God told Moses to have the people bring money as a response to having their lives ransomed in the Exodus. However, the priceless blood of Jesus has truly redeemed us and ransomed us from death.

The barrenness of the desert surroundings are set in marked contrast with the materials that are to become the sacred articles of the wilderness tabernacle. Three of them are the gifts of the Magi to Jesus. As sense of the sacred is heightened by having the ingredients for anointing oil and incense be used for these purposes only. The sense of smell, the most powerful sense that links us to memory, reminds the people of the sacred presence of God.

What are the articles in your life that you employ only for the service and worship of God? Do you keep Sabbath time?

Exodus 30:11—31:17

This is the first of three parts of the Torah Portion Ki Tissa (Take a Census) 
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 30:11—34:35

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Incense rising from my heart 30:34

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

If the Prologue of John’s Gospel were likened to a work of art, the second half of this chapter would be the movement of a symphony. There is a sweep from the single tone of John’s cry in the desert, to the climactic expression of Nathaniel: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Each new disciple crescendos into the next, as they come to Jesus. John points out the Lamb of God and unfolds who Jesus is. Place yourself in line as one of those first disciples of Jesus. Spend the whole day with him.

The transition from John to Jesus is complete. In these weeks of Lent, we open ourselves to Jesus teaching us as he did his dearest disciples.

John 1:29–51

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Staying with Jesus all day v. 39

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.

 One of the deepest desires in the Middle Ages was the search for a secret formula that would turn base metals into gold. It was called alchemy.

In the verse for the day, Paul uses a Greek word poiema, from which comes our word, “poem.” It means a “work of art.” By grace, your Creator can make the base and tarnished “metal” of your being into a golden masterpiece.

Read this chapter joyfully and tenderly receiving all the gifts of oneness with God that Christ has gained for you. Believe that everything else in your life can be blended into the pure gold of this awesome grace. Verse after verse of this chapter unfolds the vision of what God wants to do with you, God’s irreplaceable work of art. The work is God’s, not yours.

Ephesians 2

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Hatred dying on the cross v. 16

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
We are reading Ephesians during Lent.

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.