Listen to Nick read the Firestarter.

Again a comparison between Saul and Judas, David and Peter … David’s seeking favor from the Philistines is over, similar to Peter wanting to be on the side of Jesus’adversaries in the courtyard with the servant girl. Both Saul and Judas ended their lives by committing suicide.

Peter and Judas both sinned. While Peter quickly repented, Judas sank deeper and deeper into guilt. David and Saul sinned, but David, like Peter, had a heart quick to return to God. Saul, on the other hand, went deeper into infidelity, and into that vice that ends so many relationships, and even lives—jealousy.

Here they are: the first and second kings of Israel. The stage is set for a long history of kings—most of them unfaithful as Saul, ending their lives in disgrace, just as he. Reflect upon yourself.

1 Samuel 29—31

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: My heart returning to You.

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the season of Pentecost this year we read Proverbs 13 and 14 and 1 Samuel.

 

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.

As we enter the final week of Pentecost, feel an inward lift in this glorious chapter of Isaiah. If you had a chance to have vacation by the sea, picture the vast expanse of ocean with all its mysterious depths as you hear about the end of ancient sea monsters—symbols of all the chaotic energies of water first subdued in the creation story in Genesis. God will triumph over all enemies. You can be part of that restored people of which Isaiah speaks. If your vacation has been to the mountains, let that place be a symbol of the spiritual mountain where the New Jerusalem rests.

With your spiritual “metal detector,” scan the verses of this chapter of strength and renewal before the next section of Isaiah to come in Kingdomtide. There will be more challenges for you not to fall into the woes predicted for those who are obtuse to God.

Isaiah 27

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: Clinging to Thee for safety v. 5

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 answers with true, Spirit-filled spontaneity, not with his usual fleshly impulses. The Father through the Holy Spirit gives him revelation-knowledge about who Jesus is.

Be there. As you respond in faith to who Jesus is for you, know that it is the Spirit that makes faith have flesh in you.

Jesus is in the northern part of Galilee in the ancient city of Caesarea Philippi. It lies spread out on a terrace 1,150 feet about sea level. To the northeast Mt. Hermon rises in splendor to 9,100 feet. To the south the fertile Jordan valley stretches. The city was a center of Greco-Roman Civilization, as well as a place associated with various Semitic deities. Picture the setting. Jesus stands against the background of ancient pagan gods—a fitting place for him to inquire of his disciples about who he is.

Peter answers with true, Spirit-filled spontaneity, not with his usual fleshly impulses. The Father through the Holy Spirit gives him revelation-knowledge about who Jesus is.

Be there. As you respond in faith to who Jesus is for you, know that it is the Spirit that makes faith have flesh in you.

Matthew 16:13–20

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: The rock within this moment v. 18

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.