Intended as Hezekiah, the rod from the stem of Jesse reaches forward in time and touches Jesus. The Lord uses Isaiah for more than the immediate circumstance into which he prophesies. The Holy Spirit, referred as such by Isaiah more times than any other prophet, uses this great man of God for announcing the Messiah. With the addition of “piety,” not mentioned in verse 2, the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are listed.

This chapter and the next conclude the first of five parts in Isaiah. As a symphony raising its themes in sweeping final movements, so do these chapters lift up the ultimate triumph of God in images of reconciliation. Let the Word of the Lord fill all your days “… as the waters cover the sea.”

Isaiah 11

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the seasons of Advent to Epiphany this year we read Isaiah 1-13.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Knowledge covering the sea v. 9

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.

Only by grace can we steer away from the demands of the flesh in anger or lust. Anger, unless released in prayer and energy for appropriate actions on the behalf of the poor, is destructive of relationships. As for lustful feelings, even the wish to be flirtatious or inappropriate in ones behavior toward another in a sacred relationship, damages holy expressions of love.

Jesus cuts no corners on the absolute demands of integrity. The law, however strictly maintained in outer details, will not make one just or worthy of the Kingdom. Jesus “raises the bar” on life—beyond works, to actions fed by grace.

Take Jesus literally here: why not? Why must we wiggle around and find exceptions to these exalted ideals of living? Let us examine ourselves carefully, repent, and be open to all the joys Jesus is teaching you.

Matthew 5:21–37

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Anger released in silence v. 22

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year A, we generally read from the Gospel of St. 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.

A brief, but decisive moment of intervention comes from a tender meeting with Moses’father-in-law. Likely Moses had sent his wife and children to him during the ravages of the plagues. Now that the Exodus is complete, Jethro brings Moses’ family to him.

While the Midianites were descendants of Abraham through his concubine Keturah, they were considered as foreigners. However, God is at work in faith in Jethro through Moses’ witness. In addition, Jethro’s outside view of God’s work affords him a perspective often missed by those inside. Jethro suggests that Moses delegate leadership according to the numbers indicated in the verse for the day.

Is there someone to whom you can turn who loves you, yet is not so involved in your life that he or she is still able to give you insight into areas that you are missing?

Exodus 18

This is the first of three parts of the Torah Portion Yithro (Jethro)
Conservative and Reform Jewish congregations read only this part this year,
as also in this Bible plan.
Here is the entire portion in all three parts.

Exodus 18:1—20:26

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Seeking the discerning voice

The Saturday passages follow the reading list that Jewish people use in their synagogue worship
throughout the world. They are taken from
“The Torah,” the first five books of the Bible from Genesis to Deuteronomy
that are read each year beginning with autumn.

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