It was a unique privilege to have been a son of Aaron, or to have been born into the tribe of Levi. The tithes of the rest of the people were dedicated to the support of these two priestly groups. The entire life of the priests was devoted to the care of the sanctuary and worship. The verse for the day describes the even greater responsibility of the Levites to honor what they do with these gifts, for they belong to the Lord.

The life of worship is central for God’s people. The tabernacle is the most important place for the Israelites, for it draws the people together about their God, maintaining a consciousness of the presence of God in all life.

On our about this Thursday we will begin the Letter to the Hebrews which expresses the priesthood of Jesus in even more exalted terms. In Jesus, you are a priest. What do you do with the gifts you have been given?

Numbers 18

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Offering my best to You v. 29ff

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

The Books of Kings were written as prophetic calls to awaken God’s people to awareness that their exile was the result of profound moral and religious degradation. 1 and 2 Chronicles, while covering much of the same time period, write this history in the light of the community of God that has already returned to freedom after the exile. The emphasis is upon worship; hence, the priestly tone of this work, as contrasted with prophecy.

In the passage for today, genealogies outline the tribes of Judah, Simeon, Reuben, Gad, Manasseh and Levi, with further information about this latter line of priests.

God wants you to see your personal history in the light of God’s present call to you. Pray for a deep awareness of this call, asking the Spirit to help you interpret your past in the light of the blessed future that God is unfolding for you.

1 Chronicles 4—6

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: My life in light of Your call

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the season of Pentecost this year we read Proverbs 27—29 and 1 Chronicles.

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

We know about Amos only from what he tells us in 7:14. No human credential or pedigree warrants God choosing him to be a prophet. Recall what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 1:27: “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.”

Through the dark passage of pain for not living according to the Lord’s way, to the heights of contemplating God’s grandeur in 9:6, Amos lures his shepherd people back into believing in the promise of ultimate salvation and security in the Lord. Read and reread the promises of a restored Israel, culminating in the final verse.

Is there pain in your path? Amos will move you to hope in the victory in Jesus.

Amos 7—9

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the season of Pentecost we read Amos to Nahum with Lamentations 4—5 in the Ninth Week.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Blooming where I am planted 9:15

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.