Listen to Nick read the Firestarter.

The season of hurricanes finds us seeing people on T.V. who have totally lost their homes. They stand stunned at first, then weep over so many treasures washed away—memories only. They are pushed to the limit with the question: “Why me?” As the answer eludes them, they stand at the brink of either despair or hope. What is God going to do about such loss?

Isaiah presents a similar challenge to the pride of the city of Ephraim, capital of Samaria. Here the loss comes not from without, but from within—drunkenness. Notice the many times there are references to being intoxicated: five times in verse 7 alone.

Is there a “hurricane” of spiritual or actual drunkenness that pound away at the house of your being, threatening its foundations? Be sobered by the amazing grace of the Lord who can rebuild you from the bottom up.

Isaiah 28

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the season of Pentecost this year we read Isaiah 13 – 27; Lamentations 1 and 2 in the Ninth Week.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Christ, a precious cornerstone v. 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.

Listen to Nick read the Firestarter.

 Peter has just been given revelation knowledge about who Jesus is: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Now for the first time, Jesus predicts his suffering and death at the hands of the religious authorities. Feel the contrast of Peter’s former confession of faith with the rebuke that he now gives Jesus.

As Peter participates in the pride of Jesus’ adversaries, the heart of the Savior begins to be in passion already. Peter must be shaken by “tough love.” The Lord looks through Peter’s eyes into his soul—the place where war is waged between Peter and the Enemy. “Get behind me, Satan!”

The only way for Satan to get behind you is if you let Jesus take the lead. Let the cross be in front of you today. Greater than the struggle is the victory that Jesus has won. He holds the war prize—your own soul! Do not let pride, unforgiveness and other unrepented sin wrench it from his hand.

Matthew 16:21–28

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Losing life to saving life v. 25

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
During the Seasons of Pentecost and Kingdomtide, we read the Gospel of Matthew.

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.

Canaan is the land intended by Moses when he tells the people, “When you arrive in the land … (v. 1). However, mull over “Canaan” in your heart. Where is the spiritual “place” to where the Lord is leading you? Accept where you are right now, but believe that the Lord is continuing to give you grace to move to new levels of union with God and realization of your purpose in life.

Each day is a steppingstone to move further and deeper. Whether the stone is comfortable to stand upon or not, whether you like the stone or not, it is the one that will enable you to move to the next place on your journey. Greater than any discomfort is the presence of the Lord and his love for you that give you the energy to keep on. As you arrive at each Canaan-point of spiritual growth, be ready to offer your “first fruits” to the Lord.

Deuteronomy 26:1–11

This is the first of three parts of the Torah Portion Ki Tavo (When You Will Come)
Conservative and Reform Jewish congregations read only this part this year,
as also in this Bible plan.
Here is the entire portion in all three parts.

Deut. 26:1—29:8

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Offering the best I have v. 2

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