Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and Genesis 30:14-24.
(Note: Mandrakes were believed in the Bible to have fertility power.)

The narrative continues with the births of more of Jacob’s sons and one daughter. Names of children in Hebrew are derived from some circumstance surrounding their births.

Naming is important. If you are a parent, you will recall the careful thought you gave to the naming of your children, perhaps to remember your own parent or grandparent. Jewish people never use the name of God directly, because naming gives power over whom or what is named. Naming God, we have “power” over God, which would be blasphemous in the Hebrew mind.

If you were to give names to the members of your family associated with divine intervention and blessing in their lives, what would those names be? Such names could be the focal point for prayer for each family member.

Genesis 30:14—31:16

This is the second of three parts of the Torah Portion Vayetze (And He Departed) 
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.

Genesis 28:10—32:3

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: You with me, no matter what 31:42

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

Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and the day’s Scripture.

Catch the shift of emotions as Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” move from grief, to surprise, wonder, and absolute joy as they meet Jesus on the road. Contemplate the scene as Jesus alive takes action again, now that the passion is over.

Look at the two empty places that bear witness to Jesus alive—the cross and the tomb, both without Jesus filling them.

In the emptiness, allow the faith in the resurrection to well up deep within your spirit. Jesus is alive for you just as he was alive to the women on the road and the disciples in Galilee. As this sacred season comes to a close with the end of Matthew’s Gospel, what do you notice about your commitment to the Lord who lives inside you?

Matthew 28:1–15

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: You meeting me on my way v. 9

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read Matthew 19 to 28.

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.

Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and Revelation 1:1-7.

A year of grace is ending with the beginning of the last book of the Bible, Revelation. John reveals the visions he received from the Lord about the events between the first and second coming of Jesus. The contents of the book consist of seven groups, seven being the symbolic number of perfection and fullness.

Not only picture the images, but also receive them by faith just as they are revealed to John. Find comfort in the assurance of Christ’s final victory over evil. He is already reigning. The only power that Satan has is to deceive us into thinking that the victory has not taken place. There is glorious hope here. Read in triumph.

Revelation 1

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Kindness and peace from Jesus. v. 3

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read 1 Corinthians and Revelation 1—3.

For all the Firestarters 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.