[From the version for families with children]

Nations coming against nations: the theme continues in this part of the Book of Daniel, similar to Jesus’s predication that we read yesterday.

Think of it: a pagan statue from the altar to the Greek god, Zeus, is placed on top of this sacred altar of sacrifice in the Temple! How is that for meanness, pride and arrogance! In addition, it is a sacrilege—doing something awful with the things of God.

No need to be afraid as we read verses such as these. God is always in charge and once again, “The Lord will provide for you.” We are called to be gentle persons–loving, even our enemies–so that the goodness, love and mercy of God can flow through us. This love and peace will comfort us and will also flow out of us to touch others for whom we pray.

Daniel 11:29–45

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year, we read the Book of Daniel.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…

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 stones that made the foundation of the great temple in Jerusalem are still there, silently sticking up from the ground. The temple was destroyed by a Roman Army in 70 AD. Can you image how sad that was? Jewish people today go to that part of the temple that remains called the “Wailing Wall.” There they pray and sometimes cry over the great loss.

Jesus today is talking about what’s going to happen at the end of the world. There will be a build up of enemy anger, with nations fighting each other. Don’t we see that happening these days! But still, we don’t need to be afraid, for the end is hidden from us, known only to God. Just keep on praying for God’s protection, and also that the human family will find itself living in the New Temple of Christ’s body which is

the one Church of Jesus all over the world.

Mark 13:1–8

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]

Through all the intrigue and dishonesty in this part of the Bible, the Lord is dealing with you and me. Jacob and Rachel secretly escape from Laban, Rachel’s father. She has secretly stowed away the small figurines, which are the household gods of her family’s religion. The couple set out with their entourage and cross the Euphrates River.

As Laban pursues Jacob, Laban is warned by God not to threaten Jacob. Within each of us, the Holy Spirit warns us not only to avoid thinking harm of anyone, but also to pray for those who have wronged us. We need to be guided by the awesome power of God.

Today’s verse, the covenant between Jacob and Laban, is worthy to be engraved in wood and in your heart.

Genesis 31:17—32:3

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