Tap on the image for a video meditation on Psalm 35.

 In a dying fire, most is ash with only a few sparks left. Such an image might describe this psalm of David. The ashes of his suffering at the hands of evil enemies are described in verse upon verse. Yet sparks of a new fire kindle in his soul and in yours, if you cherish the sparks and let them light a new fire.

A fresh, new fire needs the ashes of the old to be removed. So it is that David’s very expression of mounting injustices against him are as the ashes being taken out of the hearth of his heart so that from the bottom of his being he can praise the Lord in new ways.

May this psalm do for you what it does for David—new praise, new awareness of God’s faithful dedication to defend and rescue the poor and the innocent. When mistreatment and even slander come your way, may this psalm bring you comfort in the company you keep—David and Jesus.

Psalm 35

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: All day long, my tongue in praise v. 28

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 Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and Isaiah 28:16-18a.

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 Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and the Gospel passage.

 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.