The darkness of pride, jealousy, and unfaithfulness in the people are pitted against the humility, compassion, and fidelity of Jesus. Whether alone in the silence of the desert, or amid the crowds that want to throw him over a cliff, Jesus faces all the wiles of Satan in the strength of the Holy Spirit.

Take comfort. Whatever be the evil that is coming against you, it cannot withstand the inner power of the Holy Spirit available to you just for the asking. The Spirit is alive, capable of completing every word of this chapter and the whole Bible in your hearing. This is especially true as you meditate upon these same words of the Lord along with the many who are living the Scriptures in these daily readings.

God wills to deliver you from evil so that you can pass through its midst and be on your way—the Lord’s way.

Luke 4

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Anointed to bring good news v. 18

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In Advent through Epiphany this year we read Luke chapters 1 to 8.

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.

As shining embers amid the smoldering ashes of suffering, the word “glory” rises up four times in this brief passage. The word in Greek is doxa, whose root means “thought” or “opinion.” It comes to mean the good opinion of another, or their reputation. Applied to God, doxa is the radiance of God shining forth.

The word and its variations occur over two hundred and thirty times in the New Testament. In John’s Gospel, it is closely connected with the great suffering and death of Jesus as the moment of God’s glory. As with John, here glory joins suffering for Christ. God’s own glory shines through the shame and suffering inflicted upon those who follow Jesus.

Repeat the word often throughout your day, beneath your breath, as GLORY rests on you and shines forth from within.

1 Peter 4:12–19

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Blessed when reviled for Your name v. 13

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the seasons of Advent through Epiphany this year,
we read the letters of Peter.

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 here for a video meditation on Psalm 102.

Similes and images flow throughout this psalm. As you encounter each one, your imagination brings you close to the psalmist who pours out his grief to God. Can you sense in your spirit how these images help you feel along with him?

As you reflect upon the movement of your own life, what images come forward? Here is where journal keeping can be a help. Your hand poised to write creates an inward readiness to receive those images from the Spirit that are personal to you. With them, you can write your own psalm as you pray this one.

Whatever is causing you pain—trust that it will pass. The salvation remains.

Psalm 102

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: Let my cry come before you. v. 1

We follow a reading of 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