Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and Isaiah 34:12-17.

Isaiah envisions the judgment of those nations set against the Lord. An example is made of Edom, the land that originated from Esau, as typical of those nations that have made themselves enemies to God and his people. The chief city, Bozrah, meaning “Impenetrable,” will have its boundaries invaded by animals that usually inhabit the wild. With a nature-lover’s detail, Isaiah pictures how these various animals will be making their home within the walls of that worldly city that prided its protection by its own power.

In effect, Isaiah says that these wild animals do God’s will more than many humans! That is why God protects them and provides them with progeny by being sure that each animal has its mate.

Jesus said, “You are more valuable than a whole flock of sparrows.” (Matt. 10:31). Is there arrogance in you, which voids the protection, and care the Lord longs to give you?

Isaiah 34

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read Isaiah 28 – 39.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Willing to will what You will

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 and the reading.

In every culture, in every age, one celebration that stands out as unique in its joy is a marriage. The Lord uses this image to have his chosen people catch the essence of the intimacy the Lord wants to have with his people. God wants to marry us!

Jesus furthers this image in the famous “Parable of the Wedding Feast.” Once again, Jesus pounds the Pharisees with another parable, spotlighting their rejection of that which God longs to share with us.

The invitation to the wedding is universal. However, a “yes” means more than just showing up. You must be wearing clothes to fit the occasion. Paul in his letter to the Colossians 3:12 ff. lists the proper garments. Meditate upon them. Some clothes do make the person!

Matthew 22:1–14

Audio of the Alphabyte “Trapeze” for this week.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Wedding feast within my heart

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.

Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and Genesis 2:15-25.

A second story of creation is told, this time from the tradition that clusters around the covenantal name of God: Yahweh. The focus of creation is that of man and woman. With tender love, God gathers the moist clay of the earth, forming a nose as a sculptor, and breathing God’s life into it. Inspirited earth: that is what you and I are. We live because the breath of God lives in us. Woman is made from the side of man, suggesting the intimate and equal relation that she has with him.

Read the familiar story of the Fall by placing yourself there at that moment of grave temptation and tragic yielding. Sin is original—yet it bears the seed of redeeming promise as the lines of Jesus’s coming are traced here in the very beginning of the Bible.

Linger in prayer with your thoughts and feelings as you conclude the reading.

Genesis 2:4—4:26

This is the second of three parts of the Torah Portion, Bereshith (Beginning)
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.

Genesis 1:1—6:8

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: We are dust; to dust return 3:19

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