Evil has apparently had its day. All creation is distracted from praise of the Creator as immense sadness overwhelms it. The cross pierces the earth, even as the lance opens the side of Jesus. The eternally begotten, uncreated Son of God drinks the dregs of death, and everything is in mourning.

With the death of Jesus, however, there is a shift in the narrative. No longer do we hear blasphemous cries. Instead, a witness of faith rises up in a Roman centurion. In addition, those about the cross move toward salvation with signs of repentance.

Ponder the details of the burial of Jesus. Dwell with expectancy on the final verse where the scent of the resurrection can already be detected. May this evening be peaceful for you, the Sabbath tomorrow, especially restful, as you prepare for the resurrection on Sunday.

Luke 23:44–56

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: In Your hands is my spirit. v. 46

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read Luke 19:28 to 24:53.

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.

Some people in remote parts of the world did not receive the news of the end of World War II until long after the victorious countries held parades of celebration. In somewhat the same manner, John keeps a tension between the victory in Jesus already won, and its not yet realization in all levels of creation. A new thousand-year period is upon us, heightening the awareness of the millennium of which John speaks.

There are various interpretations of the thousand-year period of Jesus’ reign. However, beyond calendars and literal verifications of the events in Revelation, the images of the triumph of good and the defeat of evil are meant to work there way into our lives until the Word of God’s victory touches the heart with praise.

Psalm 148 of yesterday continues its energy of praise into today’s chapter.

Revelation 20

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: May I bear witness to Christ. v. 4

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read 2 Timothy and Revelation 12—22.

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.

Tap here for a video meditation on Psalm 148.

Preoccupation with something or someone, obsession with a thought or habit—all these constrict the wideangle view of creation which we need to maintain. The psalmist has this perspective. At the very heart of matter—more intimate than the bustling movement of atoms and molecules—lies the creative activity of God lifting every thing, animal and person into existence. It is there, at the deepest core that each article of creation is in praise of its creator. From the heights of heaven where God dwells, every creative thing finds its master-image. The dust of the earth—as toner in a copier—arranges itself according to this image.

Enter into God’s creation at the inspiration of the psalm for today. Find your life, with all its details, thoughts, and feelings, set against the background of creation ever-singing praise to God.

Psalm 148

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: Praise the Lord, all creation. v. 5

We continue to read the Psalms in numerical order.

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