Thomas’absence at the first appearance of Jesus becomes a handicap to knowing the presence of Jesus risen in the new community. For Thomas, an alive Jesus would be a revivified corpse. He had no idea that Jesus would live in him, rather than he in Jesus with his fingers in the open wounds.

The second encounter with Jesus eight days later begins as the first one in 20:19. There is, however, a small but very significant difference. In verse 19, the past tense is used: “Jesus came.” In verse 26, it is the present tense: “Jesus comes.” Even before the manifestation to Thomas, Jesus is already present in the community that loves in such a way, that his presence is manifest in them.

Are you part of a community that lives and loves in the Spirit? No personal preferences to see Jesus in any particular manner will substitute for this.

John 20:24–31

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Safe in the side of Jesus v. 27

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the Easter Season this year we read the final third of John’s Gospel.

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 read the second of three accounts of the story of Paul’s conversion. Each telling is fresh, for there are a new opportunities for Paul to give praise to his Lord. Catch the joy in his spirit as Paul shares his deep conviction that no evil can ever come against him that will be able to withstand the power of his Jesus.

Cast your memory over your past life. Recall those times when God intervened in your life in clear and manifest ways. How did you respond? Spend time with the story of God’s shaping of your life to be in conformity with Jesus. There is energy in the retelling of the story as you move further into your life as it continues. Writing the story as Luke does, will deepen its impact upon you and upon others when you share it.

Acts 22

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Being sent out far and wide v. 21

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the Easter Season 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.

Join the suffering of the psalmist with yours and others. Each verse with its rhythm and variation on the single theme of God’s self-communication brings comfort to the heart. God gently shares with us who God is in the gentle presence of the flow of the Word. The Holy Spirit is your beloved friend who strokes the forehead of your soul with these words. The Holy Spirit is the Comforter.

The fourth word for our Wednesday meditations is ‘edah, translated as “decrees” or “testimonies.” It is a legal term, also meaning “witness.” The root ‘uwd means, “to go around” or “repeat.” Consistent, repetitious true witness wins the case for the defendant.

Repeat the word ‘edah throughout the day as you receive the wonders of creation as witnesses of the beauty and love of the Creator.

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: Your steadfast love my comfort v. 76

During the Easter Season this year we read Psalm 119 which has 176 verses.

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