Imagine a child disinterested in the gift of a toy. The parent says, “Well, if you don’t want it, I’ll give it to the child down the street who will love to have it.” Sometimes this causes a fresh interest in the toy. Verse 11 is Paul’s way of saying something similar with respect to the Jews; he hopes that a holy jealousy might quicken desires in them to embrace the Good News.

If only this chapter were carefully meditated upon, the ages-long, “anti” in semitism might have been changed to “pro.” Instead, the child down the street who receives the unwanted gift comes back to bully and taunt the child who originally received it.

Do not boast about the gifts God has given you. Rather humbly and fully receive them. Allow your expressions of wonder and praise for God to increase until your whole being is living the final verse of the reading.

Romans 11

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Root holy; branches holy 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.

Tap on the image for a video meditation on Psalm 30.

Place the grief over the loss of the Temple in the Book of Lamentations against this song attributed to David at the dedication of the Temple. Sadness and joy are set against each other in this psalm, with its message of ultimate joy for those who trust in the Lord. Surely, this prayer comes from David’s recollection of the triumph over Goliath, and the sadness of Saul’s destructive jealousy.

Whatever emotions you are experiencing as you come to this psalm, they are all present as a collage of verses. Link up with the ones that are taking place as you begin to read, allowing the Spirit to transform all your feelings into an immense joy in God’s presence.

The Hebrew word for “joy” in verse 11 is rinnah, meaning a joy that is so strong that it sends the person into a whirling dance. The Lord wants to give you joy—intense, explosive, dance-like, and expanding. Get ready: this kind of joy can come for you, even when you get up in the morning!

Psalm 30

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: Weep at night; joy in morning v. 5

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

Fear shakes the hands and hearts of the Israelites as they learn about Goliath, the great giant of their Philistine enemy. He eclipses God’s presence to the people, but not for David. Confidently aware of the presence of his God, far greater than the power of any giant, David stalks closer to his enemy. A tiny stone hurled with focus is enough to make the giant drop—how like the mustard seed of last Sunday’s parable!

If fear overwhelms God’s people, another destructive emotion, once small, now a “giant,” burns away in the heart of King Saul—jealousy. The Philistines are a relatively easy match for David; however, now he spends much of his time hiding from Saul as this wicked king pursues God’s anointed, instead of God’s enemies.

“Religious” people often chew each other up by jealousy and still another giant—gossip! Reflect upon the many lessons that these chapters can stir within you.

1 Samuel 17—19

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: The battle belongs to You. 17:47

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the season of Pentecost this year we read Proverbs 13 and 14 and 1 Samuel.

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