The kingship has very shaking beginnings. Due to the corruption of the sons of Samuel appointed by their father to be judges over Israel, God moves to “Plan B.” The original plan had God alone as king. However, in the face of the desire of the Israelites to be like all the other nations, God complies with the people’s wishes.

Chapter 10 cites the first use of oil to anoint a king, previously used only for the sanctuary and for priests. Saul receives the inrush of the Spirit and begins to prophesy. He is indeed transformed, but not enough; watch for a stronghold of sin that remains which becomes tragedy as the rest of the book unfolds.

The final verse of the reading touches on the evil of jealousy. The question of the rebels. It is like how like the question Satan must have asked when he looked ahead to Jesus. Is there prideful questioning going on in your life?

1 Samuel 8—10

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: You alone, King of the world 8:7

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the season of Pentecost this year we read Proverbs 13 and 14 and 1 Samuel.

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

 Isaiah envisions the fall of Babylon, the city called “The Wilderness of the Sea.” In 703 B.C., Sennacherib of Assyria takes the city. Isaiah experiences within, the terror of Jerusalem as the thought, “You’re next” brings pain to God’s people as of a woman in labor.

Is there anyone or any circumstance coming against you that is frightening you? Isaiah describers the crippling power of fear. Just as he identifies with the fear of Jerusalem, so can this chapter serve to have the fears in your life come to the surface so that you can face them, releasing them to the Lord who has ultimate power against all the “bullies” in your life.

Are there persons in your life who are being frightened? Perhaps the Lord will have you intercede for them by experiencing their fear, just as Isaiah stands in for Jerusalem and its terror, until God’s saving power enters in.

Isaiah 21

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: Glory of the world passing 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.

At times, I hear a person say something like this: “I wonder what it would have been like to have actually been with Jesus when he walked this earth?” Today’s Gospel is a sobering reminder of what happened to many who had this blessing. Moses was able to bring water from the rock at God’s command; but even God cannot make the rock-hard soul of a person flow with living water, unless the person is willing.

You needn’t prefer any other time or place than your here and your now. The fullness of God’s power in the Holy Spirit is available to you at this very moment. Repent of hardness of heart toward any person, place, or thing. Be open to God’s invitation to rest in him.

Take the final three verses and memorize them so that they will be the Firestarter in the center of the logs of your life, falling into place to light your fire.

Matthew 11:16–19; 25–30

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: “Come to me: I give you rest.” v. 28

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.