Rest In Peace

For centuries, monastic communities have been chanting this verse at the beginning of the final sacred hour of the day called Compline. The word means “complete,” as the final prayer takes place before retiring. It suggests that the day is now complete by the final frame of prayer that finishes the day as a sacred work of art for the Lord.

As the day ends and you drop off to sleep, there is a final reminder that the dark energies of evil are still awake and at work. The world forgets that evil is a conscious, personal, malicious, energy constantly directed at destroying goodness by blatant, blasphemous affronts to the glory of God. “Be sober, be vigilant,” but never afraid. The power of God exudes in all four verbs of verse 11. However strong are the forces of evil, the power and glory of God are greater still. Rest in peace.

1 Peter 5

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Self clothed with humility 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.

Remember Whom You Serve

The power of God in Esther turns the evil prepared by Haman for others, upon himself. He dies on the very gallows prepared for Mordecai. The time of God’s victory is at hand. The people rejoice.

As we move further into the Epiphany season, the brightness of the power of God in Christ illumines our paths and strengthens our days. If the Jews in Persia can rejoice over the protective hand of their God, how much more can we rejoice in the presence of Jesus through the Spirit, continually bringing the prideful powers of the world into subjection!

Esther never forgot her heritage as she stood before the powers of the world of her day. May we never forget to whom we belong and whom we serve as we go forth into the world, bringing all things into subjection through Christ Jesus.

Esther 7—8

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Recall to whom I belong 

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the season of Advent to Epiphany this year, we read Ruth, Esther and Proverbs 7 to 9.

 

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

As a Father Loves His Children

The anointing upon the prophet Isaiah and the profound devotion he has for the Lord, bring power to his poetry. Be inspired by the expressions of faith that Isaiah shares with you. He weaves the sacred history of the Exodus as a thread of images for the present tapestry that expresses the desperate need of God’s people for restoration. Note the intimacy of God caring for the people as a father tenderly cares for his children.

Isaiah is overwhelmed with compassion for the people and for you. His prayer from verse 15 sets fire to yours. Place yourself before God who longs to restore you to himself much more than you could ever want this. Remember the words of Paul: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8:31)

Isaiah 63

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Carried in the arms of God v. 9

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the seasons of Advent through Epiphany this year we read Isaiah 56 to 66..

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.