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

Please note: this is the correct Firestarter and reading for July 2.

Three verses ring out from countless churches across the globe concluding the “Missionary Discourse” of Jesus. The disciples rejoice to find the presence of Jesus filling them to such an extent that when people receive them, they receive Jesus. Dwell on the immensity and the intensity of the identity!

The Dutch priest Henri Nouwen said: “You find the God you want to give, in the person to whom you want to give him.” This is the joy of ministry.

Look about your world. Observe without grabbing, as the alphabyte “Eyes” suggests. Be aware today of God’s presence in your interactions with others. Even the simplest and the most mundane of these can be filled with divinity, if filled with faith and love.

Matthew 10:40–42

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Welcome others, welcome You v. 40

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.

The dungeon of John the Baptist stinks with the stench of doubt. John is cut off from the evidence of Jesus’ saving grace. Perhaps prisoners with him taunt him: “No big changes happening outside your cell.” Now his voice cries in the wilderness of prison, “Are you really the Messiah we’ve been waiting for, or should we keep looking for someone else?” How the message from Jesus must have comforted him as a glass of cool, clear water to his parched spirit!

As great as is John, the least in the Kingdom is greater than he is. No matter what your circumstances, whether bound by the prison of doubt, or simply resting in the confines of your patio or summer garden—go deeper. There is within you an inner boundary of the Kingdom into which the Lord invites you to enter as his most intimate friend.

Matthew 11

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: “Come to me: I give you rest.” v. 28

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the season of Pentecost this year we read Matthew 8 to 18.

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.