Listen to Nick read the Firestarter.

As happened in last Monday’s reading from Isaiah when we caught the spirit of the prophet, so also today, the essence of Paul shines forth. Extravagant in his travels to begin churches where no one else has ever been, he yet finds time to pause, to write, to share with the Romans a letter that would come to be in your hands across the millennia.

Let yourself be encouraged along with his first readers. He quotes verses from the Torah, the Psalms, and Isaiah that express the point he makes in verse 4, the verse for the day. Do with Paul’s letter what he does with the Hebrew Scriptures; find verses in this chapter that quicken you to all the joy of being called to intimacy with Christ in the Spirit.

Paul asks for prayers. We might forget that he, just as Jesus in his agony, needed the prayer of his disciples. Be open for the Spirit to bring to your mind those spiritual leaders who need your prayers.

Romans 15

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: What You are doing through me v. 18

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the season of Pentecost this year we read Paul’s Letter to the Romans.

For all the Firestarters in the original version, 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.

Tap the image for a video meditation on Psalm 33.

Everyday reading of God’s Word offers you rest from outer activity and commitment, so that you can gather energy from your commitment to what is inward. A psalm in the middle of the work-week provides this moment of rest in a special way. Pause to look around you at a world that hastens to fulfill its own will, instead of God’s will. The world needs intercession; the Psalms are perfect for that.

Notice what the psalmist does today for his “coffee break.” Quickly and easily, he gets in touch with a contemplation of the whole world, catching the awesome power of Godly awareness, as did the writer of the opening chapters of Genesis. This pause for refreshment has the psalmist return to what is most basic in his life. May the psalm lift you to the same perspective and call forth new songs from your heart.

Psalm 33

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: Earth full of Your steadfast love v. 5

We continue to follow the Psalms in numerical order.

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.

Once again, David restrains himself from killing Saul. Today’s verse is a foretaste of the Lord’s Prayer: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

Saul has lost all contact with his Lord, focusing obsessively on David, instead of a passionate centering upon God. In his desperate attempt to establish contact with the spiritual world, he sinks into the forbidden practice of seeking help from a medium. Samuel indeed comes forward by the power of God, much to the fright of the medium.

David too seeks allies in the enemy, instead of in the Lord. In his impetuosity, he is like Peter, as Saul is like Judas. Sense the difference between the two—the hope in David, the despair in Saul.

When God is silent, go deeper within, not searching outside of God for cheap answers. Accept no substitutes!

1 Samuel 26—28

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: My life precious in Your hands 26:24

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