Joy in the Walk 

An image is forever imprinted within me. It was spring, 1968 during the days after the assassination of Martin Luther King. I was part of a great march in Newark, New Jersey. At one point, we were walking up a hill, which soon turned downward. Suddenly, as I began the walk down, an immense silent sea of people stretched before me. I felt as though I was indeed part of a people, bound together in grief over Dr. King’s death, and bonded in joy, as we found meaning in witnessing to Dr. King’s convictions in life and in death.

A similar feeling must have gripped our ancestor pilgrims as they walked toward Jerusalem. The joy from this psalm came from beholding families walking along with babies in the arms of their parents.

May Jews, Christians and Moslems, find unity of minds and hearts in all our festivals that celebrate in one form or another, the one God who has intervened in our lives.

Psalm 128

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: Happy those who honor You. v. 1

In the Season of Lent this year we read Psalm 125 to 129.

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 Results of Wickedness 

Zophar is a good example of those so proud and opinionated, that their hearts are closed and rigid in the face of human suffering. Rather than be challenged by his thoughts and the suffering of his friend Job, Zophar is not sure that Job is good at all!

What is deceptive about Zophar’s speech about the outcome of the wicked is that it is true in so many respects. Again, the power of poetry abounds in the images of this great book.

Job’s energies are strong in his dispute with Zophar. Job questions Zophar’s position about the wicked coming to disaster. Job does not see it that way; look how often the wicked prosper!

Get beneath the arguments, to feelings and attitudes. Does today’s passage change your understandings about goodness and evil?

Job 20—21

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Praying for those despairing  v. 25

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the Season of Lent this year we read Job 15-21; 39-40

 

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

A Shining Jewel 

Today’s reading provides clues for discerning the difference between true and false prophecy. False prophets speak of promises they cannot deliver; true ones speak of the consequences to unfaithfulness to God.

Listen to the letter of chapter 29 as though personally directed to you. Be compassionate with the lost. Pray in heartfelt intercession, moved by the tenderness of God. Does the Lord place anyone in particular upon your heart for prayer?

In the middle of the letter, a verse expresses profound love and tenderness on the part of God. May your heart, loosened, shaken, and sobered by this letter, receive this verse of comfort as a shining jewel in the midst of a rough, hard earth.

Jeremiah 27—29

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the Season of Lent this year we read Jeremiah 18 to 35.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: “I know th’ plans I have for you.” v. 11

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.