The final scene in Luke’s Gospel is described again in the opening chapter of the Book of Acts. It is the Ascension of Jesus. Before Jesus departs, he does for the disciples what he did for the two on the road to Emmaus—he opens minds to understanding.

Luke’s Gospel begins and ends in the Temple. The closed, empty, inner Holy of Holies of waiting, longing, and finally God’s intervention in Gabriel, contrasts with the whole Temple. The veil of separation is torn; the new community expands the sacred space of God’s presence as they wait for the Holy Spirit. This Spirit will take them beyond the boundaries of the old Temple to endless limits of the new temple of Christ’s body.

Spend these days of waiting, in watching, longing, and hoping for what is yet to come.

Luke 24:44–53

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Staying here till clothed with pow’r v. 49

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
During Lent and Easter, we generally read from 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.

Those who have had a near-death experience speak about passing through a tunnel having a great light at the end. Actually, these are “near-life” experiences.

Jesus is the door. As you approach Jesus in faith, you are having such a near-life experience. Pass through the door, which is Jesus, and rest with the Good Shepherd.

Do not be satisfied with merely a near-death experience of self, but rather a whole-death one. Lift your heart into the open doorway of the side of Jesus. His heart waits to receive you as the bridegroom of your soul. Return often during the day to the image of Jesus as your Good Shepherd

John 10:1–21

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Hearing now the Shepherd’s voice v. 3

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the seasons of 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.

The church grows as an explosion in the Book of Acts. The rage of persecutions only fans the flames of fervor. Joy expands.

There is saying of Tertullian from the second century: “The blood of martyrs is the seed of Christians.” Saul was present at the blood bath of Stephen. It quickened his personal resolve to persecute. However, this is the last chapter about Saul; in the next one, he is Paul with energies transformed for Christ.

Simon is a wheeler and dealer, reminding us to beware of turning the power of the Spirit to selfish ends. Give God all the glory for the wonderful things God wants to do in you and through you. May the Spirit guide you through these daily readings, as Philip guides the eunuch on his path through the Word of God.

Acts 8

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: “Blood of martyrs, seed of faith.” Tertullian

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 1—9.

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.