Listen to Nick read the Firestarter.

Once again, David restrains himself from killing Saul. Today’s verse is a foretaste of the Lord’s Prayer: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

Saul has lost all contact with his Lord, focusing obsessively on David, instead of a passionate centering upon God. In his desperate attempt to establish contact with the spiritual world, he sinks into the forbidden practice of seeking help from a medium. Samuel indeed comes forward by the power of God, much to the fright of the medium.

David too seeks allies in the enemy, instead of in the Lord. In his impetuosity, he is like Peter, as Saul is like Judas. Sense the difference between the two—the hope in David, the despair in Saul.

When God is silent, go deeper within, not searching outside of God for cheap answers. Accept no substitutes!

1 Samuel 26—28

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: My life precious in Your hands 26:24

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

Listen to Nick read the Firestarter.

Isaiah rests from the intensity of previous prophecies. With the freshness and intimate approach of David, Isaiah pours at this chapter of personal expression. Just as the points of energy described in the week’s Alphabyte, “Loops,” so does Isaiah pause in the forward movement of speaking to the people on behalf of God, now speaking to God on behalf of the people, and simply, on behalf of himself.

Take your cue from Isaiah and allow him to be a “firestarter” for your own moment of prayer—a resting in the forward movement of your life to catch the upward surge of expression that the Spirit is stirring within you. As you find yourself awakened spiritually by special verses, go further in your expression and tell the Lord just how it is with you. Note the particular verse or verses that have started your fire. May the intimacy that Isaiah has with God be yours today.

Isaiah 26

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: Peace for those with steadfast mind v. 3

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

Perhaps Jesus has been looking for that time apart which he never was able to find, due to the pressure of the crowds to hear him, and the scribes and Pharisees to reject him. Jesus goes to the northern seacoast around Tyre and Sidon as a place of retreat by the sea. His reputation has gone before him. A pagan woman approaches Jesus and beseeches him to heal her daughter. Was the reason for his harsh response to the woman because Jesus did not want to give up on God’s chosen people? She refuses to take his remark personally, but rather presses on. She keeps to her purpose in coming to Jesus—to have her daughter healed. Jesus’response to her faith brings joy to his heart, and healing to her daughter.

Is there anyone or anything distracting you from a relentless pursuit of your heart’s deepest desires in life? Does fear, pride, or lack of faith prevent you from pressing on for your miracle?

Matthew 15:21–28

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Crumbs from Thy table enough v. 27

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.