A brief, but decisive moment of intervention comes from a tender meeting with Moses’father-in-law. Likely Moses had sent his wife and children to him during the ravages of the plagues. Now that the Exodus is complete, Jethro brings Moses’ family to him.

While the Midianites were descendants of Abraham through his concubine Keturah, they were considered as foreigners. However, God is at work in faith in Jethro through Moses’ witness. In addition, Jethro’s outside view of God’s work affords him a perspective often missed by those inside. Jethro suggests that Moses delegate leadership according to the numbers indicated in the verse for the day.

Is there someone to whom you can turn who loves you, yet is not so involved in your life that he or she is still able to give you insight into areas that you are missing?

Exodus 18

This is the first of three parts of the Torah Portion Yithro (Jethro)
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.

Exodus 18:1—20:26

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Seeking the discerning voice

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

Clear, straightforward instructions come from Jesus about the dispositions of the heart when we do good deeds, and how the heart itself is to be transformed by prayer. Jesus’ instruction about prayer is a blend of two inseparable aspects. Each person is encouraged to go alone to the inner, secret place of one’s spirit. There is an inward privacy to prayer. However, as The Lord’s Prayer reminds us, there is always a communal dimension. The prayer is “Our Father,” not “My Father.”

Lent is coming soon. What does the Lord suggest to you about growth in prayer as the dark, secret place of winter yields to the open, expansive light of the coming spring?

Ponder the parting warning of Jesus in verse 16.

Matthew 6:1–15

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Will on earth as in heaven v. 10

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the seasons of Advent to Epiphany this year we read Luke 1 2; Matthew 1 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.

Profound feelings of love and affection for a community of Christians far away warms the heart of Paul as he writes from a damp, dark Roman prison. With every stroke of his pen, sentiments of joy and encouragement expand and flow outward from him. His letter rescues him from being consumed by pain.

As the season of Epiphany ends, the cross on Calvary’s hill is on the horizon. Take courage. The joy of Christ manifest and with us will not diminish. The power of Christ shining from his face on the Mount of Transfiguration will continue, though blood from the crown of thorns will transfigure this face.

Is there someone who needs your love and encouragement in a letter that would send a stream of love into your heart as well as theirs, washing pain away?

Philippians 1

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: What You began You complete. v. 6

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the seasons of Advent to Epiphany this year we read Titus, Philemon, Galatians and Philippians.

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.