[From the original edition of the book]

It finally comes—the end of a line of wicked kings and a super-wicked woman. Over at last are years of organized idolatry and murder of prophets at the hands of Jezebel. For not having a window in her life that faces God, she is thrown out of one! Be careful not to open a window to wrongdoing. A foothold becomes a stronghold and you can become tossed about by every wind of evil.

A verse repeats in this part of the history of God’s People: “They did evil in the sight of the Lord”—bold, brazen, defiant evil. Look for all the adjectives that describe evil. Can you come up with some more?

Poisonous fruit begins as a seed the Evil One seeks to plant in human hearts, yours and mine. The seed?

Pride—placing anything or anyone as Number One in your life, except the Lord.

Sometimes people ask, “Is God on our side?” The question is rather, “Am I on the side of God?”

2 Kings 8—9

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read Proverbs 22—23; 2 Kings; Ecclesiastes 5—8.

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

[Today’s Firestarter is from the edition for families with children.]

Daniel proved that he was a wise and trusted advisor to the King Darius.  The King put Daniel in charge of other officials.  As you might guess, these other persons became very jealous of Daniel.  Today’s episode tells of the powerful protection of Daniel by God.

What got Daniel into trouble was the awful decree that the King was the only one that could be prayed to!  Daniel refused to do this.  He used to pray three times a day to his one, true God.  To remind him of this sacred connection to God, he would turn and face Jerusalem.

Here’s an idea.  Go into your room and spend some minutes praying as you face the direction where your church is located.  In your mind, make a connection by an imaginary straight line that joins you and the church.  This can help to bring the feelings of worship that you hopefully have from your church, right into your heart at this very moment. 

   Daniel 6

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year, we read the Book of Daniel.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…

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.

[From the edition for families with children]

Though many persons are divorced in our world, still Jesus upholds the holiness of marriage of one man and one woman for life.  When God puts a husband and wife together, let no one attempt to separate them.

Yet there are many people married who may not have been really put together by God.   Unhealed hurts from the past and other forms of wrong thinking and wrong doing can result in mistakes when some couples marry.  This can occasion suffering for young people—maybe for you.  Remember that underneath the suffering of your parents, there is a pure space of love for you.  Ask God to take you to that place.  Remember too, that God loves you and is actively at work to bring you the comfort and security that you need.

God is at work right now preparing you and the other young man or woman who is going to be your spouse in life!  Pray that you be guided to the right person, and that you will have all the love and grace you’ll need to be an example of a holy marriage till the end of our life.  

Mark 10:2-16

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year B, we read from the Gospel of Mark

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.