Jesus, Paul and You

As it was in Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit is at work in the early church. Watch for similar expressions; the power that Jesus had over death in the Gospels is the same power at work in Paul. Paul responds to the opposition to him in words similar to those of Jesus. Both preached in public. This new life is not a secret teaching to an elite group, designed to overthrow the government. For Jesus, nothing but the will of the Father was important; for Paul nothing but the task that the Lord Jesus had given him had any value.

The Lord has no favorites. The same power at work in Paul is available for you. What yet remains of what you need to surrender?

Acts 20

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: No value in life but You v. 24

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the Easter Season this year we read Acts 18:23—28:31.

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.

Dry Bones Live

Though you may feel as a victim, God is working right now to bring justice into your situation. Pray in consonance with God. Find strength in the victory described when God promises the restoration of the Holy Lands. Repeat over and over 36:26, which recalls the very same promise of the Lord in Jeremiah 31:31–34 about receiving a new spirit in a new heart.

Even if you feel that your life is as dry as the bones of chapter 37, the Lord can remake you into the image of Christ risen. Surrender to the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and you will find your weary bones quivering with life.

As you hear God speak this message of power, become quiet and listen to the specific words of strength and energy that the Lord is speaking to your heart.

Ezekiel 36—37

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Breath entering the dry bones 37:5

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the Easter Season this year we read Ezekiel 33—48.

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.

Enveloped by the Resurrection

CARAVAGGIO
The Incredulity of Saint Thomas
1601-02
Oil on canvas, 107 x 146 cm   42 in  57.5 in
Schloss Sanssouci, Potsdam

 It is the first day of the week, the first day of a new creation. In Genesis 2:7, God creates Adam by forming a clay nose out of the earth, blowing God’s very own breath into it. Jesus breathes into the moist, pliable clay of the Apostles and makes them a new creation through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

The resurrection not only involves the risen body of Jesus of Nazareth, but our own bodies as well. The resurrection envelops us through the gift of the Holy Spirit. By the in-breathing of Jesus, we can cry out with St. Paul: “It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me” (Gal 2:20).

Thomas was absent when the risen Christ first appeared. Thomas receives a second chance a week later to witness the resurrection. However, do not be like him, presuming that you will have a second chance next week to worship, if you let this Sunday go by.

John 20:19–31

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Jesus: my Lord and my God v. 28

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year C, during the Easter Season, we read from John’s Gospel, with Luke in the Seventh Week.


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.