From the very beginning in the book of Genesis, God commanded that we have one day of rest each week.  Work with all its pressures is to stop for a time so that we can relax in God’s presence. So here, it’s time for God’s people to stop running away from Egypt and to have some special times of rest in worshipping God.  God’s people are traveling, but God tells Moses that he wants them to build a tent-like temple right there in the desert.  Notice how colorful it will be!  The tablet of the Ten Commandments that are coming, are to be placed inside

Just as it was for our ancestors long ago, it’s important to stop and prepare for what’s coming by enjoying the present moment. Rather than keeping our attention locked in the past, it’s the present that is so important, as well as the wonderful future that God’s preparing for you.

Exodus 25:1-16

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.

These Firestarters are from a new edition of The Bible Through the Seasons being developed for families with children. For the Firestarters in the original edition, I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or table! Check the menu options at the site for more information.

Listen closely to this final chapter of “The Sermon on the Mount.”  Jesus gives you brief instructions about how to live.  Receive each of these messages like precious gems of Jesus’ wisdom which he lovingly shares with you.  Each comes from the very heart of Jesus; will you receive them into your own heart?

The last six verses remind us that we’ve got to do something more than only hear God’s Word.  If read too quickly, you might miss out on what Jesus is calling you to do.   

Three questions pop up in Jesus’ final words.   Feel the questions first, then respond with your whole heart and do something that lets others know that you really listened.

 Matthew 7

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels. This being Year A,
the first year in the cycle, we generally read from the Gospel of Matthew.

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These Firestarters are from a new edition of The Bible Through the Seasons being developed for families with children. For the Firestarters in the original edition, I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or table! Check the menu options at the site for more information.

These are among the most well-loved chapters in the whole Bible.  Verse after verse needs to pop up before your eyes all through your day; you will find it hard to select your favorite verse.

Yesterday you learned from David how to let the Lord change your mood from being down to up.  Today Paul is your leader.  Paul put pen to paper from the pits of a Roman prison.  The darkness of the dungeon is nothing when compared with the inner light shining from Paul’s heart. He responds to the “upward call” of Christ upon his life.

Though Paul likely only received small bits of stale bread, he gives you a banquet of delicious food  today.  Take, eat, and pass the nourishment on to others.

Philippians 3—4

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.

These Firestarters are from a new edition of The Bible Through the Seasons being developed for families with children. For the Firestarters in the original edition, I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or table! Check the menu options at the site for more information.