Parable: here is a word associated with Jesus, almost as much as the word Gospel. Today begins “The Sermon of Parables,” the third of five major discourses in the Gospel of Matthew. Envisioning Jesus as the new Moses, Matthew parallels the first five books of the Bible, the Torah.

Parallel and parable: the words are related through the common Greek prefix para meaning “alongside.” Parallel lines are those that move alongside each other at the same distance, uniting only in infinity. The third syllable in the word parable means, “to throw.” A parable is an image that is “thrown alongside” some aspect of the Good News, so that we can see grace reflected in the image.

Remember the list of seven parables in this chapter. Be alert today for other parables that the Spirit will throw your way, as the Spirit within your heart teaches you about the mysteries of the Kingdom of God.

Matthew 13

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Seed-word falling on good soil v. 8

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the season of Pentecost this year we read Matthew 8 to 18.

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.

 One of the most powerful chapters in the whole Bible is before you. We peer into the depths of Paul’s heart and mind as we consider the essence of what it means to live a life in the Spirit.

This chapter forms a centerpiece to the whole letter to the Romans, coming in the middle of this season dedicated to the Holy Spirit. It is the Firestarter that has Paul burn on and on with his passion for the Spirit. Pray that the same Spirit that burned in Paul will burn in you. You will encounter very profound thought. Ask the Lord to give you a spirit of deep understanding as you embrace the truths that are laid forth here.

You may find it helpful to take the four quarter parts of the day, devoting these four parts of the chapter to each one: verses 1–8, 9–17, 18–30, 31–39. It will be “Fire in Four-quarter Time”!

Romans 8

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Mind on Spirit: life and peace v.6

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the season of Pentecost this year we read Paul’s Letter to the Romans.

For all the Firestarters in the original version, I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these Firestarters with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.

Tap on the image for a video meditation on Psalm 27.

The psalmist stitches together a variety of pleas flowing from a heart intimate with God. The opening twofold question loosens you to respond in abandoned prayer.

The psalm is one of my favorites; may it bring you comfort. There is joy in every verse moving from the images of security and protection from the Lord. The psalm will remind you of Psalm 23 as David experiences confidence in the presence of enemies, and the joy of dwelling in the house of the Lord.

In The Bible Through the Seasons Wednesdays are usually days when the readings are shorter. Spend time reading and re-reading the psalms. Review previous days’ readings, or catch up, if you want.

Just as Wednesday is the link between the first and second parts of the week, so do the psalms bond Jewish, Christian as well as Muslim Scriptures.

Psalm 27

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: You set me high on a rock. v. 5

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