Rags of poverty on Joshua become rich robes. This is not his doing, but the Lord’s. Contrast the robes and rags of Dives and Lazarus in yesterday’s reading. The rich man’s robes came from exploitation, manipulation, and the denial of the balance that comes when we share God’s good things.

The task before Joshua the priest and Zerubbabel the governor is to work together with the Spirit providing the energy for the completion of the Temple and the reviving of God’s people after the devastation of exile. The olive trees symbolize what we would come to know as “church and state.” These are set before Zechariah who prophesies under the power of the Spirit.

What are the divine tasks that the Lord puts before you? You will be given the courage to face them, for it is not you who will complete them, but the Holy Spirit.

Zechariah 3—4

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the season of Kingdomtide we read Habakkuk to Malachi.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Complete Your temple in me. 4:7

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 cosmic image of the woman of yesterday is in marked contrast with the humble woman of today’s reading. We are in the Temple with Jesus and some disciples. Similar to the grand furnishings of the Temple described in Tuesday’s reading, proud Pharisees stand about in long robes. They form a border to the scene. An old woman enters, bent over, slowly making her way to the box that receives her offering of two small coins. Picture her, there in the center, in the spotlight of Jesus’gaze; the Temple adornments and Pharisees are lost in the shadows.

Find comfort in the words about this remarkable, unnamed woman whom Jesus exalts. Quietly discover your brand of the two small coins and simply give them to the Lord. Empty yourself of everything, so that Jesus can fill you with everything.

Luke 21:1–19

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Little with love being much. v. 3

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read Luke 19:28 to 24:53.

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.

Tap here for a video meditation on Psalm 141.

Solomon learned how to pray from his father, David; the psalmist learns from David—and so do we. The closeness of David to God peacefully reveals itself in this prayer of protection from the forces of evil that circle about him. He asks God to protect him from the seductive quality of evil as it threatens to enter him. He prays that God guard his mouth from evil; it is a prayer of protection against the comings and goings of wickedness.

Here in the center of the week, when the human family is beset with so many attacks from evil, let this gentle, confident prayer become yours. Pray not only for personal protection against evil, but allow this psalm to be a spark of fire the Spirit fans in you for intercessory prayer.

Psalm 141

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: Raising my hands like incense. v. 2

We continue to read 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