of John the Baptist must have affected Jesus in a similar way. He seeks solitude in a silent place … no such thing. The crowds are so excited about Jesus and the miracles that they track him down by the thousands.

The chapter is marked with strong changes. The multiplication of the five loaves and the two fish deeply moves the crowd, not to mention the disciples. I remember a retreat director during my seminary years suggesting that while the disciples were gathering the leftovers into the twelve baskets, they instigated the crowd, starting the chant: “Make him king! Make him king!” Jesus would have none of it. He dismisses the crowd and sends the disciples into a boat. Jesus seeks quiet, this time on a mountain. Then see what happens! Expect silence to birth your miracle as you seek solitude and surrender to Jesus.

Matthew 14

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Withdrawing to be with You 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.