It is the first day of the new creation. As in Genesis, there is darkness in the beginning. Jesus was buried in a garden. Think Eden. The empty tomb shocks Mary Magdalene, figure of Eve, into believing that Jesus’ body was robbed, not risen. The disciple whom Jesus loved, understood to be John himself, outruns Peter; was Peter slowed down by the depression of denial?

As the setting of a nuptial bed, John describes the arrangements of the handkerchief and the linen cloths. John sees the empty tomb as the waiting nuptial chamber, and he believes. The only disciple at the cross is rewarded as the first of many to be blessed for not seeing, yet believing.

Take the empty places in your heart and believe that it is from there that Jesus will rise.

John 20:1–10

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…

Example: Looking in and believing v. 8

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In Lent and Easter we read the Gospel of John.

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.

Be alert to expressions of power of various kinds. There is the fullness of power in the presence of the Holy Spirit, imparted by the hands of Paul, and by articles of his clothing as well. There is the power of faith-filled persons who receive the Holy Spirit because of their openness to this gift.

Pride fills the noisy, arrogant mob in Ephesus. The Holy Spirit sweetly invades the ancient temple of Artemis. The power of Jesus before the demons in the Gospels is now at work in the church, the new temple of God’s enduring presence in the world.

Reflect upon the areas of your life where you sense power at work. The greatest power in you is the Holy Spirit.

Acts 18:23—19:41

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Holy Spirit: come on me. 19:6

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the season of Easter this year we read Acts 18:23—28:31

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.