The essences of all the readings of the week are found in today’s Gospel. Jesus’ image of the divided house recalls Isaiah’s focus on the downfall of Egypt. The Ark of the Covenant of Tuesday’s passage is recalled when Jesus tells the Pharisees that there is “one greater than the Temple” in their midst. Wednesday’s psalm about worship balances Jesus’teaching about the divine preference for “mercy and not sacrifice.” Paul’s teaching about sin and grace forms a backdrop to the sin of blasphemy against the Spirit. This is to grieve the Holy Spirit so deeply by claiming that it is the devil at work in Jesus.

Think of it this way: when the cows led the Ark back among God’s people, how would the Holy Spirit have felt if the people turned the cows around, to walk back down the road again?

Matthew 12

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Never breaking a bruised reed v. 20

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.

 The Philistines have captured the Ark of the Covenant. It is as though they took God as a prisoner of war! Read what happens to their god, Dagon. Lesson: when we try to manipulate God into our own space, instead of surrendering into God’s space, false treasures and “idols” will fall.

In the center of the reading, there is a tender and charming shift in tone and feeling you will not want to miss.

Picture the cows drawing the wooden cart as they lead the Ark back to God’s people. There is no human driver. Listen in the silence to the hobbling of the wheels and the mooing of the cows as slowly the Ark makes its way back home again to God’s people.

What is God doing to bring the divine presence into your center? Are there any animals that come to mind that God is using for this?

1 Samuel 5—7

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Turning not to right or left 6:12

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

Please note: this is the correct Firestarter and reading for July 2.

Three verses ring out from countless churches across the globe concluding the “Missionary Discourse” of Jesus. The disciples rejoice to find the presence of Jesus filling them to such an extent that when people receive them, they receive Jesus. Dwell on the immensity and the intensity of the identity!

The Dutch priest Henri Nouwen said: “You find the God you want to give, in the person to whom you want to give him.” This is the joy of ministry.

Look about your world. Observe without grabbing, as the alphabyte “Eyes” suggests. Be aware today of God’s presence in your interactions with others. Even the simplest and the most mundane of these can be filled with divinity, if filled with faith and love.

Matthew 10:40–42

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Welcome others, welcome You v. 40

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.