Job rebukes his companions, proclaiming the power of God. Strife and dissension continue to mount and pervade this book. Arguing rarely brings resolution, for each person stubbornly holds on to his or her position. Job and his so-called friends strive to grab after the last word that will silence the others; but it never comes.

The tension causes Job to become so defensive about his innocence, that he becomes self-righteous. While innocent of the charges leveled against him, Job fails to see that he needs to learn something about his predicament. This will come when Job finally explodes with anger in God’s presence, ironically disposing him to the Lord’s words and the beginnings of peace.

Live the tension of these readings. You will be preparing yourself to hear God’s Words in the response of God that comes in the final passage on Tuesday of Holy Week.

Job 25—28

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Your living breath within me 27:3

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the season of Lent this year we read Job 22 to 37; 41-42.

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 holy city, Jerusalem, has fallen into the sacrilegious hands of unbelievers. Read slowly and soberly about the fall of the city. The date is July 18, 586 B.C.

Chapter 39, verse 18 rises up in hope. Jeremiah models for us the sense of comfort and safety that comes when we place our complete trust in the Lord. Reflect upon your own life. How does it move in relation to the kind of trust that you place in God?

Evil and tragedy continue as the wicked Ishmael betrays and murders the good governor, Gedaliah, as they break bread together. Jealousy and strife ravage the remnant of God’s people. What little is left becomes even smaller by the treachery of Ishmael. Read. Be sobered.

Jeremiah 39—41

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the season of Lent this year we read Jeremiah 36-52.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Praying for those who suffer 39:1ff

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.

We long to be reconciled to God. The sacrifice and burning of various animals correspond to various kinds of sin; this is the Bible’s way of calling the people to repent from sin without further consequences. They were the acts of contrition whereby one could turn from sin and live again in communion with God and God’s people. Fire made the burnt offering become a sweet smelling smoke ascending into the air, blending with the presence of God all about.

Face your sin. Confess it. In so doing, you celebrate the gratuitous fact that God has already forgiven you in Jesus. When you repent, the Lord burns your sins away with his love, for he has gathered all sin into himself. The blood of Christ shed for you, turns sorrow for sin into a sweet smelling smoke rising from the cross.

Leviticus 4:27—5:26

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Sin burned away by Your love

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