Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and the Gospel.

The setting of the Last Supper before Jesus is lifted up on the cross is offered here before Jesus is lifted to heaven in the Ascension. Jesus has just heard the protestations of Peter that he would never deny Jesus. Jesus must have descended in an instant to an inner garden of agony. Nonetheless, from these depths of Jesus’s heart we begin to hear the most exalted words ever addressed to humans: we are called to live with God.

The essence of this living-with is found in the Greek word meno meaning “to dwell, remain, abide,” etc. The noun form, “mansions,” or “dwelling places,” occurs only two times in the Bible, in verse 2 and verse 23. The way in which the Father and Son mutually indwell becomes the model for how we are meant to live with God.

Take this Greek word, meno and repeat it repeatedly today until it burrows its way into you.

John 14:1–14

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: You taking me to Yourself v. 3

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
During Lent and Easter, we read from the Gospel of John.

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.

Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and Leviticus 22:26-33.

Physically challenged people and persons otherwise handicapped wre not permitted to serve as priests in the Holy Testament.   There is a valid principle at work: only that which is without defect can approach the altar.  Only what is complete and the best is to be given to God.

Thank God for Jesus!  He is the only perfect One who is also willing to share the perfection of grace with all those who give their lives to him. Thus, there is no need for us literally to fulfill the principle hehind restricting servants of the Lord to whole persons; Jesus makes us whole.
 

While all this is true, still be sure that you are giving your best to the Lord.  Your whole heart, your complete intention, your number-one desire is to dedicate your life to God alone.

Leviticus 21—22

This is the first of three parts of the Torah Portion Emor (Say)
Conservative and Reform Jewish congregations read only this part this year,
as also in this Bible plan.
Here is the entire portion in all three parts.
Leviticus 21—24

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Holiness making wholeness 21:16

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

Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and the Gospel passage.

Long for the Bread of Heaven to fill your entire being. You will become hungry again with other breads; Jesus’s gift of himself in the Sacrament of his love will satisfy the hunger in your spirit.

There is a quiet, unrelenting joy in this season, which proclaims the abiding presence of Jesus as the nourisher of your soul. Jesus has already raised you up on the “last day,” which for St. John has reference to Good Friday. Jesus draws you to himself on the cross and embraces you as he rises. Adhere to Jesus; this is the meaning of belief in John. If you cling to the cross, you will cling to Jesus in the resurrection. Just as fire clings to the wood it burns, the Spirit will cling to you.

John 6:22–40

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Food that never perishes. v. 27

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the seasons of Lent and Easter we read the Gospel of John.

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.