Tap on the image for a video meditation on Psalm 34.

Here is another Psalm among David’s “alphabytes.” Each of the twenty-two verses begins with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. What is more, we could single out every one of these verses as the verse for the day. Your spiritual “metal detector” will find gold in every one. The one selected here is the verse I often find on my lips as I seek to bring comfort to those in great suffering.

This is the psalm most often quoted in the New Testament. A familiarity with it over this center day of the last week of the season will show you why. It takes its place along with Isaiah, Paul, and Matthew, who are especially uplifting to the spirit. Linger on verse five at the end of the day, as it will link beautifully with the name Phoebe that Paul will mention in the last chapter in Romans.

Can you find words from A to Z that would summarize each verse?

Psalm 34

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: You save the crushed in spirit. v. 18

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

Listen to Nick read the Firestarter.

Again a comparison between Saul and Judas, David and Peter … David’s seeking favor from the Philistines is over, similar to Peter wanting to be on the side of Jesus’adversaries in the courtyard with the servant girl. Both Saul and Judas ended their lives by committing suicide.

Peter and Judas both sinned. While Peter quickly repented, Judas sank deeper and deeper into guilt. David and Saul sinned, but David, like Peter, had a heart quick to return to God. Saul, on the other hand, went deeper into infidelity, and into that vice that ends so many relationships, and even lives—jealousy.

Here they are: the first and second kings of Israel. The stage is set for a long history of kings—most of them unfaithful as Saul, ending their lives in disgrace, just as he. Reflect upon yourself.

1 Samuel 29—31

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: My heart returning to You.

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

Listen to Nick read the Firestarter.

As we enter the final week of Pentecost, feel an inward lift in this glorious chapter of Isaiah. If you had a chance to have vacation by the sea, picture the vast expanse of ocean with all its mysterious depths as you hear about the end of ancient sea monsters—symbols of all the chaotic energies of water first subdued in the creation story in Genesis. God will triumph over all enemies. You can be part of that restored people of which Isaiah speaks. If your vacation has been to the mountains, let that place be a symbol of the spiritual mountain where the New Jerusalem rests.

With your spiritual “metal detector,” scan the verses of this chapter of strength and renewal before the next section of Isaiah to come in Kingdomtide. There will be more challenges for you not to fall into the woes predicted for those who are obtuse to God.

Isaiah 27

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: Clinging to Thee for safety v. 5

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.