The New Year 

Rosh Hashana means “The Head of the Year.” The spiritual feeling of the Jewish New Year is sober, quiet, and reflective, contrary to the energies in the secular New Year on January 1. The Jewish New Year occurs in autumn, a season that is “seasoned” with nostalgia and inwardness. There is a tradition that God made the world in the fall, for everything was made in its fullness. Seeds are for the next generation; God created Adam and Eve in their maturity. The patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, were believed to have been born on Rosh Hashana. Hence, the reading for this festival is Genesis 21: Isaac’s birthday. 

Genesis 21

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: At each moment, something new

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

Kingdom Fame 

The story of the request of the mother of James and John vividly portrays what makes for greatness in the Kingdom. The world surrounds us with adulation given to those who become famous in political life, the movies, and the world of sports. What is fame from the world’s point of view fades with the newest fad on the scene.

Kingdom fame is something different. Jesus is the model. He came to serve, to redeem, to set free, and to heal. Those who act in his name and do the same will receive the reward of the Father now, with the peace and joy in the secret place of the heart.

My Uncle Spence humorously requested to be buried with his checkbook—“Just in case you can take it with you!” The rewards of the world decay with you in the grave; the rewards of the Kingdom go with you into the world that awaits you.

Matthew 20

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Jesus’s life and mine as one v. 22

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read Matthew 19 to 28.

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.

In Tune with God

Here is a way of making a stringed instrument sound without touching the strings. Try it with a guitar. Place the body of the guitar near your mouth and sing one of the tones to which the guitar is tuned. You will hear the sound of the note echo back to you. This is because the frequency of your voice and the string are the same. With any other note you sing, the guitar will be silent.

Are you tuned to the frequency of the Lord’s voice? Does your life echo the sound of the Spirit singing inside of you? Do you keep silent when others speak “notes” not tuned to love? Paul decides, “To concentrate only on Jesus Christ and his death on the cross” (v. 2). As you read and pray, become tuned to the wisdom of God, which is out of tune to the wisdom of this age. Be one with those in tune with the Lord.

1 Corinthians 2

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Your Spirit speaking in me v. 4

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read 1 Corinthians.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these Firestarters with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.