Small Is Big

Jesus, the grain of wheat, has fallen into the ground and died. Nothing or anyone can stop the resurrection-kingdom that is coming.

Assurance of growth: that is what Jesus promises. However, you must let yourself fall into the ground as Jesus and die, just as the seed in the parable. Then you will bear Kingdom fruit that glorifies the Lord.

A mustard seed is this size of a dot on this page. Yet it becomes a strong tree, offering itself as a home and shade for many birds. That is the way the Kingdom is. Small is big! Even if you see yourself as tiny as a mustard seed, once you are into the ground of your being, which is Christ, no one can stop you!

Mark 4:26-34

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: The Kingdom growing within v.27 

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year B, we read from the Gospel of Mark

For the next several weeks, the Firestarters will be from the original version of this program. For these 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.

Married to God

Infidelity in marriage is sacrilegious because it is a reflection of the infidelity of God’s people to the Lord. God’s covenant is as a marriage. Think of it: the God of the universe invites his people to marry God. Keep this in mind as you read the strong ordeal that a woman suspected of infidelity must undergo. You will read about the Nazirite vow; recall that you are to be separate from all that is unholy and profane. This vow is one of the ways in which a person consciously and deliberately lived apart for God in one’s daily habits.

How do your habits demonstrate that you are living for God alone, as the spouse of your soul? Memorize the blessing in verses 24 to 26. Bless your family as you do.

Numbers 5:11—6:27

This is the second of three parts of the Torah Portion Naso (Census) 
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.

Numbers 4:21—7:89

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Examples:The Lord bless you and keep you 6:24

God’s face shining; God gracious v. 2

God’s countenance upon you v. 26

May the Lord give you His peace. v. 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

The Sleeping Seed

Farmers have completed their work of planting the seeds. Only the power of God in life itself is going to take over now. God’s Kingdom life is like that. It will prevail, despite its being hidden and small at first.

Jesus sleeps as a seed in the bottom of the boat. He awakens and rebukes not only the wind and the waves, but the unbelief of the disciples as well.

Believe that the Spirit deep within you, apparently asleep, is really at work bringing Pentecost life to flourish in you. It will happen, if you let it. Spend time in the silence, just being with the Lord as the seed of God’s love grows within you. Others will then find rest in the shadow of your arms as branches of God’s own love for them.

Mark 4:26-41

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: “Peace! Be still! And there was calm. v. 39

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels. This year, we generally read
from the Gospel of Mark, this season, chapters 4 to 9.

For the next several weeks, the Firestarters will be from the original version of this program. For these 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.