The Hebrew title of the Sabbath Torah portions comes from a word or words in the beginning of the portion. Since this is the first third of the first portion of the book of Numbers, Bemidbar is the Hebrew name for this entire book of the Bible. The English name comes from the Latin translation of the title of the Book in the Greek version of the Old Testament called The Septuagint. Much of the book deals with census-taking and other numberings.

Names and dates give orientation to the plans that God has for the people, such as the entry into the Promised Land and the preparation of the armies to bring this about.

Take a census—an inventory—of all that you have with you that the Lord can use as you enter into the spiritual battle for God’s people, bringing them into the Promised Land of the resurrection.

Numbers 1

This is the first of three parts of the Torah Portion Bemidbar (In the Wilderness) 
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.
Numbers 1:1—4:20

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Knowing my place in Your plan v. 52

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

Those who have had a near-death experience speak about passing through a tunnel having a great light at the end. Actually, these are “near-life” experiences.

Jesus is the door. As you approach Jesus in faith, you are having such a near-life experience. Pass through the door, which is Jesus, and rest with the Good Shepherd.

Do not be satisfied with merely a near-death experience of self, but rather a whole-death one. Lift your heart into the open doorway of the side of Jesus. His heart waits to receive you as the bridegroom of your soul. Return often during the day to the image of Jesus as your Good Shepherd

John 10:1–21

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Hearing now the Shepherd’s voice v. 3

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.

The church grows as an explosion in the Book of Acts. The rage of persecutions only fans the flames of fervor. Joy expands.

There is saying of Tertullian from the second century: “The blood of martyrs is the seed of Christians.” Saul was present at the blood bath of Stephen. It quickened his personal resolve to persecute. However, this is the last chapter about Saul; in the next one, he is Paul with energies transformed for Christ.

Simon is a wheeler and dealer, reminding us to beware of turning the power of the Spirit to selfish ends. Give God all the glory for the wonderful things God wants to do in you and through you. May the Spirit guide you through these daily readings, as Philip guides the eunuch on his path through the Word of God.

Acts 8

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: “Blood of martyrs, seed of faith.” Tertullian

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the season of Easter this year we read Acts 1—9.

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.