Paul returns to a thoughtful development of the doctrine of freedom by grace. More than understanding in the mind, there needs to be a sense in the heart of his thought. The key lies in acknowledging whether your life is bound by slavery to some sinfulness, or free because you are a slave to God. The quality of life is determined by the one to whom one is slave. Whom do you obey in your life?

Take comfort in identifying with Paul about the great challenge to live this doctrine. How candidly Paul confesses his weakness in the second half of chapter 7! Make a similar, fearless inventory of your life, praying over the passage. The cumulative effect of your reflection will bring you to the place where it brought Paul, as your spirit is released along with his in the final two verses.

Romans 6—7

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: Died with You, now live with You 6:8

We continue to follow 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

Tap on the image for a video meditation on Psalm 26.

Here is the assurance of a person aware of his integrity. An examination of his conscience results in seeing himself apart from outright evildoers. Yet he is not boasting as the Pharisee in Luke 28:9; he hates hypocrites.

In keeping with the reading of yesterday, our psalmist goes to where God is, instead of taking God to where he is. He exults in being about the altar, expressing his love for worship.

The verse for the day is a way of life. Remain steadfast in faith as you walk in God’s presence. Though evil press about you and seek to throw you off balance, pray this psalm and find God as your gyroscope. You can be at rest in the midst of the storm.

Psalm 26

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: My soul: a house where You live v. 8

We continue to follow 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

 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