We often consider an examination of conscience as a judgmental, knitted eyebrow, pointing the finger at our own soul, bringing up feelings of guilt and shame. The word comes from the Latin examen, which literally means the “marker on a scale.” Think of the careful, gentle look you give a postal scale to see if you need to add extra postage to that special piece of mail.

The scale, or a see saw, is how Proverbs are. Each side is balanced with its opposite. Read today’s proverbs slowly, placing your soul in the balance of each one, literally weighing your life according to the measure of each proverb.

Notice how your soul tilts as you pray them. Speaking of scales, beware of any double standards in your life. The ancient Greek philosopher, Socrates said: “The unexamined life is not worth living.”

Proverbs 20

We’re using The Message translation of the Scriptures.
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Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In this season, Proverbs 20-11; 1 Kings

For the next several weeks, the Firestarters will be from the original version of this program. For these 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.

Marriage is the most intimate of relationships; that is how the Lord wants to embrace the people. Our Israelite ancestors were continually unfaithful. As a jolt to the people, God commands faithful Hosea, the prophet, to take a prostitute as a wife. His unfaithful wife is God’s way of confronting our ancestors with their infidelity.

The Lord longs to marry you in fidelity and love. Nothing less than total intimacy is God’s desire. At this very moment, God wants to refashion your soul-pain. What symbol does God use for you as energy to draw you closer to the Lord?

To love is to be poured out. The Holy Spirit was poured out, as Jesus’ blood was shed for you. “Till death do us part?” Not for Jesus … His death means life and union for you!

Hosea 1

We’re using The Message translation of the Scriptures.
Learn about this. unique translation

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
We continue to read from the Prophet Isaiah.

For the next several weeks, the Firestarters will be from the original version of this program. For these 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.

 “This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. John 3:16

Lingering on the heights of Pentecost, Trinity Sunday prompts us to look once again at this deepest mystery of God, and adore. A searching Pharisee in the middle of the night is lead to the heart of Jesus.

The Trinity, not bound by our brains, is adored in our spirits. What the mind cannot grasp, the heart receives. God is community—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God wants nothing less than the intimacy of community with the human family.

We have come to the middle of the church year. In Advent and Epiphany, we looked to the Father in preparing for the coming and manifestation of the Son. In Lent and Easter, we contemplated Jesus and his passage from death to life, which became our passage as well. Now the time of the Holy Spirit is here—Pentecost. Be ready for what the Spirit is going to do in your life!

John 3:1–17

We’re using The Message translation of the Scriptures.
Learn about this. unique translation

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…

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

For the next several weeks, the Firestarters will be from the original version of this program. For these 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.