As shining embers amid the smoldering ashes of suffering, the word “glory” rises up four times in this brief passage. The word in Greek is doxa, whose root means “thought” or “opinion.” It comes to mean the good opinion of another, or their reputation. Applied to God, doxa is the radiance of God shining forth.

The word and its variations occur over two hundred and thirty times in the New Testament. In John’s Gospel, it is closely connected with the great suffering and death of Jesus as the moment of God’s glory. As with John, here glory joins suffering for Christ. God’s own glory shines through the shame and suffering inflicted upon those who follow Jesus.

Repeat the word often throughout your day, beneath your breath, as GLORY rests on you and shines forth from within.

1 Peter 4:12–19

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Blessed when reviled for Your name v. 13

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the seasons of Advent through Epiphany this year,
we read the letters of Peter.

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 102.

Similes and images flow throughout this psalm. As you encounter each one, your imagination brings you close to the psalmist who pours out his grief to God. Can you sense in your spirit how these images help you feel along with him?

As you reflect upon the movement of your own life, what images come forward? Here is where journal keeping can be a help. Your hand poised to write creates an inward readiness to receive those images from the Spirit that are personal to you. With them, you can write your own psalm as you pray this one.

Whatever is causing you pain—trust that it will pass. The salvation remains.

Psalm 102

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: Let my cry come before you. v. 1

We follow a reading of 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

Esther receives the scepter—symbol of kingly power. The favor of the king is but a sign of the favor Esther finds before God who quietly weaves a plan of salvation for the people. Slowly but surely, God is turning the wheels of justice. Soon the elements of the conspiracy against Mordecai and God’s people will be turned upon the evil Haman. Jealousy, pride, and Godlessness fill the hearts of the enemy. The quiet fidelity of those who are enacting the plan of God is in sharp contrast.

Are you content to be in the background, faithfully responding to the Lord in the little details of life? Be confident that God can do great things with you, as long as today’s part of the plan is completed. Your life is a quilt—each day’s grace-lived square added to all your yesterdays makes a perfect work of art for the Lord.

Esther 5—6

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Living a life of virtue

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the season of Advent to Epiphany this year, we read Ruth, Esther and Proverbs 7 to 9.

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