While the second commandment forbids the making of images adored as God, the Lord knows that our senses need to be active so that we can go beyond them to the realm of the Spirit.

In order to get a sense of the size of the court for the tabernacle in the wilderness, imagine the dimensions of a football field. Stretching across the field is the length of the tabernacle—about 50 yards. Its width is from the 25^th yard line to the goal line. Within that sacred space, clear directions from the divine architect are given to Moses.

Now leave the “football field” and enter into the tabernacle as you listen to the exact dimensions, adornment, and location of every object … the color of every thread. All these are symbols, meant to act upon our senses to stimulate the awe of being in the presence of God. Sense the colors. What spiritual feelings does each one stir in you? Let all your spaces today be sacred.

Exodus 26:31—27:19

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: My heart an altar for You 

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

No one sits down and consumes three meals of the day all at once. Similarly, you may want to take the nourishment from God’s Word today and divide it into smaller portions. Sense the contrasting movements of the chapter. Be with Jesus on the mountaintop as he seeks uninterrupted union with the Father before he calls the Twelve Apostles.

Think of it: Jesus prays. If the eternal Son of God sought out times for quiet prayer, how much more do you and I need to do the same. The absence of union with God in the lives of the Pharisees had them become the plaything of the forces of Satan through pride and religiosity.

Take time to listen to Luke’s counterpart to Matthew: “The Sermon on the Plain.” Read slowly … pray deeply … ponder the questions that Jesus puts to you.

Luke 6

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Blessing those who curse at me v. 27

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.

Peter urges his first recipients and us, his latest ones, to reverse the downward spiral of earthly lust into an ascent of virtues. There is a rising chain for us to climb with the energy of eight virtues, links in the upward movement. They are found in verses 5 to 7. Meditate upon each of them, sensing in your spirit how each yields to the next. Make each of these abstractions into inner spiritual realities by applying your senses to them, especially tasting each virtue as you receive the next one.

All of these, along with the theme of “knowledge of the Lord,” weave through this letter as gifts from God. Their source rests upon the greatest gift of all—divine life pulsing through our human, mortal flesh.

2 Peter 1:1–12

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Faith supported by goodness v. 5

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.