The death of one’s first child—is there any pain greater for a parent? This plague brought Pharaoh to let God’s people go.

Rejoice in the reading, the paradigm of all freedom, the Exodus. Read about the importance of continuing its remembrance in the regulations given for the Passover. The use of unleavened bread—a tradition in Holy Communion—recalls that there was no time for the bread to rise. When the Lord says, “GO”, we must be ready.

God moved at night. Think of this as you drop off to sleep and end each day. “He who keeps you will not slumber” (Ps 121: 3). An observant male Jews ties leather cases on his head and left hand, which contain passages from the Torah. What can you do to never forget the obvious—that the blood of Jesus has set you free?

Exodus 12:29—13:16

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Going where You’d have me go 12:41

The Saturday passages follow the reading list that Jewish people use in their synagogue worship
throughout the world. They are taken from
“The Torah,” the first five books of the Bible from Genesis to Deuteronomy
that are read each year beginning with autumn.

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

Since I was a child, a work of art has hung in my room by C. Bosseron Chambers entitled, “Christ at Five.” It depicts the boy Jesus seated on a little stool, playing with scraps of wood from Joseph’s shop. Two pieces fall together forming a cross. Jesus pauses in his play … gazes upward with a look of wonder with a touch of worry … hands quietly resting on his lap … the little cross at his feet—anticipation.

Gather your childhood into your lap. What do you recall then that was an anticipation, a glimpse, of what your future life would become? Is there something back then that was lost in the temple of your heart that you need to find again? Look heavenward to your Father who holds your future in his hands. Go to the inner temple where Christ teaches your soul, as he did in the Temple.

Luke 2:41–52

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Being in my Father’s house v. 49

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In Advent through Epiphany this year we read Luke chapters 1 to 8.

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.

From the death of the Innocents by King Herod, to the trials that you are enduring right now, all the resources for suffering with meaning are before you. In the very center of the passage, verse 18, lies the central truth that gives meaning to all unjust suffering.

Pray to move beyond self-defensiveness to intercession for your persecutors. Christ’s suffering brought us closer to God; will you not let your suffering do the same for those who need salvation? How you respond to suffering is a powerful wake-up-call in others to a desire for God. As verse 15 indicates, be ready to defend the hope that is in you and not to defend the self.

1 Peter 3:13–22

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Death to flesh; life in Spirit v. 18

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.