Imagine walking along a path when suddenly a dear friend whom you have not seen in ages comes toward you. As soon as you recognize who it is, you stop in your tracks for a moment, then rush toward the person and embrace in affection.

Proverbs are similar to these encounters. Deep in your spirit, there is already a longing for close union with God. Perhaps the concerns of your world have deprived you for a long time from being with the Lord, for whom you were created—the ultimate friend of your soul. As you walk through your day, these twenty-seven expressions from your friend, the Holy Spirit, greet you along the way. Their truths bring you to a full stop. Spend a few minutes embracing these words from the Lord. Then continue to walk with the Lord more closely, more deeply, for the rest of your day.

Proverbs 29

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Anger quietly withheld v. 11

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the season of Pentecost this year we read Proverbs 27—29 and 1 Chronicles.

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

Watch the power in one Hebrew word—Galah: “to reveal.” It literally means, “to uncover,” “to remove.” The Hebrew Scriptures often use this word for exposing the nakedness of someone, or to strip something bare. It is also the word used to take people into captivity, making them naked to their enemies. The protective covering of the homeland is wrenched away. Of the ten times that Amos uses the word, all have this meaning, except the meaning of “reveal” in the verse for the day.

The strong sense of action in the word galah suggests the power that comes upon the prophet as he experiences the naked word of God exposed to him. The early 8th century B.C. thundering voice of Amos also becomes a written word; Amos will lead the way in making prophecy a literary form.

What unique word is the Lord uncovering for you today?

Amos 3—4

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the season of Pentecost we read Amos to Nahum with Lamentations 4—5 in the Ninth Week.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Returning to You, O Lord 4:6

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.

Two persons focus completely upon Jesus. One is a Pharisee and host of a dinner to which Jesus is invited, the other, a noted sinful woman in town. Obsessive thoughts and criticism of Jesus cripple the Pharisee’s heart. The woman is free beyond all bounds to pour out fragrant oil and love upon a man who has done something extraordinary for her.

What happened previously in each of these two person’s lives to account for their behaviors? The woman’s outburst of joy and love is in response Jesus’love, acceptance, and forgiveness of her. The Pharisee’s heart, empty of any need to be forgiven, spawns smug and arrogant thoughts.

Place yourself in the scene; be with Jesus at the dinner; open your heart completely to the One who loves and forgives you right now.

Luke 7:36—8:3

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Weeping at Your holy feet v. 38

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

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.