War is being waged, not for land, but for a spiritual space in your heart where you can live with God alone. Advent is a time to take possession of this space. However, there are spiritual enemies that have “dug in” to that same territory—perhaps old family strongholds passed on to you through negative, prideful, sinful tendencies that seek to sap the peace that God wants to share with you. Name those “enemies.” Recall in the letter to the Ephesians: “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood … but against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (6:12).

God gives you the heart of Joshua and especially the heart of Jesus, born in the silence of the night in the stable of your heart.

Joshua 9—10

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Cleansed of enemies within

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the seasons of Advent to Epiphany this year we read Joshua and Proverbs 1—3

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 Messianic image of “The Branch of the Lord” opens this chapter of just six verses. As occurred in the Exodus, the cloud of smoke by day and the pillar of fire by night will once again lead the people to places of purification, joy, and peace.

The days are the shortest in the northern hemisphere. However, with winter, the days begin to be longer. Thus, we remember the birth of Jesus at this time. The light of God in Christ has come. Whatever is the darkness of your circumstances or the filthiness of your sin, Jesus offers himself to lead you into paths of light. Jesus loves you. Only embrace and stay clinging to “The Branch of the Lord” and allow the Branch to embrace you in total love and forgiveness.

Isaiah 4

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the seasons of Advent to Epiphany this year we read Isaiah 1-13.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Glory of God covering. v. 6

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.

Two Josephs are with us this season—the patriarch and the husband of Mary. The Saturday readings about Joseph in Genesis blend with those in the Gospels relating with Joseph, foster father of Jesus. Both receive directions from God through dreams; both go to Egypt; both are “just men” of the Lord.

Enter into the scene of the Annunciation to Joseph. Imagine his pain before the intervention of the angel. Mary is pregnant by someone else. Just as for the patriarch, Joseph, Mary’s husband moves beyond being a victim of circumstances. He is more concerned for Mary’s well-being than for his own condition. God can work wonders with those who die to self.

Meditate upon Joseph as he falls asleep in anguish; be with him in the wonder of his waking.

Matthew 1:18–23

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Being righteous as Joseph. v. 19

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year A, we generally read from the Gospel of St. Matthew.

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.