Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah each write words of judgment against pagan nations. This year, every chapter in Jeremiah except the final one, is devoted to this. Beginning from the west with Egypt and moving east to Babylon, he singles out ten nations for judgment because of their arrogant abuse of power and their defiance of the God of Israel.

The section opens with the Battle of Carchemish by the northwestern portion of the Euphrates River. The year is 605 B.C. Egypt forever loses power in the region, overcome by Babylon.

Images of arrogance seek to shake loose any particles of pride in you. Find comfort in the Lord who is ever protecting you.

Jeremiah 46—48

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the season of Lent this year we read Jeremiah 36-52.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Returning to quietness 46:27

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 center of Lent finds us contemplating perhaps the most beloved of Jesus’s parables:  The Prodigal Son. Reflect upon the challenge that the father has with his two sons. The brothers have likely been at odds with each other from early on; the older a “holier-than-thou” type; the younger, “spoiled rotten.” Into this setting comes a father at once delirious with joy that his beloved son has returned, yet shocked into sadness when he learns how “far away” the oldest son has been all along. 

Stop when you find your spirit moved in positive or negative ways. These are moments of grace. Identify with the persons in the story. The parable will touch your heart as you come home to your Father who loves you. Look around and discover in faith, the welcome-home party that God is throwing for you.

Luke 15:1–3;11–32

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Your looking with compassion. v. 20

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year C, we generally read from the Gospel of Luke.

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.

We discover what is clean and unclean from the Lord, not only from natural inclinations. Repugnance for vermin and other insects is part of God’s teaching!

The routine of bathing or cleaning the house can be transformed into an activity that evokes God’s presence. Think of this as you wash dishes, or clean windows. The transparent presence of God shines through.

To keep the house clean and in order means that everything in life has its proper place and assigned boundary. For example, when distractions come in prayer, think of these as intruders crossing the boundary of your sacred space of time with God. Something imposes itself to be dealt with at another time and place. Draw the distraction into your prayer, place it into your hands, and lift it to the Lord, saying, “Later about this, Lord!”

Leviticus 11:33–47

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Cleanliness and Godliness

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