A Son for Sarah

Three men mysteriously come before Abraham to announce the conception of Isaac. Many scholars interpret this as a manifestation of the Trinity, coming in the early chapters of the Bible. Isaac is another type of Jesus, miracle-child of Abraham and Sarah. He comes at a moment in the evening of the lives of this couple when their “sun” would be expected to set.

There is a charming quality about the story of the back-and-forth dialogue between God and Abraham about the catastrophe soon to come upon Sodom and Gomorrah. God’s desire is to save, not to destroy. Look at what a few good people in prayer could do to hold back the consequences of so much sin. However, as the disciples in the garden with Jesus, there was no one to watch one hour with him. Be among those found faithful to intercessory prayer.

Genesis 18

This is the first of three parts of the Torah Portion Vayera (And He Appeared)
Conservative and Reform Jewish congregations read only this part this year, 
as also in this Bible plan.
Here is the entire portion in all three parts.

Genesis 18—22

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: All wonderful in You, Lord v. 14

The Saturday passages follow the reading list that Jewish people use in their synagogue worship
throughout the world. They are taken from
“The Torah,” the first five books of the Bible from Genesis to Deuteronomy
that are read each year beginning with autumn.

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

The Way of the Cross

Pilate’s cowardice brings Jesus to the point of crucifixion. The Way of the Cross is laid out, the final steps of Jesus’s Jerusalem journey that bring him to rest upon the new tree of life. Accompany Jesus. Be there—not in memory only, but right now; today Jesus completes the cross in countless others.

Once again as Zaccaheus, high upon the tree, the “Good Thief” has the gift of seeing Jesus. Unlike the other thief, this one looks for and finds the silent spaces between shouts of hatred and groans of pain. He goes inward to where he can truly see Jesus and there makes his protestations of love for Jesus, belief in Jesus, and then his final “robbery” of paradise: “Remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

Even if your soul is a soiled as the wicked kings of Judah, there is still time!

Luke 23:13–43

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: “My Father, please forgive them.” v. 34

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read Luke 19:28 to 24:53.

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.

The Joys of Water and Fire

Our reading today contains the only time that the word “Alleluia” is used in the New Testament. Alleluia— only found elsewhere in the psalms—is sung four times in the first six verses of the reading. Even as the final five psalms begin and end with alleluia, concluding this year of grace, so also does the Book of Revelation mount in songs of joy and praise as God’s final triumph over evil is celebrated.

Listen to the sounds of many waters in the wells of grace that God is sending upward from within you. See the points of fire in the eyes of Jesus against the white background of your day. Once again, be lifted high as Zaccaheus and let the Spirit share with you the fruit of joy as the living waters of grace, flowing as the blood of Jesus, reveals the victory over all the evils that are coming against you. Rededicate yourself to how you are living in the Church, the Bride of Jesus.

Revelation 19

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: King of kings and Lord of lords v. 16

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read 2 Timothy and Revelation 12—22.

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.