Join today, not only with those across the globe who observe the Sabbath, but also reach down over 3,250 years ago to that Sabbath after the week of manna. Just as the Lord had ceased the work of creation and rested on the seventh day, so does God command the. The Sabbath is a sacred time to pause and celebrate God’s presence and activity in life. A familiar saying is reversed: “Don’t just DO something—STAND THERE!

Yet instead of spending time contemplating the miracle of free bread from the skies, the Israelites complain that they are now about to die of thirst. Doubt, complaining and anger cloud their belief that the God who just did one miracle for food is about to do another for water.

After the reading, go down into your own depths and flush out any doubting or complaining going on there.

Exodus 16:11—17:16

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: All complaining stops within 17:3

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

Each of the first three chapters of Luke’s Gospel begins with a time-reference, placing Jesus in the depths of history. The ministry of Jesus begins, with its preparation in the preaching of John the Baptist. He preaches to you, readying you along with the crowd about John. The prophecy of Simeon pierced Mary’s heart with the sword of suffering; so let the ax of John fall into the center of your being, unpacking the hidden recesses of sinfulness that may lurk there.

Jesus comes into the center of history, bringing transforming grace as earth and heaven unite in his Baptism. In Genesis 1:2,”The Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” So here does the Holy Spirit hover over the waters of the Jordan and brings forth a new creation in Jesus.

What needs complete transformation in your life?

Luke 3

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: My life’s tree bearing good fruit v. 9

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.

Open your heart to the Lord in the reading, asking God to reveal to you all the spiritual gifts and qualities that you have. Take an inventory of them, without shame or withhold. Break beyond the flesh thoughts that say: “I can’t do that,” into the realm of the Spirit where words of Paul well up from your Spirit: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13).

Take courage from today’s reading. What is in the way of accepting and loving others more fully? What are you holding onto that blocks that special feeling of peace, which is the confirmation within that you are walking in love?

May you be a vessel today through whom God is glorified.

1 Peter 4: 1–11

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: May my words be as Your words v. 11

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.