The last words of one about to die often have a powerful urgency about them. Such is the case for Moses and the entire Book of Deuteronomy. God has told Moses that he will not be permitted to enter the Promised Land because of the complaint Moses expressed to God about God’s compassion on his thirsty people in Numbers 20. Moses wants to be sure that future generations are extremely careful about their attitude to God and God’s ways.

Take to heart, therefore, these words of Moses; he does not speak lightly. Reflect upon the power of suggestion. Some things can either lead us to God, or drag us away, by the connection they have either with God or what is opposed to God.

Moses speaks his last words to God’s people—and to you and me. How do you know that these are not among the last words you shall ever hear?

Deuteronomy 7:12—9:3

This is the first of three parts of the Torah Portion Ekeb (Reward)
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 7:12—11:25

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Only holiness within 7:26

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

Leaven is an image Jesus uses with both positive and negative meanings. Last Sunday we listened to leaven as an image of the Kingdom growing within a person. Here, the leaven is that of the Pharisees and Sadducees— pride and ambition. Repent if you find these vices in you.

Peter receives the gift of knowing who Jesus is. From yesterday’s reading, God is to receive the glory for the gift. Yet Peter seems to take the gift in a prideful manner, presuming to question Jesus in the first prediction that Jesus was going to suffer and die. Similar to the challenge to Peter about having his feet washed at the Last Supper, the name that Peter has just been given, “Rock,” is quickly changed to “Satan” in the hopes that Peter will be shaken into belief and obedience.

Are you impetuous as Peter, quick to take in the leaven of pride?

Matthew 16

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Losing life to saving life v. 25

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.