A third cycle of dialogues begins between Job and his so-called friends. Eliphaz is so convinced that bad things only happen to bad people, that he accuses Job of specific, grievous offenses. Loneliness augments Job’s anguish. No one understands; no one comforts. Job does not respond to Eliphaz, but simply proclaims God’s righteous judgments. Job talks about God, instead of speaking to God. His words come from deep conviction; yet comfort is still far away.

Highlight the golden gems in Job’s words in chapter 23 that come from his suffering. Taste the pain of Job in chapter 24. What feelings and images are stirred within you as you relate your life to Job’s life? There is relief for Job through writing; find the same for yourself.

Job 22—24

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Your words kept in my bosom 23:12

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

Mondays in Lent each year are dedicated to the prophet Jeremiah. You might pray each of today’s three chapters in the morning, afternoon and evening. Chapter 36 uplifts the theme of repentance. King Jehoiakim tries to destroy the Word of God by throwing Jeremiah’s scrolls into the fire. Recall what King Herod did when he had the Holy Innocents killed in an attempt to do away with Jesus, the infant King. Verse 18 is the only reference to “ink” in the Old Testament.

The treatment of Jeremiah in chapter 37 will remind you of the way Jesus suffered. Just as the patriarch Joseph, Jeremiah was raised from a pit. The Lord saw to it that Jeremiah would not die in the dungeon. As the very body of the prophet rises from the pit, the verse for today (38:20) wells up from the mire of disobedience.

Jeremiah 36—38

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: My ears open to Your truth

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

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 beginning of the season of Epiphany saw us contemplating the Baptism of Jesus. Lent opens, with what took place immediately after—the temptation of Jesus in the desert. Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us. (2 Cor. 5:21)

The wilderness recalls the wanderings of our ancestors, time of temptation and sin for them. They complained about bread, fell into idolatry, and tested the Lord. Jesus confronted the same three temptations. However, Jesus did what our ancestors did not—meet the attacks with the sword of the Spirit, the living Word of God, here found in Deuteronomy 6—8.

Today and everyday, let a word or phrase from the daily passage rise forth that you can use as a weapon against the temptations you face. Come against them with God’s Word, and you will not fall.

Luke 4:1–13

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Serving only the Lord God v. 8

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year C, we generally read from the Gospel of Luke.

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.