Nations that have risen against Judea and Jerusalem are marked for destruction. Those bent on defying God are doomed. They will not harvest the rich fruits resting in ripeness in the field, but rather the beasts of the field and the birds of the air will do the gathering. So says the master of the harvest who rests in the heat of the summer sun.

I wonder if John the Baptist had 17:13 in mind when he preached the way clear for Jesus in Matthew 3:12— the chaff blown to oblivion by the wind. Efforts in your life will be similarly scattered if there lacks a clear, fundamental purpose and call in your life.

Ask the Lord to gather your energies according to God’s plan. What does the final verse mean for you as you place your life and will into God hands?

Isaiah 17—18

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: Eyes upon the Holy One 17:7

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.

 I hope you are finding vacation space from the year’s work. The Spirit will speak to your heart before you return to the challenges to come, as you spend quiet time with the Lord.

The message of grace today intends to take fear away. Widen you faith-awareness of being one with Jesus; this will help flush out fear. The One within you is stronger than the negative forces without that may be pressing against you. St. John and St. Paul express it this way: “The Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world” (1 John 4:4). “I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love” (Rom. 8:38). How would you express this conviction in your own words?

Matthew 10:24–39

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Losing life, I find in You. v. 39

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.

Jealousy and power rear their ugly heads, as they did for the fall of the evil King (or Lucifer?) in Isaiah 14. The rebels mentioned might as well have taken on God, as indeed amounts to be the case, when they challenge Moses and Aaron with such profound disrespect. What happens to them is similar to the outcome of that one that fell from heaven.

Envy is one of the Capital Sins. Its reckless, blind energy smashes headlong into the carefully woven plans that God has for each person.

If only the Korahites had minded their own sacred business—a sacred, priestly business. After you read, examine your own conscience about jealousy. The purity of God’s Spirit cannot tolerate dwelling in a soul restless with jealousy. It is a very destructive power. Beware!

Numbers 16:1–40

This is the first of three parts of the Torah Portion Korah 
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.
Numbers 16—18

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Incense rising from my heart

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