Tap on the image for a video meditation on Psalm 35.

 In a dying fire, most is ash with only a few sparks left. Such an image might describe this psalm of David. The ashes of his suffering at the hands of evil enemies are described in verse upon verse. Yet sparks of a new fire kindle in his soul and in yours, if you cherish the sparks and let them light a new fire.

A fresh, new fire needs the ashes of the old to be removed. So it is that David’s very expression of mounting injustices against him are as the ashes being taken out of the hearth of his heart so that from the bottom of his being he can praise the Lord in new ways.

May this psalm do for you what it does for David—new praise, new awareness of God’s faithful dedication to defend and rescue the poor and the innocent. When mistreatment and even slander come your way, may this psalm bring you comfort in the company you keep—David and Jesus.

Psalm 35

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: All day long, my tongue in praise v. 28

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

Listen to Nick read the Firestarter.

 As a sweet anointing, so the rhythmic flow of Proverbs gently rocks your soul from side to side, as you rest in the Lord. Read slowly, pausing often and long, as the wisdom of three thousands years wells up and breaks through the way the world thinks.

Clear many small spaces for yourself in the course of the day to read a few of these precious gems. The beginning of Kingdomtide this year has two Tuesdays dedicated to Proverbs. They are awesome ways to begin the school year and the reflective season of autumn. Notice memories that well up from within.

As your spirit sways back and forth with the reading, so do the shadows of darkness and the light of the Lord sway as each proverb is balanced off with descriptions of good and evil. Sift and weigh each proverb. Take to heart those that particularly strike you. Stop … write … pray … share inner movements with someone you love.

Proverbs 15

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Words in season bringing joy v. 23

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

Listen to Nick read the Firestarter.

The season of hurricanes finds us seeing people on T.V. who have totally lost their homes. They stand stunned at first, then weep over so many treasures washed away—memories only. They are pushed to the limit with the question: “Why me?” As the answer eludes them, they stand at the brink of either despair or hope. What is God going to do about such loss?

Isaiah presents a similar challenge to the pride of the city of Ephraim, capital of Samaria. Here the loss comes not from without, but from within—drunkenness. Notice the many times there are references to being intoxicated: five times in verse 7 alone.

Is there a “hurricane” of spiritual or actual drunkenness that pound away at the house of your being, threatening its foundations? Be sobered by the amazing grace of the Lord who can rebuild you from the bottom up.

Isaiah 28

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the season of Pentecost this year we read Isaiah 13 – 27; Lamentations 1 and 2 in the Ninth Week.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Christ, a precious cornerstone v. 16

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.