While it is forbidden to make images of God, the Lord does command Moses that there be symbolic objects, colors and clothing in order to draw the people into a sense of prayer and the presence of God. We have come to call such articles, “sacramentals.”

The Sabbath portion begins with oil for the lamp, the origin of sanctuary lamps in some church traditions. Then we move into the vestments of Aaron and the priests. Read slowly, so that you can turn the verbal instructions of the ephod and the breastplate into mental pictures.

What do you have in your house and on your person that can become constant reminders of the presence of the Lord? Just as the Twelve Tribes that were carried on Aaron’s shoulders and over his heart, what can you do to be reminded of the burdens of others you are asked to carry in prayer? Hold these persons in your heart.

Exodus 27:20—28:30

This is the first of three parts of the Torah Portion Tetzaveh (And You Shall Command) 
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.

Ex. 27:20—30:10

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Clothing myself with the Christ Gal 3:17

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

As a masterpiece painted with broad strokes of bold colors, so is the prologue of John’s Gospel. The themes of the Gospel are drawn: life, light, glory, truth. John begins his painting of the New Creation with the same words as Genesis: “In the beginning.”

Another beginning took place for God’s people with Moses in the wilderness. There the glory of God as a cloud clung to the tabernacle, center of divine presence. Now the Eternal Word pitches divine presence in the tent-tabernacle flesh of Jesus.

The Gospel of John will be our guide through the wilderness of Lent into the glory of Easter. The Lord Jesus is with us and in us all the way.

John 1:1–28

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Word made fresh and lived with us. v. 14

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.

Picture the gaping mouths and wide eyes of winners of a T.V. quiz show. The curtain is pulled back; they gasp at all the prizes they have won.

In Ephesians, the curtain of the heavens is drawn back so that we can see all the spiritual prizes poured out from the heights of heaven to the depths of our hearts. Read this chapter slowly while savoring each gift. Rejoice that you have been selected to receive all the prizes that Jesus won, and more: you are adopted into the very family of the One who gives the prizes! The loving, generous Father of Jesus is yours. The Holy Spirit guarantees on earth that these prizes will last into heaven. Their value never diminishes, but rather grows with you into everlasting life

Ephesians 1

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Eyes of my heart enlightened v. 18

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.