Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and Psalm 41.

Pray this psalm aware of David and Jesus. The “friend” in verse 9 was perhaps Ahithopel, a close associate of David’s (2 Sam. 17:23). For Jesus, this friend was, of course, Judas.

If you have ever experienced betrayal in some form or other, turn this special suffering over to the Lord Jesus who has been with you in the most painful of betrayals. You are not alone in anything that you suffer. There is simply no pain that you or I can ever experience that was not first lived by Jesus.

Consider this in some detail. What are those sufferings that tend to consume your spirit’s energies? Look in the Gospels, and you will find some connection with the essence of that suffering with Jesus’s own. This will be prayer. Be bonded to the Lord in deeper communion with him. What awaited Jesus at the end of his suffering, awaits you—the resurrection and the life.

Psalm 41

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: Joy in all that You promise v. 21

We continue to follow the Psalms in numerical order.

For a video meditation on today’s Psalm created three years ago, Tap here.

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

Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and 2 Samuel 9:1-13.

David has a sense of reverence for the gifts from the Lord he had received in his life. Of these, one of the most precious was his deepest friend, Jonathan. Out of respect for his memory, David welcomes Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth into his household and in effect, adopts him as a son.

Notice what happens to those who do not receive David’s kind approach. In the refusal of the Ammonities and the Syrians to receive reconciliation with David, they sow the seeds of their own destruction.

The Lord reaches out to you and takes you as one of his children, not only to eat at his table, but to partake of his body and blood. Be as Mephibosheth and find yourself welcome in intimate communion with the Lord. Who needs your special acts of kindness?

2 Samuel 9—10

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Joy in all that You promise v. 21

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read Proverbs 15-16, 2 Samuel and Ecclesiastes 1-4.

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

Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and Isaiah 34:12-17.

Isaiah envisions the judgment of those nations set against the Lord. An example is made of Edom, the land that originated from Esau, as typical of those nations that have made themselves enemies to God and his people. The chief city, Bozrah, meaning “Impenetrable,” will have its boundaries invaded by animals that usually inhabit the wild. With a nature-lover’s detail, Isaiah pictures how these various animals will be making their home within the walls of that worldly city that prided its protection by its own power.

In effect, Isaiah says that these wild animals do God’s will more than many humans! That is why God protects them and provides them with progeny by being sure that each animal has its mate.

Jesus said, “You are more valuable than a whole flock of sparrows.” (Matt. 10:31). Is there arrogance in you, which voids the protection, and care the Lord longs to give you?

Isaiah 34

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read Isaiah 28 – 39.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Willing to will what You will

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.