Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and the reading.

God’s people were regularly tempted to have recourse to an old enemy—Egypt and its “horse-power”! They continued to do what repeatedly their ancestors did in the wilderness wanderings—be impatient with Moses and with God, and look back to the fleshpots of Egypt for security.

Here is another opportunity to see where you are placing your confidence. Is it in worldly powers of one form or another, or in the power of God? Make a list of any “Egyptian horses” that you are looking to in place of God who alone can lead you through the impasses in your situation.

For you, is the Lord the first recourse in your prayer, or the last resort? Turn to the Lord with all your heart and look to God alone for the way out of what presses against you.

Isaiah 31

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: Trusting in You, Lord, alone v. 1

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.

Suppose you are working all day on a project for which you will receive a fee. Imagine someone coming in at the last hour to help, receiving the same payment as you. How would you feel? This is the issue of the famous “Parable of the Eleventh Hour Worker.”

Parables, similar to jokes, have punch lines. Linger on the impact the final verses, until the Kingdom way of thinking rises in your heart. Let go of worldly ways of weighing in the mind—not minding one’s own business … jealousy … looking for rewards. The Spirit gives the Kingdom heart; it does not come from the flesh. In the Kingdom, there is love of serving, joy in another’s good fortune, and praise for the Master’s love of the forgotten.

Ponder, pray and wait for the Lord to give you peace—God’s choicest blessing for this, the current hour of your life. Do you have the right to demand another hour after this?

Matthew 20:1–16

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Grateful for others’ blessings v. 11

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 the beginning part of the Gospel.

We have come to that place in Matthew’s Gospel of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Though Palm Sunday comes in the spring in the northern hemisphere, there is meaning of this entrance of Jesus into his Passion and death from the perspective of autumn, the season when the southern hemisphere celebrates Lent.

The palm branches lie strewn upon the ground just as do the leaves falling from the trees. As you walk about and hear leaves crunch beneath your feet, think about Jesus’ walk upon those dead palm branches and the people’s disloyalty to Him: “Hosanna,” one day—“Crucify Him,” another.

Be thoughtful and prayerful as only the speaking of the leaves breaks the silence of your walk.

Matthew 21

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Crunching leaves, I think of You v. 8

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read Matthew 19 to 28.

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.