We are at the end of Joshua’s life. The warrior years of the young liberator are long gone. His words have the ring of “tough love.” He reminds God’s people of their need to be faithful to the covenant. At the same time, there are tenderness and expansive peace that well up in words of comfort, his long life seasoned by the inner joy of God’s constant fidelity.

Though the enemies in your life may not be the countries bordering your house, still there are inner forces of darkness and evil that push against your “front door.” Peace can be dissipated. Do not become discouraged from fidelity to those daily disciplines needed so that God’s grace can grow within you.

Be with the great multitude that first heard Joshua’s words, and those gathered in the silence this day, awed by the final chapters of this great book.

Joshua 23—24

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Nothing failed of Your promise. 23:14

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

Though the Lord had used pagan Assyria to bring judgment upon Israel, the arrogance of Assyria brings its own punishment. Listen to that nation’s haughty words, boasting that its cities are like the great ones that were destroyed. They blaspheme by blurting out that Judah’s God is just like the pagan ones of Syria that Assyria destroyed. The poetry that Isaiah paints serves to make the arrogance and blasphemy of Assyria even bolder. The fire started here will consume.

Reflect upon the energies of the world that press about. Can you not hear similar words muttered beneath commercials conspiring that we consume more and more of the riches of the earth? Work and pray against the injustices that pervade current society, just as they did in Isaiah’s day. The fire of God’s love: may it burn away all pride.

Isaiah 10:1–19

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: The holy flame of Your light v. 17

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.