[From the version for families with children]

Let’s go inside the Temple with Jesus and some of his disciples.  You would think that the Temple leaders would be angry with Jesus, for just a few days before, he had turned over their tables with lots of money for the animals that people needed to buy for the holy feast of Passover.  Still, Jesus is very bold and enters the Temple.

Stand by Jesus as he talks with you and his friends about what he sees going on.  First he points out the leaders sitting and standing around in their places of honor wanting to show off to others how important they are.  There they are, some sitting in their seats of honor, others and standing about making pious gestures meant to impress others. Actually, what is most important to them are themselves and how much they want other people to think they are holy. 

Then, in another area, lots of people are standing in line coming to give their offering in the collection box. Jesus notices a very old lady, all bent over, waiting her turn to give her offering.  Jesus knows what she is giving. What difference does Jesus make between her gift and those of all the others in line with their gifts?

How much of your own money are you willing to give to God when you go to church?  God might even place it on your heart to give money instead of spending it on a video game you wanted to buy for yourself. When we give what is a sacrifice to us, it lets God and each one of us know how important God is in our lives…much more important than anything we would have spent with that money…certainly much more important than ourselves! 

Mark 12:38-44

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year B, we read from the Gospel of Mark

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.

[From the original version]

God’s will is done even in the midst of deceit, as in this story of Esau, Jacob, and the blessing. The Chosen People knew the power of the tongue to bless or curse—something we need to remember today. That critical word, that unkind remark has a strong effect upon another. Yet one word of heartfelt prayer can be more powerful. When Jesus told us to pray for our enemies, he knew that the effect of prayer is greater than all the schemes of evil plotted against us.

Who are the “Esaus” in your life? May that list become one with your prayer list. If you have been deceitful toward anyone, repent. Then there is the other side: are you “Esau” to anyone? Who has done you wrong in your life? Be careful about harboring resentment as Esau did. Forgive, and the power of the Lord will flow into your life.

Genesis 27:30—28:9

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…

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

[From the version for families with children]

The suffering of Jesus begins.  He has been telling this to the disciples; now it’s here. Jesus takes three of his closest friends to be with him during what we call, “The Agony in the Garden.”  Look what happens to the three friends: they fall asleep!

Jesus says that his hour has come, as well as the cup of suffering.  Centuries past, an hour glass would tell the length of an hour.  Can you see something similar between the cup of suffering and the “glass” of the hour that is before Jesus?  

     Today, be aware of the actual hours of your day as so many glasses or cups that you fill with wakeful prayer.  As each empties and fills like a cup, stay close to Jesus in his suffering. You know, Jesus continues to suffer in the hours of this day through innocent people losing their lives such as refuge children from countries persecuted by tyrants. Pray in an alert way for refugees as you help them in their suffering through your prayer.

  Mark 14:32-72

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels. This year, we generally read
from the Gospel of Mark, this season, chapters 10 to 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.