Fear shakes the hands and hearts of the Israelites as they learn about Goliath, the great giant of their Philistine enemy. He eclipses God’s presence to the people, but not for David. Confidently aware of the presence of his God, far greater than the power of any giant, David stalks closer to his enemy. A tiny stone hurled with focus is enough to make the giant drop—how like the mustard seed of last Sunday’s parable!

If fear overwhelms God’s people, another destructive emotion, once small, now a “giant,” burns away in the heart of King Saul—jealousy. The Philistines are a relatively easy match for David; however, now he spends much of his time hiding from Saul as this wicked king pursues God’s anointed, instead of God’s enemies.

“Religious” people often chew each other up by jealousy and still another giant—gossip! Reflect upon the many lessons that these chapters can stir within you.

1 Samuel 17—19

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: The battle belongs to You. 17:47

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

Tish’a B’Av, the Ninth of Ab, occurred yesterday in 2023. Jewish people grieve over the destruction of two Temples. The first is the one Solomon dedicated in 959 B.C., destroyed on the 9th day of the month of Ab, July 18, 587 B.C. The other Temple is the one rebuilt after the Exile, which the Romans destroyed in 70 A.D. The synagogue readings are from the Book of Lamentations, attributed to Jeremiah.

The verses of the first four chapters of the book are an acrostic, similar to some psalms. Each verse begins with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet—every three verses, for chapter 3.

Ink: the word means “to burn.” The Spirit transforms the burning fires of overwhelming grief into a precious book of the Bible. Will you allow the Spirit to burn creatively inside of you as you face great losses in your life? Apply the verse for the day to the sufferings of Jesus—then and now.

Lamentations 1—2

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: Close to me, the Comforter 1:16

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.

Jesus presents five images as ways to understand the Kingdom of Heaven. All of them, especially the first four, have something in common. What is it? A hint: Firestarters might be included in the list.

The first two illustrations are similar: something small becomes big over time. The flowers that are delighting your summer were once seeds in the ground. Each day they were stitched from within until their leaves and petals played in the sun. The persistence of planted seeds has something to do with the Kingdom of Heaven: it grows inside of you.

The time you spend with the Word each day is as a fire-seed for what can grow within you during the day, then day after day, until your whole life is bathed in the awareness that God is reigning, protecting, covering, and directing your life. What other words and images can you discover to express what the Kingdom means to you?

Matt. 13:31–33; 44–52

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Treasure hidden in my heart v. 44

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.