The death of Sarah has a special poignancy about it. We have come to know Abraham and Sarah in a way no other human being from Adam and Eve to the family of Noah has even been known. We see their humanness, frailty, and sinfulness—including the cynical laughter of Sarah when she heard that she would conceive Isaac in her old age.

Familiarity with Abraham and Sarah permits you to enter into the mourning of Abraham for his beloved wife. Abraham is so very human in negotiating with neighbors after the funeral about, “Where do we go from here?”

The story of God’s unique intervention in history with Abraham and Sarah continues in the next couple to intrigue us, Isaac and Rebecca. Sense the shift in the story, even as the death of Jesus opens up new possibilities in resurrection.

Genesis 23:1—24:9

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Blessed are those who die in You 23:2ff

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

Tap here for a video meditation on Psalm 149

Praise is the ultimate weapon of victory in spiritual warfare. Because God is to be praised, the Enemy rises up in arrogance and anger. Praise, uninterrupted by the forces of darkness, brings the victory. When there is nothing to stop us from praising the Lord at every moment, no matter what the assault or temptation, then the Enemy has already been defeated before the battle is very much underway!

Praise is especially powerful in song. May there be one in your heart, if not on your lips, as you live today. Be watchful for the tactics of the Enemy getting into your mind and heart to discourage you from praise—perhaps by temptations to discouragement that come from seeing yourself as a victim. Use the battering ram of praise against that!

Psalm 149

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: The humble win the vict’ry. v. 5

We continue to read 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

Evil has apparently had its day. All creation is distracted from praise of the Creator as immense sadness overwhelms it. The cross pierces the earth, even as the lance opens the side of Jesus. The eternally begotten, uncreated Son of God drinks the dregs of death, and everything is in mourning.

With the death of Jesus, however, there is a shift in the narrative. No longer do we hear blasphemous cries. Instead, a witness of faith rises up in a Roman centurion. In addition, those about the cross move toward salvation with signs of repentance.

Ponder the details of the burial of Jesus. Dwell with expectancy on the final verse where the scent of the resurrection can already be detected. May this evening be peaceful for you, the Sabbath tomorrow, especially restful, as you prepare for the resurrection on Sunday.

Luke 23:44–56

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: In Your hands is my spirit. v. 46

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read Luke 19:28 to 24:53.

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.